Can we talk?

91 Years Old

         Fess Parker turned 91 today. He was an actor who always played lovable roles. As Davy Crockett, he was the wilderness senator who couldn't string together a proper English sentence, but made more sense than other statesmen. As Daniel Boone, he was slightly more polished, playing the family man in that show, but still a rugged frontiersman. In Old Yeller, he played a nurturing, caring father who struggled with the hardships of life and parenting. Again, he played the loving father in an admirable way.

         My generation grew up watching Fess Parker. As an adult occasionally seeing those shows, I realized he was quite an attractive man. He still has a full head of hair, but a totally different color. It's not quite white, not quite gray: it almost looks blond, so he's done something to it. It's not a Trump wig.

         As part of the birthday celebration, the TV shows have highlighted his life a bit, telling us that he was 6'6", too tall to be a pilot in the Air Force in WWII, but he served his country. He's been married over 50 years, which is somewhat rare for a TV or movie star. He still makes public appearances at Festivals and charity events, so he's still healthy and active.

         Happy birthday, Mr. Parker. You were a happy part of childhood for the TV generation.