To read the review of Burt’s book click: HERE

Good day Burt and thank you for accepting Bookpleasures’ invitation to be interviewed.

Norm:

Could you tell our readers something about yourself, where you were born and grew up, when did you start in the entertainment business, and your career as a producer and actor?

Burt:

I was born May 29th 1930 at Manhattan General Hospital and grew up in Coney Island. I made a living Shinning shoes as well as working the bowery scooter ride. I also had my own guess your weight and age stand along side of the Famous Nathan's.

For over 35 years I have been a member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity Association. I did my own acting ACTSHOP and performed with an acting group after leaving the Army in 1950.

My professional credentials commenced in 1961, when I appeared in leading roles on the Off Broadway stage, films, and T.V. commercials in New York. Since 1972, I have resided in Florida, and I have been one of South Florida’s busiest actors, lecturers and educators. I still perform for charitable functions, particularly the music of Sinatra, lending a helping hand to worthy causes.

I was awarded the Carbonell award as a Florida producer (this is similar to the Broadway Tony Award), and I have produced Hit Tunes From Hit Tunes From Flop Shows, Damm Yankees, 110 In The Shade and the Carbonell award winner Nite Club Confidential and my recent show- Broadway's Best Musical Hits From Forgotten Shows.

Presently, I now devote my time to writing and reviewing theatre and celebrities in my column. Over the years I have compiled over 50,000 articles. I lend my theatrical articles and comments for readers to enjoy. I have also authored booklets as: "" So You Want To Be A Director,” "" Breathing Exercises for the Singer, Actor & Speaker,"" and I have 12 published articles on “How To Do It, Theatre Style.”

My lectures included "" 20 Tips On How To Succeed In The Performing Arts,” as I believe these are subjects students do not learn in school.

I have an extensive collection of photos from many Presidents, Politicians from Margaret Thatcher to Prince Rainier with stories to go along with these photos. I also have a huge collection of autographed photos of many world famous celebrities together with feature articles from Julie Harris, Ed Asner, Lee Meriwether, Burt Lancaster, Leona Helmsly, Jane Russell, Carroll Baker, Lee Meriwether, Marilyn Michaels, Connie Stevens, Jimmy Stewart Roberta Peters, Frank Gorshin, and many others, as well as the many that are included in my book.

Norm:

What was the most memorable interview you ever conducted and why?

Burt:

I really have two.

One was with Jane Russell, who, when I was growing up, I thought was the most beautiful “thing” in the world, and when the time finally came to get my Star interviews going, she was the second to be contacted. Ever since then I have been in contact with her, mostly twice per month, as she is going through some health problems and difficulties. I try to cheer her up with my calls to her home and E Mails- she is a wonderful lady. She is older than me by 9 years, but as we get older we have more in common. She is 83 and I am 74.

My other Star is Edward Asner. He is a huge teddy bear and he always looked out for me when I tried to re establish my career in Hollywood over 20 years ago, he was there for me all the time. Frequently, I was on the set watching him shoot scenes, and we had a great time every day. He was also my President of the Screen Actors Guild for two terms. He even asked my advice to run again, and he said yes and he was re-elected.

Norm:

Who is your favorite actor or actress and why, and who is your favorite author and why?

Burt:

Well I have to say my dear love is Julie Ann Harris. She was very receptive when I began contacting the stars. I was invited to all her shows as a theatre critic when she was acting and visiting Florida and visiting, and I would visit her back stage.

Unfortunately, 3 years ago she suffered a stroke, and I have been calling, writing and cheering her up since it happened on May 30th 2001. I spearheaded a campaign for her to get the powers of Actors Equity Association to give her a lifetime achievement award before she dies. Did you know she is the only Actress in the History of Theatre that has won 6 Tony’s? It is all in my book.

I do not have any favorite authors, as an Actor I have favorite playwrights.

Norm:

Why did you want to write a book and what were your objectives?

Burt:

Well I have always been in awe of Stars. As an actor, I learned a great deal from them, and when I was in their company, I would ask questions and watch their methods.

I had some bit parts and some principal parts, and most of my scenes for television have been cut out, but who cares, I got paid!

I acted in the Godfather One- and take a look with whom I worked with? The French Connection, Hackman, Hot Rock, with Redford, and many more, plus my Commercials and Stage career. I was the Fonze before Henry Winkler; I acted as Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie off Broadway in 1961, and again a hot Film and Stage actor in 1972, when I arrived in Florida. Regarding your question, no one would be interested in Burt Richards, so look who I contacted and now they are in my book.

Norm:

If someone wants to make a living in the entertainment world, what wise advice would you give him or her?

Burt:

First keep your original job, finish school and get a college education in some field. Act as a hobby during this time. Develop your skills, first by working as an apprentice in community- theater and do everything they ask of you.

Film requires auditions and go sees, no special talent but it pays to be ready with a monologue, and some good head- shots, for an agent that you register with not from an expensive photographer or theirs. Get your friends to shoot 2 -dozen pictures or so. I am sure you will get two or three to pick from. Do not pay the agent; they pay you when they get you work.

Norm:

What was your most memorable event in the entertainment world?

Burt:

Being a friend to the celebrities, I have worked with, and I have worked with many. Also the fan Club I had when playing Conrad off Broadway in Bye Bye Birdie. You really get a sense of what is to be a STAR, but you also have to know how to handle your success and most don't, and of course they do not teach this in school. Just be self-taught and watch your funds. Hal Linden told me “never take yourself seriously, if you do, you will be in big trouble.”

Norm:

How do you want to be remembered when you leave this world (You are not going yet!)

Burt: