As I have gone through the messages posted on this board I am saddened by the lack of compassion for a young, hurting fellow soul that left us too early. To all who posted negative comments about either the show or Freddie himself....why are you here? Is YOUR life so lacking that you need to rip apart another person postmortem? There were many facets to who Freddie was..not just his drug use and suicide. He was kind, compassionate, down-to-earth...and talented. If you dislike the show or ANY of it's cast members then why in the world did you watch? The lack of compassion that comes through in some of the posts is exactly the lack of understanding or compassion that contributed to Freddie's early death. Some things never change.....

Most eveyone that post messages on here are
fans of Chico and the Man. That is why this
message board is here. We cannot judge Freddie. We will never know why. I do find
myself looking for little signs while watching the show. Does he look depressed or
unhappy. He is drinking soda or a real drink
during certain scenes. It's hard to watch the show and not think of how tragic it all
ended up. He seemed so upbeat and loving. I
can't imagine at 22 yrs old what could be so
painful as to have to end it all. Oh well,
we should try to enjoy his creative body of
work and just leave it at that. His memory
lives on forever in those shows. That much
we can be grateful for. I know I am. He has
brought me so much pleasure since the show
has come on TV Land. Thank you sweet Prince.

I agree with Macca, Freddie seems like such a sweet, gentle soul. I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I watch him. As I said in an earlier message, I am writing a story in which a man with these qualities and a physical, ethnic, and employment resemblance to Chico is the main character.
But then I read rkyhr's posting re: a movie about Freddie's life and I wonder, should I even bother to finish the story and try to post it somewhere? Was he an "Angel" (as my character is named), or an SOB? I could fall in love with someone like Chico--was Freddie THAT good an actor?

Write your story. He was an "Angel". Besides how bad can you be at 22 yrs old. I
think we all forget just how very young
Freddie was when he died. The more I watch
the show everyday, the more I am convinced
how much Jack and him loved each other. Just
the looks they give each other and all the
arms around the shoulders and the hugs prove
it. They both bring me great pleasure. What
more could I ask for???????????

I am sure the hugging was scripted.You dont ad-lib on a TV show and get away with it.Usually it gets edited out and one of the many re-takes gets aired instead.I do think that Jack saw the talent in Freddie and he respected that.Sometimes what good happens on camera turns out to be for real in real life.Look at the Dukes,Denver Pyle was like a father to the whole cast right up until his death.All those years after the shows cancellation,every one of them kept in touch with Denver and he loved it.Just think if Dukes never happened,Old Mad Jack (Grizzly Adams) wouldnt have meant so much to John Schneider,Tom Wopat,Catherine Bach,James Best........ its amazing how a TV show can bring so many people together.

The affection you sense between Jack and Freddie was real, not just "scripted". On the few occasions I was witness to their interactions while they were not filming, the mutual admiration and respect was evident. Jack's concern for Freddie's debilitating condition may have been seen by other's as tension but it truly came from caring and respect for Freddie's talent.

Thank you, finally someone who really knows.
You cannot script that kind of relationship.
You can see it in thier eyes. Please tell
us more about your observations when you
were there. I'm am sure we are all interested. Please share!

Thanks!!

Thanx for the encouragement, Macca. Actually I couldn't help but finish the story last night. I just love the character of Angel so much because he is Chico for the most part! Now if I could just figure out where and how to post it!

Thanx also to all the people who keep coming to Freddie's defense--you bet 22 is awful young! I know I didn't know how to handle hardly any difficulties when I was that age, so I can't imagine how hard it must have been for him to be pulled to pieces like he was.

During the year of 1975 I had the awesome gift of having several "encounters" with Freddie backstage at NBC. I was only 15 and had a friend who's mother was an employee on an NBC soap who would leave my name along with my best friend's on the list to get in. We were always respectful of our incredible opportunity to be backstage and did our best to stay out of everyone's way.
I was madly in love(as much as a 15 year old could be) with Freddie. The first time we went to Freddie's dressing room was about an hour and a half after the show had been taped. My friend and I stood outside his dressing room verbally trying to decide who would try to knock on his door to see if he was there. There was a lot of "You do it.", "No, you do it", "What do I say?", "What if he gets mad?" going on outside the door. Well, we didn't realize that Freddie was listening to our discussion and when we finally got the courage to knock on the door a very gruff sounding voice loudly asked"Who is it?". We VERY meekly said"Uh, Freddie...we just were wondering if we could say Hi?". Again in a very gruff voice he replied"Hold on." Only a few seconds passed and we were quite worried when the door flew open quite fast and Freddie stood there with a stern look on his face...then he smiled his beautiful smile, kinda chuckled and said"Had you girls scared didn't I?"(In a feminine voice he mocked our conversation)"What if he gets mad?" We asked if he had heard the whole thing and he nodded smiling and said YEEEEEEs(drawn out). He was closing his door as we talked and asked our names, when he heard my friend's first name he said"Ahhh, you is my people", He then put his arms around both of our shoulders and said "C'mon walk with me to my car". Truly, after Freddie put his arm on my shoulder I floated...I know he asked us questions...nothing important...where do you go to school, etc, asked how we got backstage, would we be back...specifics on that conversation I couldn't give you because I at 15 was in a dreamlike state after that. We walked out of NBC to his parking space He said "Good Night girls, you'll be back right?" to which we replied simply "Yes". He drove away with a beautiful smile on his face to our "Bye, Freddie"s and thank you's. We had about 5 more encounter's with Freddie after the first one...they were more relaxed and fun each time. He was a kind, sweet, gentleman who took time out to make two fifteen year old, very naive girls always feel special whenever we encountered him. I will remember watching his kindness with other's and experiencing his sweetness with myself and my friend always. He has never left my heart....

It's me again. I'd like to share our second encounter with Freddie at NBC studio's in 1975. We went down the hallway to Freddie's dressing room and stood outside his door to see if we could hear anything. We heard Freddie's voice, but weren't sure if he was talking with someone or on the telephone so we decided to just wait down the hall instead of disturbing him. There was only one way to get to the parking lot where he was parked and he would have to come by us. At the end of the hallway was a large(extremely large) central area where they kept mainly game show sets and various props that were used often.
Well...being 15, the temptation was a little too much and we began to roam the game show props and "Playing pretend game show contestants" to pass the time.
We didn't see Freddie when he came out of the hallway because we were caught up in our "game" and our laughter. All of a sudden we hear someone shouting "Security! Guard, guard!". Our eyes must have been a foot wide when we frightenedly turned around to see Freddie standing between the end of the hall and the area where we were. Again he shouted "Guard" as we ran to where he was and started to beg "Please, Freddie, we were just playing", "We didn't break anything", "Please don't kick us out", "Don't you remember us", "We were just waiting for you", "We didn't want to disturb you", "Pleeeeeeaaaaasssssseeeeeee!". We were begging a mile a minute and the expressions on Freddie's face were constantly changing from slightly amused to pretend stern when the guard showed up. He asked, "Mr. Prinze, what's the problem?" By this time our puppy dog eyes were pleading , probably right through Freddie as we awaited what we thought was an inevitable fate. Freddie turned to the guard and said "I want to tell you something about these girls." My friend touched Freddie's arm and I very quietly said "Freddie, please"(We were right next to him at this point) Freddie gave us one of those stern looks again, turned to the security guard and said "These two girls,"(We were ready for the worst)"Whenever I'm working", then he looked at us again, still sternly at first then switched on his beautiful smile and his twinkling eyes and finished by saying, "Make sure they are put on the list and let in." The guard said, "I will do that, Freddie" and walked away. We both started with our "Thank you, Freddie's" and asked him if we could give him a hug and he said, "Well, I think I deserve one", and we both gave him a quick hug. He said "Walk with me", and we started for the parking lot. I asked him, "Freddie why did you do that?". He said, "What, scare you?" and he laughed. I said "Nooooo, tell the guard to always let us in if you are here." He said, "You respect me.", "You waited this time till I came out and didn't knock on the door, I like that" I said "That is so nice of you". He replied in his "Chico"accent "I AM a nice boy". We laughed and unfortunately were exiting to the parking lot. He asked if we had seen the taping and we told him we hadn't because we had been at the Welcome Back Kotter set. He started teasing us by saying"Oooohhh, now I get it...you're not really here to see me...you're just here for the Kotter guys...I see...use Freddie to get put on the list all the time...yeah...OK...Oh /Freddie, we'll be over to see you when we're done with the Kotter guys...I see" He went on for a few minutes and I got tears in my eyes because I thought he really believed what he was saying. I said " Freddie, we love you...we wouldn't use you" he saw the tears in my eyes and gave me a hug and said "I was only teasing you, I forget how young you are". He asked, "Better now? See you next time? No crying. We have fun." We said "Be careful , Freddie"(In reference to driving home), to which he replied" I am always careful...bye, girls" We watched him drive away and went back into the building to (Of course) pass the guard Freddie had spoken to on our way out. We made a point of telling him goodnight and reminded him of what Freddie said. He said, "You know, it's because you don't bother anyone." to which we replied"We try". We relived our second encounter with Freddie an endless amount of times going over every detail of his expressions, his eyes, his smile, his concern when he saw that I was about to cry....we didn't ever want to forget any of it....and I haven't. We always had our last encounter to fill our conversations, minds and hearts...until the next one. Of course we were never sure if there would be a next one, but, we knew it wouldn't be for lack of trying on our part. I hope whoever reads this will see the Freddie we got to see....the kind Freddie...the fun Freddie. Freddie was a big star at this time and was not gaining anything by being kind to us. There was no one to impress, no publicity...just us. Thank You Freddie...again.
]

Wheeeone, that was neat...yet another example shining through of Freddie's sweetness.

Life can be bad at any age, when I was young I used to get the, "Oh but you're so young, how come you're in trouble, how come you do drugs, how come you feel this way?" As if being 12, 15, 22 meant that I was too young to be affected by anything, such a discounting comments by people who are older and should know better! I take care at age 35 not to put down people's feelings... some people do annoy me with a hand*staple*forehead "feel sorry for me, I've been this and that and the whole world needs to kiss my a$$ and let me get away with anything" but still, I refuse to say, "You're only fifteen/twenty-two/whatever, you don't feel this way."

I would've liked to have been Freddie's friend if back then I was the age I am now but I'm sure I probably would've walked away after awhile. I did have an excerpt in an upcoming uber-Xena fanfic, where a fictitious guest star named Garrett Rafael tries having a tough talk with Freddie. I'll probably pull it out, expand on it and leave it out of the Xenaverse anyway.

------------------
What big eyes you have, the kind of eyes that drive wolves mad (http://moonjaguar.com/vicious)
So just to see you don't get chased I think I ought to walk with you for a ways
What full lips you have they're sure to lure someone bad, so until you get to Grandma's place
I think you ought to walk with me (http://moonjaguar.com) and be safe

Thanks for sharing your story, Wheeeone. We all need to be reminded who the real Freddie was, a person who was still of an age where he probably didn't know who he was yet. I can remember being in the discovery stage of my life back at 22. And he had the pressure of being a somebody without knowing who that somebody was! I always like to think of him as a nice guy who may have had bad days! Don't we all! I just wish he had some one who would have understood those bad times in his journey of self discovery. I don't think he had anyone like that, a real soul mate! I think the people in his life tried, but no one really connected. That could be due to the fact that Freddie seem to think he could handle things on his own. Maybe he wouldn't allow anyone to get that close. Who knows. It's nice to dream what could have been, though.
FREDDIE FOREVER

And you could be just the one to do that, Luckymama (nudge, wink)!!!

Well - All I can say is "I wish it were me" who met fabulous Freddie back then. I was his age back then so maybe just maybe we could've connected somehow! Wishful thinking on my part............. http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Oh he sounds like such a sweet person! I would've loved for my hubby & I to have been friends with him. Course I didn't know my hubby back then. That is a neat story! I'd love to hear more of your encounters with him! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

Oh, my God!! Thank you wheeone. The second story was amazing. I Imagine me standing there in every single part of your stories. Thank you, thank you so much for sharing those moments with us!!!! Please, place that second story on the good night sweet prinze site, so more people can see it too. Thank you, thank you so much. BTW, did Freddie look tall to you when you were 15? Did he looked your age, by that time.? Could you describe to us little details you found about him? Did you saw him on his underwear? eek! Sorry, I'm asking too much. Thank you for sharing. I love your memories of him!

.

[This message has been edited by Peko (edited 07-18-2001).]

Love reading your stories! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif Too bad you didn't get any pictures!

You met Davy Jones? You are so lucky! I've met Mike Nesmith once, & Peter Tork twice. But never Davy or Micky. Oh well maybe one day for Davy & Micky. I've met Arlo Guthrie over 50 times (150 time or more according to Arlo). After knowing him since 19989 & going to over 50 shows & meeting him at each one & being friends with him, you tend to lose track...

Anyone else met Freddie? I'm enjoying reading about meeting him! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

I think knowing Arlo since 19989 makes more than a 150 times (as Arlo says) LMAO!!! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/wink.gif (sorry, Cheryl, but I can't avoid being a nasty bratt :P ) BTW, Wheeone. Did you get to take pictures of Fred by that time. I desperate to know. Take care mucho, your friend

The third time we were with Freddie was the only time we ever saw anyone with him. He was always alone. I didn't think it strange at the time (What can I say, I was 15), later I found it odd and sad. We were standing in the hallway of Freddie's dressing room, about halfway down...waiting. All of a sudden Freddie's door opened and David Brenner walked out, he gave us a little bit of a surprised look and asked if we were waiting for Freddie. We said yes and he said that he didn't think Freddie would be out for awhile. Then Freddie opened the door back up, peeked his head out and said, "It's OK" to David. He said "Sure?" and Freddie nodded. David walked down the hallway and Freddie(Head still peeking out) said "I'm going to be awhile girls". He seemed a little sad/serious and I said "Do you want us to go?". He said "No, you can stay if you want...just going to be awhile." We said 'O.K" and Freddie shut his door.
About 45 minutes passed by when Freddie came out(Not his usual relaxed self...) went to close his door, said "Hold on" and went back into his dressing room. He came back out with his forgotten script and said "O.K., who wants to carry my jacket to which I, in lightening speed, said "I will!". When we reached the end of the hallway a gentleman with two girls , probably around 17 and one around 11 or 12 were walking our way when all of a sudden two of the girls started kind of half screeching "Oh my God, It's Chico". The group stopped in front of the three of us and proceeded to start their "Hi, Chico's" while the man (Who must have been an employee) said "Freddie, I'd like to introduce you to my nieces". If I sound as if I have a little bit of disdain in this section you're wrong...I have a lot of disdain. You see, as soon as the girl's called Freddie Chico instead of by his name his eyes and demeanor changed. We hadn't seen that before. He already wasn't in his normal mood and then these girls couldn't even acknowledge him for who he was. I have to say at that moment we hated them for what we perceived as hurting Freddie. Yet, he was still Freddie, he answered their questions, signed autographs, all the while calling him Chico. At one point Freddie quietly said "Freddie" after one of the girls had called him Chico. We had moved away from the"attack" and were standing behind the girls facing Freddie. One of the girls turned around and said "Will you please take a picture of all of us with CHICO!" I (In a rather bad tone) said "Sure, I'll take a picture of you with FREDDIE" with quite an emphasis on the Freddie. So much so that she giggled and said "Yeah, I know, Freddie". Freddie FINALLY let a smirk go then gave us a pretend stern look to which we simply shrugged our shoulders. We were ready to tear these girls apart limb by limb at that point. After the picture Freddie started to pull away from the group and we "fell in" as he walked past us. We walked quite a few feet in silence(also different) and then Freddie said with a bit of amusement in his voice, "I thought I was going to have to pull you off of them at any minute." Well, that's all he had to do...he gave us the opening. My friend said "I can't believe how rude they were calling you Chico" to which Freddie said "People do it all the time." I said "It bothers you." He thought for a moment, looked over as we were walking(made a point of looking me in the eye and said "Yes...it does". He said " That's OK, some people like the real me, huh?" and gave my friend a side shoulder hug with his free arm. We of course in unison said " We love the real you." and he chuckled. I (remember...I'm 15...give me some slack) said " I want a hug, too(Pouting)". Freddie laughed, put his arm out and I moved over for my side shoulder hug. We were at the parking lot and my friend said "Freddie, are you OK, you seem sad tonight?" He said "What you girls are worried about me?" to which we replied "Of course we worry about you". He said "I'm tired, lots on my mind, thanks for asking." When Freddie turned to put his jacket and script in his car he turned back and said "Hey, how come you've never asked for a picture?" My friend replied, "We just like being with you, a picture would be like a "Fan" thing." Freddie got this great smile on his face(eyes twinkling) and said "Oh yeah, that's right, you're not my fans...you like those Kotter guys...OK...probably have a picture with Travolta...don't need one with Freddie.." and then he started laughing. We were flustered saying "Oh Freddie" "That's not true" "We really just like being with you"(Both of us kind of saying it at the same time...again) He said ' I know, I know, it's OK...it's kinda nice". Freddie said "Gotta go girls , be careful going home" to which we replied the same "You, too Freddie". Needless to say our cameras(which were in our purses) weren't going to be coming out too soon after the comment Freddie made. We felt very privileged to spend even one moment with Freddie and didn't want to "mess it up" for anything. We talked about Freddie's sad mood and the hurt look in his eyes that we had seen. I was 15, madly in (very innocent) love and horrified to see pain in Freddie's eyes that we had never seen up to that point. I don't know why Freddie was nice to us, I've asked that question millions of times over the years. I don't care what the answer is...I"m just thankful for his kindness. In answer to a couple of questions I saw posted- Yes, Freddie was beautifully tall(long legs), he always looked into your eyes (or tried to) when he spoke to you..his eyes would enfold you(or at least that is what it seemed like)and he always smelled good(never reeked of cologne) and his hair was beautiful. He was skinny to us though. We thought he was much skinnier in person than on the TV. We never witnessed him being angry or unkind.
to5

I enjoy the people and conversations we have on this board its the best message board around. What i like most about this board is Chica http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/wink.gif!!!

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GET OUT OF MY GARAGE!!!

Ed Brown, you're making me blush!!! I enjoy this board too...I've learned a lot about Freddie here(and Ed Brown, Jr,)...I just adore Ed Brown,Jr. http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

Weeeeone, thanks for posting your memories. I envy you in one respect...you got a chance to do what we would all give our right arms for...and yet, I feel saddness at the thought of you and your friend having to go through the tremendous loss of losing Freddie. You must have felt it like a ton of bricks. How special your memories are to you. You are truly blessed for knowing that side of Freddie.
As for Chica and Ed...well, you guys are just great! Keep up the romance..it adds a bit of salsa to the dip mix...LOL. You two are too much http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Oops, I see I made a typo! I've known ARlo since 1989 LOL!

THis board is very interesting & fun!

That was a great story! Freddie sounds like a really sweet guy. Poor thing! That was wonderful of him that even tho he was going thru a hard time he took time out for you & your friend. Took bad you didn't get any pics! I sure he wouldn't have minded you taking some as long as you didn't call him Chico. http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

I know with Arlo, I think one thing he appreciates about me & my hubby is that we don't so screwaming when we see him "Oh my God it's Arlo!". We treat him like a regular person & he appreciates that. I am obsessive about taking pics when I meet a star & have to take lots of pics. Arlo thinks it's funny how many pics I take of him & joked that wehn he died & goes to heaven I'll be following him up there taking pictures when he meets St Peter. I do adore taking lots of pictures of him. He's used to it by now! LOL! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

It's been my experience with the few stars I've met that they just want ya to treat them like a friend & be friend with them, not tearing their clothes off them & screaming "Oh my God it's so & so!". I think they like being around the little people. One thing I love about Arlo is how humble he is & he doesn't act like a big star. He acts like a regular person & is so kind & sweet & is on no star trip.

I'm getting the impression from reading about Freddie that he was a very sweet person & altho he wanted to be very famous & be recognized as a big star & adored, at the same time he was very humble & a regular guy who wasn't on a star trip. Being nice to teenagers indicates what a sweetheart he must've been. http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif I wish I could've met him...

Wheeone - I like reading your meetings with Our beloved Freddie. He sounded so sweet. http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

Wow-I loved reading your memories about Freddie, Wheeeone-that is so awesome that you got to meet him! I was about 12 when I started to become fascinated with Freddie, and I would have loved to meet him! Of course, at that age I would have probably done something stupid, like giggle and hide! Sounds like he really got a kick out of you!

[This message has been edited by Karen64 (edited 05-09-2001).]

Wheeeone, those memories you have of him are so awesome. I loved reading them. I see his point about being called Chico. Probably thinking that they only like him if he IS Chico not Freddie. How sad. Nice going wheeeone!

Thank you wheeeone. Your stories are so wonderfull. Thanks for the details and bless you for sharing that with us. I know Fred really love having you there. There are no words to express you every detail you gave to us. Love ya!, Rose

Thank you all for your comments on my memories of Freddie. Chicosladyfair, when I read your post and the insight you had concerning how Freddie's death affected me I couldn't help but cry. I've been reading the posts on this board from the beginning and struggled as to whether to share my memories or not. It took this long to be able to share what are some of the most joyous moments of my life because they ultimately became the most horrendously painful memories for such a long time. I didn't for one moment think that the night I said goodbye to Freddie when I moved out of state would be the last time I ever saw him, spoke to him....After all, I was going to be back to visit in a little over a year...he'd still have his series...
Reading the wonderful feelings and comments about Freddie on this board convinced me that I could share Freddie's sweetness and a small glimpse into a side of him that no one seemed to feel was important enough to put into any articles I've read over the years. All of you who admire his talent, love his performances, miss him also...and keep his memory alive have helped to heal a part of my soul that carries the sadness of his loss. Thank you for giving me the courage to share my precious moments with MY "First Love". When Freddie died, it was the first time anyone I had ever come in contact with/known in any way had died. He was my first experience with great loss. I will always carry sadness for the "next time" I never got to experience.... Again, thank you all...there's only two more times that we had encounters with Freddie and I will post them soon...just busy and making sure I don't leave out the details is time consuming...and a little heart wrenching.

I've enjoyed reading your Freddie stories. He sounds like a sweet person who had alot of problemns & died way too soon. I know how hard it must've been for you losing him. You were so lucky to have gotten to know him. It's funny how the media will focus on the pills he took but never focus on the sweet guy you knew. He sounds like a sweetheart! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gifThanks for sharing! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

Wheeeone,
I am truly sorry. It was not my intention at all to make you cry. I guess we all just feel it so badly for Freddie. We all can look back in hindsight and wish we had been there for him. But, you see...that's the beauty of these message boards. We are all still grieving...in our own ways. We, fortunately have a way of expressing it and getting it out there with the opportunity to hear feedback. This is the one thing that strikes me...this is the first opportunity for all of us to come together. Let's face it, until TV Land ran the marathon in January each one of us thought we were the only one's that remembered Freddie. All of a sudden, BOOM! we all hit the super highway with a vengence trying to find any little bit of him out there. http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/biggrin.gif We found each other. BUT...when the CATM episodes with Freddie in them ended...it was like we all lost him again. I have seen the demeanor of these posts take quite a turn in the past few weeks. How fortunate for all of us to be able to share the Freddie we love and remember. My hat's off to you Wheeeone.

You know one day this board will be even bigger. There are a lot of Freddie Sr. fans out there who don't know that this board exists. I found it by chance. I told some of my friends about it. Then there are those who don't have TVLand (not yet) or computers. Wait til they see the vast information of our Freddie. Freddie is definitely smiling upon us now!

I have also been reading these posts for some time. Thank you wheeone. you and I both knew the same great man!

Wow, did you know Freddie too Brownsville? If so we'd love it if you shared. The internet is a great place to find out stuff on older 60's & 70's stars. I had forgotten about Freddie until Jr came out & I saw his pic & was like he wasn't as cute as his dad even tho he seemed nice. Altho I watched from the very first episode on & liked it, I wasn't really into Freddie even tho I thought he was nice & liked the show.
Then I heard the re-runs & marathon were gonna be on TVLAND & I was like cool I wanna see that as I hadn't seen it since the 70's. I watched some of the marthon & started watching the show & loved it. After awhile I started really getting into the show & then found out it was gonna be on a 5 AM. & pretty soon I got into the show & Freddie. It may have been many yrs to late but better than never. I guess Freddie is my mid-life crises LOL! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/wink.gif http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif I went searching for stuff on CATM & Freddie & was amazed & pleased to find this place & some websites & the 2 YAHOO clubs. I was surprised that there were folks out there that had loved him for yrs despite hearing nothing about him for along time & still cherished his memory & there were younger folks just discovering him for the first time. WOW!

I think if you like an older 60's or 70's star you most definately have to have the internet in order to find out anything about them & have fan contact. With alot of the older stars like Freddie & my friend Arlo the singer, & others they aren't in magazines very often & the internet is the only way to find out any info on them. Prior to me having the internet the only fans & friends of Arlos I knew of were the few friends o his I'd met at his gigs. Through the internet I found out he had lots more friends & fans!

When I found out in 1995 that Arlo had a website that was just started by a male fan of his who became friend with him like I did, I just had to have the internet so I could do his site but it cost more than I could afford for an internet computer. Fortuantely in Apr 998 the local library got internet puters & access & I read about it in the paper & started going there once a week to do his website. Then in Oct 98 my Mom got her a Windows 98 puter & gave me her old 486 puter. Spring 99 I got me a used old 486 laptop so I could keep up with my e-mail & Arlos websites while on out of town trips (Vacation & going to the beach & going to see Arlo in concert etc.) Then I later won a free windows 98 puter over the internet & was able to give my Mom her old puter back. & here I am loving the internet.

I too suspect there are folks out there who like Freddie/CATM & don't know all this neat Freddie/CATM stuff exists cuz they don't have the internet. & I suspect there may be some folks who can't even see the show cuz their local cable system doesn't get TVLAND & they don't have a satellite dish. The local cable co around here doesn't ahve service to where we live even tho a coupla nearby subdivisions do. I wouldn't want the local cable anyway cuz they don't have TVLAND & are more expensive than getting DISH NETWORK.

Speaking of our satellite dish, the man who installed it is coming over tomorrow to fix it so maybe I will get to see Freddie May 23! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif We still won't have the paid channels thanks to not being able to find a descrambler for it plus it'd be hard to afford the bills right now for the paid channels but at least we'll have my TVLAND & the other free channels like religious channels. http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

Brownsville,
Thank you. To read your quote of "the same great man" was a kiss to my soul. I know that if you have also read but refrained from posting that your memories are kept in a somewhat "sacred" part of your heart as mine are that is surrounded by so many conflicting emotions that it seems almost too intricate of an act to reveal them to anyone else. Yet, I hope that the love for the Freddie we were given the most precious gift of witnessing will enable you to share with those who have now discovered him/and or missed him. It was very difficult to unlock the "Freddie" part of my heart to share but felt that someone needed to give a glimpse into more of who Freddie was than all the negative that the media always focused on. Yet, I completely understand and respect your decision if you choose to keep your moments with Freddie private. I felt as though revealing my memories would somehow cheapen the experiences or disrespect Freddie's memory and everyone needs to search their own heart as to what is OK for them. Just wanted to let you know I truly appreciated your words.

[This message has been edited by wheeeone (edited 05-11-2001).]

[This message has been edited by wheeeone (edited 05-11-2001).]

I guess i should introduce myself. I am a 52 year old southern gentleman originaly from Brownsville, Tx. In 1975 my wife and I moved to Los Angeles to take care of her mother and I got a job at the NBC commissary. Freddie and I ended up meeting only due to the fact that our birthdays were on the same day just 5 years apart.
He wouldn't come into the commissary very often but when he did he always greeted me with a kind hello or a joke of some kind. He always impressed me as a young man with a lot on his mind. He was being pulled in several different directions at once and I don't think he liked it much.
Of course, working at a place like NBC, you hear a lot of trash from folks. and the rumours started flying about Freddie and his wife breaking up. Sadly, to some he became the butt of off hand jokes. He knew what was being said. One day when the commissary was just about empty I sat down next to him and asked him if he wanted an ear. He asked me if I was married and I told him yes, I had been married for about 4 years. He smiled at me and told me it was an acomplishment to be married that long in this town. He told me he loved his wife but didn't understand her. He never elaborated on that.
Our friendship never went beyond the walls of NBC but after his death it made me stop and think. I stayed married to my wife until she passed 2and a half years ago. And I tried my best to understand her.
Freddie was a smart young man, but a troubled one too. As I have read these posts from the beginning I can take comfort in knowing that I didn't up and walk away from him when the tough got going. Thank yall for letting me get this chance.

Brownsville,

Thank you for sharing. Thank you for reaching a friendly ear out to Freddie, he didn't get many of those....

Wow, you're only 2 yrs old than my hubby! & my friend Arlo is 54! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

Sorry to hear about your wife. Sounds like you were a good friend to Freddie & tried to help him. Thanks for being nice to Freddie. I don't know him but now feel like I do after being on these boards & watching CATM... You hear so much rumor in the press it's nice to read real peoples stories of how he really was. I think he was a sweet young man that had a problem with pills & other problems & sadly he let it get to him. God Bless Freddie!

Brownesville64 - Thanks for posting your story on Freddie. I'm glad you read the messages on him & I'm glad you found this board.

Wheeeone, I cannot thank you enough for being so kind, generous and diligent in recounting your fond memories of your times with Freddie! I am so happy for you and your friend being able to see the sweet, kind and wonderful person that he was. I am sure that the pain you have from this loss is immeasureable. We are all appreciative of your sharing this joy and pain. It helps us and confirms what our hearts already knew...that Our Prinze was a very special, giving and kind person. It makes me happy to know that he took time out with you and your friend and had such a kind heart. You have a treasure of memories. Thank you for your views, insights and feedback. THANK YOU a thousand times over.

To Brownesville64 thank you sir for posting your memories and experiences with Freddie. You were very intuitive and kind to offer a listening ear and understanding heart. I am so glad to hear that you found him to be a sweet and kind young man. Thank you for opening up to us. I am sure that it could not be easy for yourself or Wheeeone to share your innermost feelings on such a sad and tragic outcome. Thank you again and you have my condolences on the loss of your wife.

It's me again...now that I've finally found the time I will share our fourth meeting with Freddie.
As usual we stood outside Freddie's dressing room door to see if we could hear him inside. We heard some muffled sounds so having confirmed that he was probably still in his room we went down to our usual "wait" spot.
We saw Freddie coming down the hallway after about 20 minutes and stood up to wait for him. When he was halfway to the place we were standing he stopped, smiled and said " And where have you girl's been?" "I thought you just went on to the next one...forgot about me..yesterday's news...'" Then he continued to walk towards us as we started a barrage of "Freddie, we would never forget about you" "You don't really mean that do you?" " You know we love you" "We"ve been busy with school" "Our Mom's couldn't bring us" He laughed (Probably because we were talking a mile a minute and were very concerned that he did not think we forgot him) and said "Ok, blame it on your Mom...Shame on you...It's my Mom's fault..Ok" Then he laughed again, smiled so sweetly and said "So...how've ya been?" We replied "Good, how about you?" He replied "Working hard" We were walking towards the parking lot and I asked Freddie "What do you do when you're not working?" Freddie said "I'm always working in one way or another". He asked "Did you see the taping?" My friend answered " No, we can watch the show at home...we come here to see you...you're not Chico." He looked at us both for a brief moment and said "Sometimes you say just the right thing". We were a little surprised by the comment and said "Really, Freddie?" "Thanks" and he said "No...thank you" to which we teasingly said (in unison) "Noooo...thank you" to which he laughed, shook his head and said " Tu es muy loca". He said " "Well girls, I have to go...see you SOON? Or will there be another excuse next time...Oh Freddie sorry we couldn't come to see you..." To which we interrupted him with "We'll be back soon, no excuses" "They were not excuses..they were real reasons.." He smiled and said(Interrupting us back)" I was kidding you guys...boy...we're Ok now?" We laughed and said "Yes!" We said "Be careful getting home" (By this time he was sitting in his car) and he silently pointed to his cheek a couple of times. We both gave him a quick peck on the cheek and said "Bye Freddie" to which he just smiled and said "Bye girls"
When he drove off we both had a typical fifteen year old girl "OHMIGOD attack" about getting to kiss him on the cheek. We floated off to call my Mom to come pick us up and spent the rest of the evening analyzing the texture of his skin, being so close to him, etc. It seems silly maybe as an adult and yet at that time it was one of the most incredible brief few seconds of my life. A few seconds that became more precious when the opportunity of any future moments like those would never again be possible. I miss you always, Freddie.

[This message has been edited by wheeeone (edited 05-18-2001).]

[This message has been edited by wheeeone (edited 05-18-2001).]

Lucky you! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif Sounds like you had a GREAT TIME! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif I can't say my teen yrs back oin those days were that exciting LOL. So it's neat to read of others meeting cool stars like Freddie... http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

If you don't care, I may want to copy you stories of meeting him off of her & put them on my CATM site. They deserve to be shared! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

Cheryl,
No problem, please share the side of Freddie most people never got to read about in the press. He deserved better.

weeeone and brownsville, I'm so glad you are showing a side of our Freddie that contrasts to all the negative that we hear the press gave him. I always knew he had to have this side of him. He was such a beautiful person! This is the Freddie that lives in my heart! I know it must be bittersweet to recall these memories, and a little uncomfortable sharing them in such a public forum, but you are among family here and I for one, am glad you both did! I truly believe Freddie smiles down from heaven when we speak of his memory with such fondness! WE LOVE YOU FREDDIE! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

Wheeeone and Brownsville---thank you so much for sharing your memories. This is the first time I have taken the time to read them. Hey, guys, I never had the wonderful opportunity to meet him, but he has never left my heart either. Sometimes I think there is something wrong with me for feeling this way about a person I never knew. Thanks again for saying good and positive things about him. I bet he really was a sweet person. And a good one too....

I know how ya feel. Now getting into Freddie, I now feel like I know him even tho I never did. & I never felt that way when I watched him in CATM in the 70's. Porbably cuz I didn't have a thing for him then even tho I lvoed the show back then & thought he was nice & am now getting into him & having a thing for him. I think you really have to get into a star in order feel like you know them. I watched the video of the E-Special & the funeral scenes upset me real bad. I told my hubby why I am I like this (weepy etc) when I never even knew him. But I somehow feel close to him now...

Hey guys, remember when John Lennon and Elvis died, there were people on the streets crying their eyes out. Most of them never met John or Elvis, but were effected by their deaths. They touched many lives through their music. Freddie touched all our lives from first seeing him on CATM, etc. We came to love him and still do. We are keeping his memory alive on this board and TV Land is also, by airing the show. We also came to know Freddie more after reading his biography. Freddie's situation was sad and I think it's natural for caring, compassionate fans to respond the way we do. And everyone is different. You can meet a person and even be an acquaintance and still not "know" them very well. We all care! Too bad more people didn't take the time to care when Freddie was around!

To Vicki39, CherylH. and Peko. I am in total agreement with all of you. You have explained it perfectly. I think it speaks highly of him that he was able to touch so many lives in such a way that we will forever care about him, never forget him, constantly remember him and grieve his loss. I know others might not understand our devotion, but it is clear that you do. Thank-YOU. FREDDIE FOREVER.

I'm glad to have really discovered Freddie/Chico now & he be mroe to me than just that funny guy on Chico & the Man who was hilarlious on there. Too many yrs too late in discovering him but just glad to have discovered him. I hope with my website I'm working on to pay tribute to him & the show & keep him & the show in peoples memory...

It took a long time for me to post this last meeting with Freddie simply because it remains to be one of the saddest days of my life. I didn't know it would be the last time I ever saw Freddie in person again and it's always heart-wrenching to go back to that day but....here goes.
We hadn't been to the studio for about three weeks due to problems within my family. We were sitting on the stairs down the hall from Freddie's dressing room waiting for him to come out. We heard the door and peeked to see Freddie closing his door. We ducked back and stood up when Freddie was just about at the end of the hallway. We came around the corner and both said "Hi, Freddie". Freddie stepped back a little(we surprised him), chuckled and said "How've you been, girls?" My friend said "Fine" and I just started to cry. Freddie got a very confused look on his face and I turned away (I could not believe I was crying in front of him). Freddie said "Mami, what's wrong...why are you crying?" and put his arm around me from the side. I couldn't stop crying to say anything and Freddie said "Come here, come on, sit down, tell me why you cry?" We sat on the stairs and my friend said "Her parents are getting divorced, she hasn't been able to come here to see you and this is the last time she will get to see you before she leaves." Freddie still had his arm around me and when my friend finished he said "Oh baby, I am so sorry, it will all be OK" and gave me a side hug with both arms, I kept my head down kinda under his shoulder against his chest trying to stop my crying. He lifted my head by putting his hand under my chin and lifted my face, kissed my cheek and said "OK, (In a Latin accent) you can no longer cry I have kissed the tears away." "Do you want me to remember you crying?" "Am I going anywhere? Has my show been canceled? Do you know something I don't know? " (Again in an accent) "You have to tell me the truth...then I will cry with you...we all cry" "You will see me again". The entire time he was saying all of this he had a very caring concerned look in his eyes. Even though he kept looking at me I kept putting my head down(Even in my sadness I kept thinking how stupid I must look) I started to smile because he sounded so funny with his mock accent and he said "That's my girl, that's what I will remember, your smile...no sadness." He took his arm from around my shoulder took my hand and held it with his other hand and said"You will come back to visit right?" I nodded my head yes and he said "Well, until then you can watch me every week on the show" I said "That's not the same" He said "I know but, until you come back you can still see me" He said "When you come back I will still be here...slaving away" I said "I won't be able to come back for over a year" and started to cry a little again(Not the sobs from before). Freddie said "NO! NO! Tears go away...no, no...we won't have that" and I kind of chuckled (albeit a weepy chuckle but it was a chuckle). He said "A year, five years, whatever...I have a good job...I'll still be here" and he laughed. I looked at him and with probably the biggest puppy dog eyes I ever had I said "Promise?" He said (again in an accent) "Cross my heart" and made a cross against his chest. I said "I'm so sorry I cried, I didn't mean to...I'm just going to miss seeing you so much" He said "I will miss our little visits, too...but....you can see me when you come back, OK?" "No more crying, all better, we can walk to the car now?" I smiled and said "I'm sorry...I kept you from leaving" He said "You didn't keep me from anything, I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be...don't worry about it" He got up and put his hand out for me to get up and we started to walk and he kept ahold of my hand. He asked my friend if she would still be coming to the studio and she told him that her Mom only allowed her to come if we were together since she didn't like her other friends. He laughed and said "Moms are usually right you know?" to which my friend nodded. Freddie squeezed my hand and said"You, OK?" To which I nodded yes. When we got to Freddie's car he put his stuff in the car and then turned back to us. He looked in my eyes(which were starting to fill up with tears again) smiled a sweet smile and put his arms out. I put my arms around his waist, laid my head against his chest and he put his arms around me and hugged me. He kissed the top of my head and said quietly next to my ear "Come back and see me soon, OK?" "Don't cry...I know it's hard...it'll be OK though" "Thank You" and I pulled back, looked at him and said "Thank You? For what?" He smiled, gave me one last hug and quietly said in my ear again "For caring about me" to which I tearfully said "I love you Freddie, thank you for everything" to which he said "No problem". He gave my friend a hug and she said "Bye Freddie, I'll try to come see you" He said "Don't give your Mama a hard time" to which she said "I won't" He went to get in his car turned around looked at me, came back and gave me one last quick hug and said "Bye, Mami" "See you...soon" and I said "Bye , Freddie" and he got in his car, waved and drove off.
When you read this I think you will be able to understand why it is so difficult to share this last meeting with Freddie for so many reasons. I felt that since I had finally found the courage to share my meetings with Freddie so long ago that it would be unfair to not include the last meeting. Please know that it is the outpouring of love and compassion that I have seen come through this board for Freddie that enabled me to share who I got to see he was. I will always love and miss him and find comfort in reading your posts that are so filled with love for him.

Thank you, Weeeone for sharing your stories with us. I'm sure this last one was not an easy one to share. You are very lucky to have these memories to keep in your heart. Freddie sounded like a warm and caring person. It is a shame though that he had so few people who really cared about him in his life. Just remember, you and your friend touched Freddie's life through your caring. I'm sure it meant a lot to him, as he thanked you. What beautiful memories to have, even though they make you sad to remember, be happy for the chance to have had them and for the times you made Freddie smile also!

Wheeeone, Oh, thank you so much for sharing with us, this last meeting with Freddie. I am in tears as I write to you, but had to let you know how much this means to us. I can feel the sadness and anguish in your heart as you relayed what took place. It is so beautiful that Freddie let you know that he appreciated you and your friend and thanked you for caring about him. I hope you can fine some solace in this, just knowing that you reached him. He knew that your feelings for him were genuine and true. You were one of the few people he could say this about! Please remember what he told you, that "You will see him again; All will be okay;" And that he wanted to remember you smiling. I cannot imagine how painful this must be for you because at that time, you were already going through a hard time, and for this to be the last time you were to see him is just too heartbreaking. I am glad that you have such lovely memories of a wonderful man that you love and who showed himself to be a warm, caring, understanding and kind person. Whenever you are missing him and are overcome with sadness, just give yourself a flashback to those sweet times in his company. You will find yourself smiling and feeling his warmth all over again. Please take Freddie at his word, you WILL see him again and he is still around. He knows how much you cared for him. You are connected with him. Never doubt that or the power of love. He made the transition, he crossed over. He is still with us though, now and always.

You are such a sweet person yourself. I wish I had been in your shoes to have actually known Freddie. Now, listening to you, I realize that with that comes a price, the sadness, heartbreak and forlorn feelings that are always with you, regardless of how many years may pass. I pray that you will be comforted by your memories and the love in your heart for "Our Prinze". I hope that serenity and peace will always be with you. You deserve this and all the happiness there is. Thank you again for opening up with all of us on a subject that is near and dear to your heart and has to stir bittersweet emotions in you. I am eternally grateful to you for CONFIRMING and VERIFYING what I felt about Freddie Prinze, Sr. That he was a sweet, caring, understanding, sensitive and wonderfully loving person. I feel tremendously sad because he left us far too soon and in such pain. But also hopeful because I know that the life we know today, is not the end, but only the beginning. When we all get there, we will find a place filled with love and peace. A place where there are no more good-byes or sorrows. FREDDIE FOREVER.

Oh Wheeeone I cannot stop crying. That story is so touching. You were blessed to have known Freddie. Your words are so kind and cosiderate for him. It's so sad he didn't follow his own words, maybe he would still be with us today. You are truly blessed.

Oh wow, what a dear & sweet story. (Tears...) There Freddie was going thru his divorce & losing his son & yet he was more concerned about someone elses problem than his own. He sounds like a sweet person. Bless his heart. I am gonna put your stories about meeting him on my site so the world will know how he really was & what a sweetheart he must've been... You made me feel like I knew him even tho I never met him before...

Cheryl,
In response to your post...yes Freddie was sweet and caring but at the time I met him he wasn't even married yet. Just wanted to clarify the statement.

Thanks for the info! For some reason, I had thought you had met him the last time just before he died. Too bad you couldn't have married him. He sounds like a very sweet person. http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

Now that I've bared my heart and memories of Freddie to you all I felt that posting the poem I had written for Freddie the year after his death(took that long to be able to write) would be (finally) appropriate. I hope the words in the poem touch each of you in some way...please remember I was only just 18 when I wrote it. I have not shared this poem before with anyone except for leaving it at Freddie's crypt each time I visit.

Written by the 17 yr old girl in 1978 who still resides in this 40 yr old woman's heart and remembers the many kindness' you showed to a couple of naive, infatuated 15 yr old girls.
I will always miss you.


SWEET LAUGHTER MAN


My sweet laughter man
You hid the tears.
No one was there to hold your hand
No one was there to calm your fears...

Your whole world was torn apart
Little by little it fell away,
You held tight the pieces of your heart
Hoping that love would stay.

We all saw you smiling
Giving your all each and every time,
You were always entertaining
How could they all have been so blind?

Did anyone try to look past
Past the clown, past the wall?
Seems it was thought you would always last
No one thought you would ever fall.

Your dreams...they all came true
Sucess, love...your family and your son.
Yes, Freddie, it came to you
You "Had it all", but you were so very young


Then to you it seemed, all at once
Everything began to close in.
You know "They" said you planned for months,
"They" said, but not your true friends

Sweet Laughter Man
You gave so much of you,
Yet, when it was you who needed a helping hand
All those so called friends became so few.

You'll never know how much I care
Still after all this time.
I just wish I could have been there
I just wish you could have been mine.

You never saw the tears I cried
When you chose to leave,
Such a big part of me died inside
Although I tried so not to grieve.

I tried to force the memory
Of your laughter into my mind,
I thought that it might set me free
That through it maybe some comfort I could find.

The memories hurt...time tries to heal
I will never forget what you gave to me..
Never forget how you made me feel
Although with you.. again.. I will never be.

I hope wherever you are
Your mind is finally at rest.
Whether you knew it or not... you were a star
Freddie, you were the best.


My Sweet Laughter Man
Why did you hide your tears?
Didn't you know I was there to hold your hand?
How I wish I had been there to calm your fears.


My Sweet Laughter Man....
Never laughed again...


12-2-78

[This message has been edited by wheeeone (edited 06-10-2001).]

Wow, you must be my age. That poem was so sweet & sad. I had to reach for a hanky... I'll have to put the poem on my site along with your stories of meeting him... That's a really sweet & touching poem.

If only Freddie could look down & see people crying over their computers or tv sets cuz he ended his life too soon & see that people missed him & cared. I wish you could look down & see me right now. Here I am a 40 something woman crying over my puter & why cuz here you ended your life before I got the chance to discover you even tho I liked CATM back then in the 70's from the first show onward. & We all cared about you & wanted you to live. I think you would have been a good friend for me & yet I will never have the chance to have you as my friend. http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/frown.gif If I had known you I would've tried to help you & so would my hubby Mike. We care. I don't know you but I care cuz you seem like a sweet person. Well, one day I will meet you in heaven & we will be friends there. Too bad he couldn't have seen that before he did the unthinkable & maybe he wouldn't have done it. Oh Freddie if only you knew that people care. We all care on here & God cares & your Mama cared & Mando cared... We care...

I better quit writing on here before I get more hankys soggied up (already been thru 4)...

Remember Freddie we care...

I'm sorry all this rambling on is so sad. But I just got so sad over him...

Wheeone - That was a beautiful poem to sweet Freddie. I hope he heard it and felt it wherever he is.......... Cheryl - Your words are very precious too. We all still feel the pain every now and then..... Still....... http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/frown.gif

I found this quote by Freddie Jr on a website:


More quotes
"I don't fool with drugs. I would have a father if it wasn't for drugs, bottom line."
Actor Freddie Prinze Jr.

Freddie Jr. is so right! Drugs are an evil!!!

Wheeeone, what a beautiful poem. Made me cry once again. outstanding.