Friday, September 7, 2018

Back in the early 1980’s when I was in college, I was fortunate to be a production assistant at KNBC Los Angeles in Burbank, CA. After my local public affairs show was wrapped up from taping, I would hang around the studio networking and meeting people. My usual routine was to check out who was to be a guest on the Tonight Show starring Jonny Carson and attend the show. One-night, Burt Reynolds was scheduled to appear and I thought it would be awesome to see if I could meet him. I usually hung around with the sound engineers and I was often invited to observe and sit at the soundboard. Prior to the show, I needed to tap a kidney. Standing at the porcelain fixture, I was doing my business. Staring straight ahead, I heard a few guys enter the necessary room. Their voices sounded familiar. As they continued their conversation I recognized who they were. Standing on one side of me was Burt Reynolds and on the other side was Doc Severson. As I was finishing my business, I started to laugh, and Reynolds caught a glimpse of me and said, “What’s so funny, buddy? I replied, “No one is going to believe I am taking a leak between you two.” His retort I’ll never forget was, “And no one will if you take a peek.” Laughter filled the room. I was washing my hands and Mr. Reynolds proceeded to tell a story to Mr. Severson and myself about a similar situation he had heard about with John Wayne. (Not verified) Mr. Wayne was standing at a urinal and someone standing next to him noticed him and said, “Hey, you’re John Wayne” and turned, as this person continued doing his business on Mr. Wayne’s leg. The next day, dividers were installed in all the studio urinals. I never officially meet Mr. Reynolds, yet I encountered his quick wit and good nature. RIP Mr. Reynolds. Thanks for the laughs.