It's a shame that after all the laughter Freddie gave us, he will always be mainly remembered for his tragic ending. Now with the sudden death of John Ritter, the news seems to be looking into the past. Some people I know, didn't even know Freddie Prinze, Jr's dad was on a TV show. And this is how they find out about him. I just wish Freddie could have found another way to deal with his problems rather than to end his life. I wonder if his suicide is the main reason that CATM has not been rerun for like over twenty years.

Plus, I've been seeing Jack Albertson on Mister Ed. The show was from 1961. I'm not sure when Freddie was born, but it was kind of weird seeing Jack, knowing that somewhere at the time of filming, Freddie Prinze was out there as a kid.

...next year--kinda blows your mind, don't it?

He was born in 1954, so he was 7 years old when Jack was appearing on "Mr. Ed". Wonder if he watched that....

yeah what a thought, to think that he could have watched Jack on TV as a kid never thinking that one day they would be on one of america's top shows, and become such good friends!

Originally posted by TVAdam
It's a shame that after all the laughter Freddie gave us, he will always be mainly remembered for his tragic ending. Now with the sudden death of John Ritter, the news seems to be looking into the past. Some people I know, didn't even know Freddie Prinze, Jr's dad was on a TV show. And this is how they find out about him. I just wish Freddie could have found another way to deal with his problems rather than to end his life. I wonder if his suicide is the main reason that CATM has not been rerun for like over twenty years.

Plus, I've been seeing Jack Albertson on Mister Ed. The show was from 1961. I'm not sure when Freddie was born, but it was kind of weird seeing Jack, knowing that somewhere at the time of filming, Freddie Prinze was out there as a kid. I have no idea why CATM hasn't been rerun much but thats the reason alot of younger people don't know about Freddie Prinze.

yes and unfortunately what they are learning about him is the way he died not the talent he had or the fact that he opened the door for many other comedians

When I talk to Freddie (yes I am crazy, but I think sometimes he does talk to me) this is the thing he is the saddest about, only being remembered for how he died, not how he lived. I remember in the E! special how he told David Brenner that he wanted to be remembered like James Dean or Marilyn Monroe. I think he is a legend in his time, look how fast he was able to achieve stardom. I think it is a shame he didn't stick around long enough to really enjoy it. He experienced all the heartaches of the business, and never had the chance to get past that and experience the joys that come from paying your dues first.
I think Freddie is happy that we have taken up his cause and let people know that he was a great talent, not just "that guy who shot himself" as most people say to me when they see my pictures of him on my wall.
Rest in peace, angel. We will always remember you for who you are..... a most beautiful, talented, and caring human being. :love:

I will believe until the day I die that Freddie's death was accidental. It's my greatest hope that someday he'll receive the appreciation due him for his talent ... not the tragic way he left us.

I agree 100% It's true he was under the influence of drugs, (perscribed) that he took them himself but had he had his wits about him and not under their influence he never would have done that, I believe he really wanted help and it was just a cry for help.

Exactly! His mind and judgement were clouded, with tragic results.

I'm so glad to finally "meet" people who feel the same way I do about this ... I've gotten so tired of hearing/seeing Freddie listed under "Famous Suicides", or similiar lists. People should just look at the facts!

I dont believe that they will ever REALLY know, but I do believe that it was an accident. I know Freddie had a history of threatening of doing this, which is OBVIOUSLY a cry for help.
It DOES tick me off that the press ALMOST always says "The comedian commited suicide."

I CANT TELL YOU HOW MAD THAT MAKES ME. So, ok, say he shot himself, that doesnt say it is ON PURPOSE....

Sorry, I had to let off steam. :(

That's okay ... we all have to let off steam once in a while. :)

I think his suicide was an accidental suicide. I think the pills caused him to want to commit suicide at a time when he was so down, sad & depressed. It is sooo sad what happend to him. Reading some of the stuff on here makes me want to cry but I can't being in the library due to the phone lines being out. I'll probably end up digging out the hankies when I'm in the car... :(

I agree with all of you. I also believe his death was an accident. If he wouldn't have been under the influence..his thoughts would have been clearer, focused on his son instead of the inner pain. Freddie Prinze suffered from depression and I think had been crying out for help months before his death. Too bad those around him didn't continue to urge him to seek the help he needed instead of worrying how counseling might have affected his career. I will always remember Freddie Prinze as a very gifted actor, dancer, singer and a man with an enormous heart and a sense of decency that is not always easily attained.

I think if Freddie was here in front of us today talking about this, I think he would tell us the two people he has the most regrets disappointing with his "decision" as it stated in his last note, was his mother and his son. He loved both of them very much and if he had been in his right mind at the time, he wouldn't have gone through with it, if not for himself, then for those two people. :(

I believe it was an accident and I know Freddie wanted to be remembered but not in that way. ( a suicide) We now have video and other resources to remember Freddie and keeping the laughter of his life in a positive way. I believe we are suceeding in that way and I can believe Freddie is happy with what we are doing to remember him. I watched 8 simple rules tonight and believe me I was thrilled to see the show start a new season having though regret the fact that John is only in the first three episodes. katie was kind enough to pay tribute to him in the beginning of the show. I wish though that the producers at CATM would of said something or had Jack pay tribute to Freddie when Freddie's tradgic accident accord. Yes we all know of the scene Jack had with the little boy. But I kinda wished they would of done a more fitting way of remembering Freddie.

you can say that again!

Oh, I watched 8 Simple Rules tonight, and felt so sad -- I liked the show, and hate to think that there are only a couple of roles with John Ritter left. It also brings back too many memories of what happened with CATM after Freddie passed.

Also, I took out the journal I kept after Freddie left us, and read again the raw heartache I experience back then ...

These days, I like to remember Freddie for the laughter he gave everyone.

I was so busy yesterday after leaving the library with going out to eat & get groceries that I didn't get to let it all out. But I may have to tonite when I get back home from the library cuz reading this stuff is making me almost tear up & I can't here in the library.

Our phones are still out & may not be up until Tues. Yuck... :( Thank God for the library... :)

Oh, Yuck! Are your phones still out from Isabel? I know what a pain it is to have to rely upon the library for computer use, but it's great to have the library when you need a puter!

I'm sorry all this has made you tear up. I just got Maria's book, and by leafing through its pages, I know I'll need a few hankies, too. But on a brighter note, I also got the "Lookin' Good" CD, put it in my car as I was driving around and doing errands ... and laughed at Freddie for the first time in years. For a few minutes, I totally forgot how he left us, and that was a big step for me.

I have the book and the CD and i love them both!
You know when i read the book in my mind it's like he is still here and when they get to the part of him making it through surgery there is a part of me that always thinks...maybe he'll make it
:(

Aw, how sad! It's like you always have that little bit of hope. When I read the book, I'll probably feel the same way.

It is really interesting that this topic has come up. Because I watched the two johnny carson shows, and the hollywood story on freddie today, and it really affected me. It was nice seeing him again. It was like seeing an old friend. His sweet voice, sexy body, and how funny he was. He truly was a genious. So smart, talented, I could just go on and on.

I really was sad too though. It was hard seeing him. Wishing things had turned out differently. He was a special person.

I should also mention that I saw Freddie Jr. accepting an award for his father. It felt so good to see jr emotional, as if he cared about his father. It led to more questions for me of course. All starting with "why".

I know Freddie was/woudl have been proud to have his son accept an award for him. It's nice to have our group here to vent with. Freddie has left me with lots of great memories, and I am still working through the sadness of his departure.

I don't believe he intentionally killed himself as well. I also think he was just depressed and being on downers, he just did it since it had been on his mind during that part of his life.

I know he would want us to be happy for all that he achieved and did with his life. And that is what I am working on. I think it is ok, though, to grieve the loss, and be ok with that. He did give us great memories too. Ah Freddie. I love you!

what a beautiful post!

Everytime I mention Freddie Prinze to a friend or acquaintance, they always say, "Oh, yeah...that's the guy who blew his head off".... :mad: Makes me mad that thats all they remember him for!:mad:
If TV Land or another station could only run the show more--then more people could see what talent he had, and he could be remembered for that, instead of the way he died!

we need to keep posting on TV land's message board hopefully they'll get the hint...Karen maybe you could post the above message their it may help???

The post by sfditusa was beautiful.

I definitely agree -- we have to work together, do what we can to get CATM shown again, because that would help Freddie be remembered for who he was rather than his sudden, shocking and sad death.

What upsets me is since I wasn't into Freddie in the 70's even thos I watched CATM back then but got into him during the TVLAND re-runs people now say I like that dead guy now & wonder whay I would want to like a dead guy. Even sadder still is a rumor that has been around for yrs that people who committ suicide will go to hell. My mom, Mikes sisters hubby & daughter & Mieks cousin & her hubby all believe that & think Freddie went to hell cuz he commited suicide. When they say that, they don't realize how much it hurts me & how mean it is. I firmly believe that since Freddie accepted Jesus & became a Christian that he went to heaven when he died. I know Mando will back me up on this I'm sure. I don't think God would take away his salvation. I think he treats suicide as a sin but not the unpardonable one. Sadly instead of being remembered like he wanted, he is being remembered as the guy who bumped himself off. So sad... :(

Cheryl, I worried for years that Freddie automatically went to Hell because of what he did. But I've recently been reassured by two things. First, I found an old post somewhere -- might even have been one of the early posts on this board -- where a woman who was a teenager when Freddie passed said that after his death, her priest called the young people affected together, and told them that he didn't necessarily go to Hell because of what he did. Second, this Easter I converted to Catholicism, and even though I wasn't required to, I read the entire Catechism -- 600 + pages. One portion said that people who commit suicide are given the chance to atone for their sins in a way known only to them and God. Freddie's judgement was altered by drugs at the moment he made that fateful decision, and I will never to my dying day believe that he intentionally committed suicide; but it was such a comfort and relief to know that even those who intentionally commit suicide are offered the chance for pardon and forgiveness -- so why wouldn't Freddie be? As you said, he was a religious guy who believed in God and Jesus.

On a somewhat lighter note: when your family says anything about your liking a dead guy, mention the calendars that are printed each year with pictures of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, James Dean, Jim Morrison, etc.

As I sit here reading these posts on this thread. I can not help but nod my head in agreement. I have been brutally accused for fawning over a dead guy. Which makes me dissagree. Yeah, I know that Freddie and others that I admire are no longer with us. I enjoy upon the reflection of there happiness that brought unto me as well. For that I will not stop my admiration and love for those who are no longer with us!

Exactly! I don't think people will stop watching reruns of "Three's Company". Just think of all the movie stars who are no longer with us, but people still admire them. We just lost Katharine Hepburn this past summer.

The post-demise admiration of Elvis approaches worship at times. I went to an Elvis convention about two years after he passed; people were crying as they watched a tape of his "comeback" special, and everyone generally acted like they were at a funeral. And I've seen drawings of Elvis in Christ-like poses on the internet -- how awful! With all this stuff out there, how can anyone criticize you for admiring Freddie?

I believe it's In Maria's book that she talked to Freddie and to,ld him that God loved him and was here(in the hospital rooom) with him and he squeezed her hand very hard wjhen she asked if he believed that so i believ that because of that, and the way he read and studied his Bible thaT Freddie is in Heaven today

Oh, that's so comforting, Joy. I'm glad you posted that. I haven't read Maria's book yet, but I just got it, and now I look forward to reading it even more. Thank you.

This is a sad topic, but one that needs to be discussed from time to time because it does lead to healing.

I have always contended that some suicides are unintentional due to extenuating circumstances. The Catholic Church teaches that those circumstances will mitigate the normal effects of a person taking ones life... ie going to hell. Freddie sure wasn't in his right mind when he did what he did, therefore our church teaches that God will judge him for that fact. I am convinced he didn't mean to do it and if drugs weren't a factor, he would still be here today (if he wasn't taken from us by another means) I have been a Catholic all my life and I teach this to my students every day, so I have had to research this.

As for liking a dead guy, I explain to my daughter who razzes me all the time about the fact that a few pictures of Freddie on my wall in my computer room constitutes a "Shrine" to a dead guy, that so many people "worship" other dead stars like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis. My little photo gallery is just a rememberance of someone I admired and still admire. All she says to that is they are kooks too. Then I reminder her that all our dead loved ones are alive in our hearts, we have pictures of her dead grandparents on our video shelves... She doesn't say anything to that. I guess teenagers don't view death the same way we adults do. I know at that age they think the are going to live forever anyway and don't see the need to remember the dead or the past. She will see things differently when she gets to be my age, I am sure.

That's right Luckymama! My husband and his ( our) friends used to raze me over the fact that I have Freddie Pictures in our guest room and downstairs at the bar. When we were watching the Johnny Carson tapes the day I got them. I was like a kid again staring at my tv set. My husband began to say something about my little obsession then sadly said that it was too bad that he was not around here today.

Thank you, Luckymama. Your post is such a comfort. I'm a new Catholic, so it's wonderful to hear an educated opinion on this from a "cradle Catholic" -- thank you so much.

;)
As Freddie would say.... De nada!

My hubby Mike can't say much now. Most of his stars like Elvis & Johnny Cash are dead now. I tell him he has his stars & I have mine. He is a huge Elvis & Johnny Cash fan & coollects on them too as well as other stars...

Originally posted by Luckymama58

When I talk to Freddie (yes I am crazy, but I think sometimes he does talk to me) this is the thing he is the saddest about, only being remembered for how he died, not how he lived. I remember in the E! special how he told David Brenner that he wanted to be remembered like James Dean or Marilyn Monroe. I think he is a legend in his time, look how fast he was able to achieve stardom. I think it is a shame he didn't stick around long enough to really enjoy it. He experienced all the heartaches of the business, and never had the chance to get past that and experience the joys that come from paying your dues first.
I think Freddie is happy that we have taken up his cause and let people know that he was a great talent, not just "that guy who shot himself" as most people say to me when they see my pictures of him on my wall.
Rest in peace, angel. We will always remember you for who you are..... a most beautiful, talented, and caring human being. :love:


That was beautiful. I have to agree though. I'm new to this post and I just recently saw on t.v. how he died, but not much at all about his career. I was born in 1970. I remember the show a very little bit, but only because my dad used to watch it. Other than that, if it wasn't for this post, I would never know what a great person he was. I'll be he's in heaven thanking and blessing all of you for keeping his legacy going after all these years. I think it's wonderful and heartfelt that you are all such devoted fans to him.

welcome to the boards lilface, it's great here lots of Love for Freddie and the friendships we have made, post often and please check out all the great sites for Freddie and Isaac

Thank you for the welcome. It's wierd, ever since I somewhat of what happened to him on t.v., it's like I've been hooked. And it was only like a 5 min. segment. I always wonder if the world would be different if people like Freddie and Elvis and Marylin and so on and so forth, were still here with us. I started coming on to these posts because I'm a huge John Ritter fan and I've been mourning his death since his passing. Now I see that so many other people feel for celebrities the way I do about John. It's sooooo comforting reading all these posts. How did Freddie make a difference in your guy's lives? John Ritter mad me laugh until I cried. Three's company started airing in '77 and that's when my parents starting through their seperation and finally, years to come, their divorce. So for the most part Three's company got me through some pretty rough times in my life. I'm just curious if Freddie did that for some of you.
Anyways, thanks again for the great welcome and I hope to make some new and wonderful friends on these posts.

Thanks for your post, and it is comforting for me as well to find others were comforted by external sources such as t.v. shows, as well. I definitely found comfort in Chico and The Man. Freddie was so witty, sweet, funny, and self confident it really did help me through some rough times growing up.

I imprinted on Freddie because my parents were emotionally distant, as I felt Ed was to Freddie. So, it was fun for me to see him getting through to his emotionally distant parental figure. I guess I was living vicariously through him.

I feel I also learned how to model myself after him a bit, and take care of myself as i felt he did with himself. He was a comfort for me growing up, and will always love him for that.

Thanks for sharing your story, it helps me realize my reaction to Freddie was quite natural. And to touch base with people who felt similarly about their "teen idol" is nice for me.

Did you continue to follow John's career after Three's Company? I've always wondered how I would have reacted to Freddie's career as the years went on.

Sandra

HI again. Yes I did follow John's career for the most part. It's funny that you said you modeled your life with Freddie's because that's exactly what I did with John. He's the one that showed me how to have sense of humor and how to be funny. My friends used to laugh at me cause I used to mimic him all the time with his comic situations on his shows.
No you're certainly not the only one that feels that way about an actor. It's silly to some people, but when people like Freddie and John touch our lives the way they did, you can't help but to have a close bond with them and want to know every little detail about their lives and who they are. Like what was their favorite song and favorite television show. Who touched their lives they touched ours. I'm very much into biographies about them, it's like all I do is want to know what was in their minds at certain times of their lives.
Anyways, i'm glad we able to talk like this and let it out about how we feel about them and not be mad fun of or be called silly for feeling this way.
I'll talk to you soon.
Lilface