I was sitting in the audience of a Broadway play, starring James Earl Jones. On Golden Pond was the name of the play, which had been first performed, many years earlier on the silver screen, by Henry Fonda & Kate Hepburn. I loved the performance of Mr Fonda in the film version, I had to see how James Earl Jones would compare. 

Even tho I'm a huge fan of James Earl Jones, the biggest thrill that evening wasn't meeting Mr Jones. it was the chance encounter with an audience member. I prefer sitting in an aisle seat, I can't stand being squeezed by strangers. The fact that I was sitting on the aisle allowed me to overhear somebody sitting on the other side of the aisle and it was VERY familiar voice. Calvert DeForest was supposedly "wronged" by the person who was sitting behind him. He turned around and spoke to the gentleman, in a very angry voice. I bet that man was scared of "The Mouse That Roared." 

When I heard that very distinctive voice, I knew instantly who it was and I had to meet him.  At the intermission, I went over and asked if he was Calvert DeForest. He at first didn't understand what I had said, but his friend who was sitting next to him answered for him. I asked why he wasn't on the Letterman show anymore, he informed me, "I'm retired." 

CALVERT AS JOHNNY CASH


Retired? His little skits weren't exactly time consuming. The only skit that I can remember that could was time consuming, took place when Letterman wanted Calvert to drive to the southern tip of South America in a motor home. By the time Calvert got to Central America, he was pleading with Dave to let him come back. It was unintentionally hilarious, I really felt sorry for the little guy.

At the intermission, I asked Mr. DeForest if it would be possible to have a photograph taken with him, when the play ended.  When we were outside, I asked one of the ushers to take a photo. After getting the photo developed, I had it blown up to a 8X10. I wanted to get the photo autographed, but unfortunately, Mr DeForest passed away, on March 19, 2007. He provided many hours of humorous entertainment. He will be missed.

CALVERT DeFOREST HAWKING TOAST ON A STICK









Tweet