Celebrity Memories and What To Feed Your Shitzu

My goodness! Thank you all for the lovely comments in regard to my first-ever blog entry! This is going to be soooo much fun!

Speaking of fun, I'm reminded of all the crazy things that have happened to me in my life in show business. The backstage pranks, the parties, the Thorazine, and of course, all the wonderful, talented people I've had the pleasure to work with. Such good times. Although, since I began my career at the age of 7, it's a safe bet that most of the technicians, stagehands and make-up people who helped make me look so good on your TV screen are all probably dead by now. That's too bad. But some of them were already pretty old when I met them, may they rest in peace.

Now, one person I hope is sucking dirt is that awful little bastard, Neddy Quinn. That talentless, ugly little snot beat me out for more plum roles over the years. I don't know what kind of "favors" he did for the directors but that kid must've mowed a lot of lawns and washed a lot of Plymouths. Ironically, we always seemed to end up working together. In fact, hat's me and Neddy with two girl models on the box of the popular game "Mousetrap". We're shown laughing and smiling while playing the game — but to this day I can't bear bringing out the box for fear of seeing "him" again. So, it's been over 40 years since I've enjoyed a nice round of "Moustrap". I guess I shouldn't let these things bother me, after all it's been a long time and I'm only denying myself. Why should I give up my fun just because that awful Neddy Quinn is in the photo?

Well, let's move on to a more pleasant topic, let's talk some Shitzu (I love that gag!) I said I would tell you what to feed your little dear (or any other small breed for that matter). Well, I learned from Rudd Weatherwax (Lassie's trainer) that a mixture of beef liver, rice and kibble is the best thing in the world to feed your dog. I trust Rudd (I think he's dead now, too) and that's what I feed Twinkles III and Sparkles IV, and they're sure no worse for the wear!

Next time, I'll share some of my watercolors. Be well!

Welcome to my World!

Hello, everyone! My name is Harry Ames, Jr. You may remember me for playing Jerry Van Dyke's son's best friend, Dilly, in the 1967-68 sitcom Accidental Family. Although the show only ran for 9 episodes, it launched my career as an 11-year-old actor with a union card and big plans.

The role of Sandy Webster, Jerry Van Dyke's son on the show, (which I was originally up for) was played by a little prick named Teddy Quinn. I hated his guts, yet I played the role of his best friend with charm and grace to generally favorable reviews.

I moved to Redding in 1990, mostly to create some distance between myself and my alcoholic slut of an ex-wife who is still bleeding me dry, but also to enjoy the wonderful recreation here in the North State. I actually enjoy the heat in Redding. It reminds me of being under the klieg lights on the TV soundstage.

I have many passions I'll be sharing with you on this blog. I love raising my little Shitzus ("Twinkles" Best In Show, 1988!) and working in my garden. I still hold acting classes and an "Actor's Retreat" every year out in Whiskeytown (which I hope has survived these wildfires! Thank you Fire Guys!)

I also love to paint! Watercolors are my specialty and you may have seen some of my work around town. Several of my paintings were on the walls at my cardiologist's office, but those offices are gone now and I don't know what became of the paintings. Somebody told me they thought they ended up in the FBI's property room. They were so beautifully matted, too.

I hope you'll check my blog often. I'll be talking about my Hollywood career, the celeberties I know, Shitzus, watercolors and anything else you might want to get my take on. I think this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

See you soon!