11/7/2006

Welcome again to the Svengoolie blog- where I write a blog about nothing that Jerry Seinfeld would approve .So, let’s write about …something. How about guests that have wandered into the Svengoolie studio? Actually, some wouldn’t come in- famous comedian Jackie Mason was here for an interview on another show once, and, although he thought it was great that we were doing our show- he just didn’t want to step into the studio- just stood by the door! Someone who came through the door- and out of the coffin- was Jon Pertwee, a fine English gentleman who was the third “Dr. Who” on BBC television. This was actually in my ‘Son of Svengoolie” days at WFLD. Jon was in town for a convention, and graciously came to visit us. He wanted to make a grand entrance, coming out of the coffin in dramatic fashion- and , boy, did he! On his cue, Jon threw open the coffin, with arms out wide, shouting “I am the Doctor!” And we almost needed a doctor- the coffin lid hit a nearby fake-but very large and very heavy- pillar, which came crashing down- fortunately missing any people or equipment! A similar thing happened here at WCIU, when my old friend John Records Landecker (now back on Chicago radio at the “True Oldies” channel- glad you’re back, John!) came by to play a game show host. When he entered through the door (in a smaller studio we no longer occupy) the door struck a large piece of scenery that came crashing down. We all survived that one, too! And, I’ll tell you something, brother- when Hulk Hogan came in, he was always ready to snap into his hyper Hulkster character- but was actually very low key most of the time, like you see him on the cable “Hogan Knows Best” show. He was very willing to do any shtick we asked of him- saying “I’ve made a living making a fool out of myself.” He was promoting his then latest movie “Santa with Muscles”- which the Hulkster predicted “would become one of those holiday classics they show every year at Christmas- like ‘Gone with the Wind.’ (?!)” Unfortunately, that flick WAS gone with the wind- consult your local listings to see if it surfaces this Xmas season (no, it won’t be on Sven!) Just don’t hold your breath… …and keep breathing until our next blog. Write to me at svengoolie@wciu.com and come back to this same place tomorrow!