ATLmalcontent

What am I thankful for? So many things, not the least of which is this column. Those people who say dreams don’t come true must have unrealistic dreams. 

When I was little I wanted to be the next George Lazenby, but that goal was dashed when I started losing my hair at age 15. So I pursued a career behind the scenes instead, and thank Jehovah for that! I may not be a star, but I speak their language. I know how they tick. And, unlike those other Hollywood columnists, I’m not afraid to praise celebrities.   

This year alone I’ve interviewed such showbiz luminaries as Victoria Jackson, Phillip McKeon (who charmed a nation as Linda Lavin’s teenage son on “Alice”) and Johnny Depp’s Asian partner from “21 Jump Street”. Not bad for a Protestant kid with a Jewish name from Terre Haute. 

What else am I thankful for?

• The enduring friendship of the great Meshach Taylor, who you no doubt remember as Anthony from “Designing Women”. Meshach is such a good friend; he’s the one who introduced me to Delta Burke and Gerald McRaney. Talk about Hollywood royalty! 
• Jonathan Silverman. He’s conquered stage, cinema and television, equally adept at comedy and drama. His work in the “Weekend at Bernie’s” films signaled the emergence of a new comedic icon. I once compared him to a young Jack Lemmon, but I was wrong. He’s much more talented.  
• Season 4 of “Gimme a Break!” You’ll remember that season marked the introduction of Julie’s husband Jonathan, played by, you guessed it, the sublime Jonathan Silverman. I’ve boycotted NBC ever since they canceled Jonathan’s groundbreaking show, “The Single Guy”.  
• The failure of Sleeza Gibbons’ last project. I’m thankful God has taken my side against the evil Miss Gibbons. 
• Feb. 21, 2003, the night I first saw Bonnie Franklin’s one-woman show. Someone give that woman another series! 
• CompuServe, my gateway to the information superhighway. 
• Robin Williams. No explanation necessary. 
• The E! Network, for introducing me to those delightful Kardashian girls. I wish Bruce Jenner had been my dad!