Every once in a great while, we are graced with the presence and influence of a giant. Many times these individuals are not blessed with dazzingly good looks or an over abundance of talent. They just methodically go about their business the right way, sending out the message with deeds rather than words, and set an example for all of us to follow. Johnny Wooden, Red Skelton, and Mother Teresa are names that immediately come to mind. Yesterday, we all lost another treasured icon.
Art Linkletter, the 97 year old wordsmith who dazzled his audience with a childlike enthusiasm and a twinkle in his eye, passed away from natural causes at his home in Bel Air, California. His deadpan stare at the camera in reaction to one of his child interviews is a pleasant memory now for all of us who grew up watching this true American idol.
His show Art Linkletter's House Party was a variety show, but a staple of the performance were the interactions with the tiny children hoisted up on stools high enough for him to look them in the eye. I always thought he was able to get the kids to give up these gems because he became one of them, and they related to this older man like they would another 7 year old on the playground. Indeed, kids did say the darndest things to Art Linkletter.
He was not without tragedy, having lost a daughter to suicide and a son to a traffic fatality. But though it all he and Lois, his wife of 65 years, handled the ups and downs of life with an infectious optimism that gave hope and a smile to all those he touched.
It's sad to see him go, but the happiness he brought to everyone is an epitaph that we could all like to call our own. See you later Art.....and thanks for the memories.
Art Linkletter was a legend in his own time.
ReplyDeleteI remember as a child sitting with my GrandMom watching his show. Thanks Ken for bringing back such a fond memory. A time of simplicity. When you could watch TV with a child and not worry what was to be said or seen on air.
Well said....thanks for the comment!
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