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Susan's Radio Show
Tuesday, 04-Jan-2000 14:58:42
Happy New Year to everyone and I hope we all have a healthy, content and prosperous 2000.
(David, I hope this year is much better for you than last year was. The same to Nancy B.,
Missy and her husband, and to anyone else who had their share of problems or trouble in
1999....and that INCLUDES ME, by the way!
I've spent the last year and a half writing the biography of 1950s WB
starlet-turned-Hollywood hooker Barbara Payton and am nearly done with it...only to find
out that the famous Los Angeles author John Gilmore, who wrote a biography of Elizabeth
Short, The Black Dahlia murder victim of the 1940s, is soon coming out with a book on
Barbara Payton himself!
Now, I don't know if the commercial marketplace is big enough to have two books out at
the same time on a celebrity as obscure as Barbara Payton, but if it isn't, guess whose
book is likely not to see the light of day? That's right, probably mine!
Gilmore is tight with his publisher, Amok Books, and they are sure to give his book a
big "push". My labor-of-love might not even get out of the starting gate. I have spent
SO MUCH MONEY on this project, acquiring photos, collecting information,traveling to
interview people, etc., and if the book doesn't get published, there will be no way for
me to recoup my losses. So, you see, we all have our own share of problems and headaches,
and all I can do is say a little prayer to Barbara (up there in "movie star heaven") and
ask that she helps me get her story out there! It IS a GREAT STORY, and long overdue in
being told. She was a beautiful blonde actress who made $10,000 a week at WB Studios in
the '50s, only to land on Hollywood's Skid Row, turning tricks for $5.00 a pop in the
'60s... She was only 39 when she died...she drank herself to death in 1967.)
Susan wanted me to let everybody know that she did a radio broadcast in Connecticut on
Christmas Eve, and was treated really well by the radio people in Hartford. They put
her up in a nice room at the Hartford Hilton and gave her a great, open forum to share
her experiences and take calls from her fans. The female DJ is a very vocal supporter of
Susan's and encouraged the listening audience to open their hearts and minds to what
Susan had to say, and as a result, Susan was treated great and wasn't subjected to the
kind of harrassment that Dana Plato received when she was on the Howard Stern show the
day before she died.
Susan will be starting a new job soon, working with the elderly at a home in PA. She's
excited about this opportunity and has a lot of confidence that she will make a
difference in these people's lives. She's living with her older brother and is optimistic,
upbeat and happy.
A phony producer called me a few weeks back with a fake job offer for Susan, however,
after we checked into it we found out that this guy was trying to pull a sham, so,
needless to say, Susan "passed" on his offer! She says she doesn't really want to act
any more, but if there should be another EIE reunion movie, she would DEFINITELY come back
for it. She misses everyone from the show a lot, and really does look at Dick Van Patten
as a surrogate father.
She asked me to tell those who read the message board that she appreciates everyone's
interest and support of not only her, but of all her former castmates, and that if
anything new and exciting comes her way, she will be sure to pass it on to everybody.
Please continue sending in your questions to her. I collect the e-mail and send it to
her every two weeks, and I know she gets a kick out of it. God Bless Everybody,
Sincerely, John
John
Re: Susan's Radio Show
Wednesday, 05-Jan-2000 07:56:17
Hi, John. Thanks for the update on Susan. I'm glad to hear her radio broadcast went well,
wish I could have heard it, but I don't live in that area. I'm glad she has a job lined
up and that she has a place to live.
Your book sounds like it would be interesting; I hope it gets published. I wish you all
the luck in the world in the new year.
Missy
Re: Re: Susan's Radio Show
Thursday, 06-Jan-2000 17:08:03
Dear Missy:
Thank you very much for your words of support and encouragement. They mean a lot...
especially at a time when my confidence was shaken by news of another book being written
on a person whose life I've been researching and documenting for the past one and a half years!
It sounds like your husband did great at the job interview, and I hope if he wants the
position, he'll get it! Let all of us know at the messageboard.
Again, you and Nancy's kind words are very much appreciated, and I'm thankful. God Bless
you and yours always. your friend,
John
Re: Susan's Radio Show
Wednesday, 05-Jan-2000 10:54:54
Hi John,
Well thanks for the update. I will be praying that your dream becomes a reality. You are
right that we all have our share of ups and downs. So here is hoping there are alot of ups
and good times. You have obviously spent a great deal of time, energy, money as well as
putting your heart and soul into this project so I want it to be a success for you and I
am sure I speak for the rest of group. I have to admit that I have never heard of Barbara
Payton before you mentioned her. But I am now intrigued and it sounds like a fascinating
story, unfortunate for her a tragic end. I am glad that Susan finally had a positive
experience with the recent radio broadcast. She's lucky to have a friend like you looking
out for her. Well have a great week and keep us posted about the book project. Wishing you
much luck with the book!!
Your friend, Nancy
Nancy B.
Re: Re: Susan's Radio Show
Thursday, 06-Jan-2000 17:01:02
Nancy,
You don't know how much I appreciate your kindness and encouragement...Thank You.
If the book truly deserves to be published, I suppose it will make it (somehow). I haven't
given up yet, the competition of another book coming out on Barbara Payton only has me
wanting it more and working harder to try and make it happen for me!
I promise to keep you posted.
Please let us know how the job hunt goes and good luck in finding the position you want
most! It sounds as if you would be an asset to whatever company hires you. Thanks again,
Nancy, sincerely. God Bless you and yours always.
Your friend, John
John
Re: Susan's Radio Show
Friday, 07-Jan-2000 09:28:05
John, you seem like a genuninely thoughtful and considerate person. Best of luck to you -
I'm sure your perseverance and hardwork will pay off!
Elle
Re: Re: Susan's Radio Show
Friday, 07-Jan-2000 22:27:17
Dear Elle:
Thank you for your very nice comments. As for my book, I know I'm not a GREAT writer, but
I think I'm a good enough writer to get the thing published, so that's what I'm hoping
for. It's my dream, but in this world, dreams don't ALWAYS come true... Only time will
tell if its going to happen for me.
Hopefully, Susan and I will get together soon to start working on her story. She's had
one fascinating life so far and we both agree that we'd like to work together to get it
documented! That's a current goal of mine, as well. I'd like to go back to her childhood
in PA, to her career beginnings (BEFORE EIE), to the years of the show, to her post-EIE guest
spots on CHiPS, etc., and everything that has happened in her life SINCE then! Talk about an
interesting story...
I know Susan would be willing, we just have to work it out, time-wise... I, for one, hope
to do it soon.
Thanks, Elle, and hope to meet you again at the messageboard!
Best wishes,
John
Re: Re: Re: Susan's Radio Show
Monday, 10-Jan-2000 07:31:59
If you write a book about Susan, I'll definitely read it! Good luck!!!!!
Missy
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