Tuesday, October 7, 2008

MAIL FOR MIKEY......Orson Bean's written a book you're going to want to read!


orson bean
by dollarsandsense123

Most of you have heard of and seen, on television, film, or live theater, the wonderful actor/comic, Orson Bean, right? His wife, Alley Mills (a terrific actress whom you might remember as MOM on THE WONDER YEARS) is a pal of mine and she'll be interviewing him at the Santa Monica Barnes and Noble on October 14th, at 7:00 pm. I'd love for any of you living in the area to come by this book signing ....I'm really looking forward to it. Here's the blurb on the book, with a quote by the late great George Carlin.

I had more to say about the book, but then I heard Orson Bean on the Dennis Miller Show (above 'video') and I thought I'd let this charming, amazing man represent himself. You will enjoy it, I promise. (He talks about a lot more than the book...!)

I'm buying some of his books for Christmas gifts. After hearing him talk, I think you probably will, too. And do let me know if you can come Tuesday night! I'd love to meet you!

z

11 comments:

Mike said...

I practically grew up with "The Wonder Years". Absolutely fantastic show.

Also, I love when Breitbart is on Red Eye (Fox News). Although I cannot figure out why he dislikes Andy Levy so much.

Wish I could be down South for the book signing!

Frasypoo said...

If it was in GA,I would have come !

elmers brother said...

shhh...I had a secret crush on his wife

Beverly said...

Oh, thanks for that. I almost didn't listen to the interview, but I'm glad I did. I'll be buying that book, for sure.

cube said...

Good for him. I remember Orson from the old Merv Griffin show & tons of game shows.

He told a story once about recently moving to Australia & how superstitious they were in comparison to the USA. It had something to do with his wife putting something on the baby's crib to ward off evil & he thought it was crap but it couldn't hurt.

One night Orson sees a dark figure walking in the hallway. Well he freaks out & turns on every light.
His wife says to him, that the same dark figure I've seen circling the baby's crib every night. He ended the story by saying they packed for home that very night.

I've never forgotten that story.

I guess this was an earlier wife?

Brooke said...

Cool, thanks!

Anonymous said...

I never heard of Orson Bean, Z. That's a strange name.

Anonymous said...

Z, I do remember the Jack Paar Show and of course Orson Bean. He was an interesting and most entertaining guest, as he was on johnny's show too.

I also remember watching Paar get up and walk out, leaving Hugh Downs just sitting there. Paar put me in mind of a nervous breakdown waiting to happen.

Orson Bean had to be an ideal guest. The host didn't have to work at all. All he had to do was ask Orson a question and he would take it from there, and spin his yarn about an experience he may have had. He was funny and compelling and I thought at the time, quite a character.

Boy, what a blast from the past.

Late night TV was the best. Live and unpredictable. I loved Steve Allen. A genuinely funny and brilliant man.

Z, If there's a dinner with your friends the Beans that includes Dennis Miller, I hope you and Mr. Z get an invite. I know you would love that.

Thanks for the recommendation I'll definitely buy the book.

Pris

Z said...

hermit, I'm surprised!

Orson's reading the comments, so I'm sure he'll get a smile..thanks!

Pris...I won't be invited, but I can sure dream!!! (hint hint, Orson...!! LOL!)

xx

The WordSmith from Nantucket said...

I remember Orson Bean as the voice of The Hobbit animation. Great voice. Same with John Houston. Made an excellent story-telling voice for Gandalf.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting. I wish the interview was longer. I always dug Orson as a fave Tonight Show guest in the '70s, read his "Orgone" book in the '80s, and have wondered what he's up to these days.
I'd have felt ripped off if I'd paid $ via Miller's site to obtain a podcast of an interview so disappointingly short!
We learned nothing about Orson's current supposedly conservative views, or his politics (did he like McCain/Plain over Obama?), and little about his Christianity (is he religiously conservative?).
I liked the '70s guy, who was funny and even touched on spiritual/mystical themes occasionally with Johnnny Carson.