My Dad was Don DeFore - "Thorny" - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

RD4 · 10-12-2008, 11:35 PM

Wow - another group of interested folks! Several people suggested I jump over here from the Hazel forum and join in the chatter. Well, I suspect many of you have questions, so let's have some fun.

It's past my bedtime so I won't write any of the many stories I have right now, but I will say that it is not true that Ozzie fired my Dad because he asked for more money - and certainly not because he would have asked him directly. Our families were close even after my Dad left the show. I have a roll of 8mm film I took of my older sister's wedding reception in our backyard in Brentwood and there are numerous shots of all the Nelsons. That would have been summer of 1963. Also, years later, I visited him several times on the set of "Ozzie's Girls" (I knew the Associate Director as well - she was on the staff of the Steve Allen Show when I was the Associate Director of that show).

Anyway, I'm ready for he questions, fire away.

Ron DeFore www.defore.net

Terence Sutherla · 10-13-2008, 02:45 AM

While in the USAF stationed at March AFB, CA (near Riverside), I remember seeing David Nelson, then an Airman Second Class (A/2C) in the Air Force reserves, drive up in his brand new pink Thunderbird convertible in front of the Mess Hall to eat. This was in the summers of 1962/63, I believe. If memory serves me correctly, this was Saturday and Sunday. He used to eat w/one of the Mouskateers, (I believe it was Annette Funicello), also in the AF reserves.

Why do I remember that to this day? Seeing someone drive up in a pink Thunderbird convertible, that's why!

Janine the Dream · 10-13-2008, 08:34 AM

Ron: Thanks for the great information. I always thought your father played the perfect next door neighbor and some of his escapades with Ozzie were priceless. Just clear one thing up, was it your father's choice to leave the show? Thank You.

TeeVeeCloset · 10-13-2008, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RD4

Wow - another group of interested folks! Several people suggested I jump over here from the Hazel forum and join in the chatter. Well, I suspect many of you have questions, so let's have some fun.

It's past my bedtime so I won't write any of the many stories I have right now, but I will say that it is not true that Ozzie fired my Dad because he asked for more money - and certainly not because he would have asked him directly. Our families were close even after my Dad left the show. I have a roll of 8mm film I took of my older sister's wedding reception in our backyard in Brentwood and there are numerous shots of all the Nelsons. That would have been summer of 1963. Also, years later, I visited him several times on the set of "Ozzie's Girls" (I knew the Associate Director as well - she was on the staff of the Steve Allen Show when I was the Associate Director of that show).

Anyway, I'm ready for he questions, fire away.

Ron DeFore www.defore.net

Member and Friend CJ....if you are reading this I think we need you to weigh in on this, I haven't finished reading Ozzie's 1973 self written autobiography, I thought but could be wrong that the Don DeFore story originated from the book, which would have to make it factual......anyway......I again sincerely welcome Mr. DeFore to the boards, it is an honor to have you with us! Your father was a wonderful actor and brought such personality and fun to the two beloved series, O&H and Hazel!

Jude The Obscure · 10-13-2008, 11:45 AM

Yes, this is great to have Mr. Ron join us here and answer questions about our favorite Ozzie neighbor!

dlb108 · 10-13-2008, 12:42 PM

I would just like to hear any and/or all stories you have to tell!

OH Nuts! · 10-13-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RD4

Wow - another group of interested folks! Several people suggested I jump over here from the Hazel forum and join in the chatter. Well, I suspect many of you have questions, so let's have some fun.

It's past my bedtime so I won't write any of the many stories I have right now, but I will say that it is not true that Ozzie fired my Dad because he asked for more money - and certainly not because he would have asked him directly. Our families were close even after my Dad left the show. I have a roll of 8mm film I took of my older sister's wedding reception in our backyard in Brentwood and there are numerous shots of all the Nelsons. That would have been summer of 1963. Also, years later, I visited him several times on the set of "Ozzie's Girls" (I knew the Associate Director as well - she was on the staff of the Steve Allen Show when I was the Associate Director of that show).

Anyway, I'm ready for he questions, fire away.

Ron DeFore www.defore.net

Hi Ron! Welcome! I'm a big fan of your dad and loved him in Hazel and The Adv. of O & H. Thanks for shedding some light on your dad's leaving O&H. The circumstances in the bios I read on Rick Nelson sounded odd to me as Ozzie and your dad seemed to have been close. And, I loved your dad in The Stork Club with Betty Hutton. Any stories you have - I"M ALL EARS - esp. abt your dad and his experiences on O & H. (Hazel too!)

Dusty's Fan · 10-13-2008, 03:39 PM

Hi Ron...!

I was just wondering which TV series you may recall as some of your dad's particular favorites? Was he a sitcom fan in general (and a devoted viewer of the later years of Ozzie & Harriet,) or did he seem more interested in westerns, crime, drama, etc? Thanks in advance for the insights, and great to have you here!

P.S. I can see the Fedderson connection, with Don's guest spots on My Three Sons. One of my favorite series, and it was neat to see Don's work with Fred MacMurray.

honeybea · 10-13-2008, 04:19 PM

Welcome Ron, and I am SO happy to hear that it wasn't true about Ozzie firing your dad for more money! That has always bothered me, especially seeing how they interacted together so well on the show. Thorney was my favorite character not in the family. We welcome any and all stories you can and will share with us.

honeybea · 10-13-2008, 04:23 PM

Welcome Terence! I imagine seeing a pink Thunderbird convertible was exciting enough, but seeing David Nelson in it had to be a bigger thrill.

OH Nuts! · 10-13-2008, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terence Sutherla

While in the USAF stationed at March AFB, CA (near Riverside), I remember seeing David Nelson, then an Airman Second Class (A/2C) in the Air Force reserves, drive up in his brand new pink Thunderbird convertible in front of the Mess Hall to eat. This was in the summers of 1962/63, I believe. If memory serves me correctly, this was Saturday and Sunday. He used to eat w/one of the Mouskateers, (I believe it was Annette Funicello), also in the AF reserves.

Why do I remember that to this day? Seeing someone drive up in a pink Thunderbird convertible, that's why!

Welcome to the bds!

RD4 · 10-14-2008, 08:07 PM

Well, didn't think that in 24 hours there would be that many interested. First, I had to laugh when I read TeeVeeCloset's remark, "Don DeFore story originated from the book, which would have to make it factual..." only because even if it were directly from my Dad, he had quite an ability to embellish a story. The truth is that my Dad was getting quite popular then, probably did ask for more money, but really wanted to do more live theater and films. Doing a regular series, at least back in those days, sucked up 110% of your time - very difficult to do other things.

His first love was politics. He's one of the few Hollywood stars that was very consevative - he campaigned for Pete Wilson, Reagan, Goldwater, and others. He was a Reagan Delegate at both Republican National Conventions. (I was a Reagan Appointee,,,gee I wonder how that happened :-)

So in answer to Dusty's Fan question: what was his favorite TV shows? - it was news, documentrys and occasionally an old (40s) film...through which he would name all the actors and whether he liked them or not. Oh, forgot about the Wednesday Night Fights that came on right after (or was it before?) Walt Disney's Wonderful World. Anyway, I do remember the family watching those two things back to back. For those that haven't done so already, you may want to visit the web site I built in his honor: www.defore.net

I do remember my Dad saying that Ozzie was very tight with his money, so I'm sure there were negotiations between agents, but Oz was not the type that would get upset becuase he was asked directly...again, if that's what is in Ozzie's book that supposedly came from my Dad, I would suspect that's just the way my Dad chose to remember it and not necessarily how it came down.

One of my great memories from the show is the sponsor: Coca Cola. Why? Well, I was just a lad at the time and instead of selling lemonade at the street corner my friend and I would sell cokes. We got them for free! Every week the CocaCola truck would pull up and the driver would put a dolly stack on our back porch...nothing like 100% markup! Later my business acumen was sharpened even further when I used one of the electric lemonade machines from my Dad's restaurant in Frontierland and sold lemonade from a professional bubble machine. Yes, my Dad was the only individual to own a concession and have his name displayed in the park: Don DeFore's Silver Banjo Barbecue - right next to Aunt Jemima's from 1957-1961. For more on that story see my Yesterland guest column: http://www.defore.net/rondisney.htm

Any way, enough for tonight. Any other questions?
Ron DeFore

TeeVeeCloset · 10-14-2008, 08:27 PM

I'll take your "I made you laugh" as a nice gesture and leave it at that....I already stated the TREMENDOUS admiration I have for your dad and for Ozzie Nelson. Just originally you stated that there was no truth to the "story" that Ozzie fired your dad. I also wrote if it were true I found that story to be a bit harsh but since the story originated from Ozzie's own 1973 autobiography yes it would seem to be factual even with revisionist history, so it turns out there is some truth to the story....that was all I wanted to know since it was a subject that has long been debated here by the loyal fans again of Ozzie & Don....which again I am a huge admirer of both and would like also to be an admirer of you as well....a very pleasant and respectful good evening.

ILUVO&H · 10-14-2008, 11:44 PM

Well to veer off this tense debate, I'll ask a question, do you know why it was that Ozzie choose to never show Thorny's wife Katherine? She was spoke of all the time but never seen. We never saw his daughter Julie Thornberry either. I remember seeing Will Thornberry just once, though he to was mentioned all the time.

And since the folk lore of O&H is being discussed, is it true that the name Thornberry came from the Nelsons real life next door neighbors The Thornberrys?

honeybea · 10-15-2008, 09:54 AM

Ah yes,I remember the Coca Cola man and his free colas. I guess all salesmen at that time were given so many free ones to distribute.

A question, which character did your Dad like best, Thorney or Mr. B?

10-12-2008, 11:35 PM	#1
RD4 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Sep 28, 2008 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 28	My Dad was Don DeFore - "Thorny" Wow - another group of interested folks! Several people suggested I jump over here from the Hazel forum and join in the chatter. Well, I suspect many of you have questions, so let's have some fun. It's past my bedtime so I won't write any of the many stories I have right now, but I will say that it is not true that Ozzie fired my Dad because he asked for more money - and certainly not because he would have asked him directly. Our families were close even after my Dad left the show. I have a roll of 8mm film I took of my older sister's wedding reception in our backyard in Brentwood and there are numerous shots of all the Nelsons. That would have been summer of 1963. Also, years later, I visited him several times on the set of "Ozzie's Girls" (I knew the Associate Director as well - she was on the staff of the Steve Allen Show when I was the Associate Director of that show). Anyway, I'm ready for he questions, fire away. Ron DeFore www.defore.net

10-13-2008, 02:45 AM	#2
Terence Sutherla Member First Time Poster Join Date: Oct 13, 2008 Location: new york city Posts: 1	While in the USAF stationed at March AFB, CA (near Riverside), I remember seeing David Nelson, then an Airman Second Class (A/2C) in the Air Force reserves, drive up in his brand new pink Thunderbird convertible in front of the Mess Hall to eat. This was in the summers of 1962/63, I believe. If memory serves me correctly, this was Saturday and Sunday. He used to eat w/one of the Mouskateers, (I believe it was Annette Funicello), also in the AF reserves. Why do I remember that to this day? Seeing someone drive up in a pink Thunderbird convertible, that's why!

10-13-2008, 08:34 AM	#3
Janine the Dream Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 20, 2007 Location: Saddle Brook, NJ Posts: 642	Ron: Thanks for the great information. I always thought your father played the perfect next door neighbor and some of his escapades with Ozzie were priceless. Just clear one thing up, was it your father's choice to leave the show? Thank You.

10-13-2008, 11:45 AM	#5
Jude The Obscure Retired Eternal Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 10, 2006 Posts: 7,520	Yes, this is great to have Mr. Ron join us here and answer questions about our favorite Ozzie neighbor!

10-13-2008, 12:42 PM	#6
dlb108 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 21, 2008 Posts: 40	I would just like to hear any and/or all stories you have to tell!

10-13-2008, 03:39 PM	#8
Dusty's Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 13, 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,092	Hi Ron...! I was just wondering which TV series you may recall as some of your dad's particular favorites? Was he a sitcom fan in general (and a devoted viewer of the later years of Ozzie & Harriet,) or did he seem more interested in westerns, crime, drama, etc? Thanks in advance for the insights, and great to have you here! P.S. I can see the Fedderson connection, with Don's guest spots on My Three Sons. One of my favorite series, and it was neat to see Don's work with Fred MacMurray.

10-13-2008, 04:19 PM	#9
honeybea Member Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 06, 2005 Location: SC Posts: 503	Welcome Ron, and I am SO happy to hear that it wasn't true about Ozzie firing your dad for more money! That has always bothered me, especially seeing how they interacted together so well on the show. Thorney was my favorite character not in the family. We welcome any and all stories you can and will share with us.

10-13-2008, 04:23 PM	#10
honeybea Member Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 06, 2005 Location: SC Posts: 503	Welcome Terence! I imagine seeing a pink Thunderbird convertible was exciting enough, but seeing David Nelson in it had to be a bigger thrill.

10-14-2008, 08:07 PM	#12
RD4 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Sep 28, 2008 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 28	Well, didn't think that in 24 hours there would be that many interested. First, I had to laugh when I read TeeVeeCloset's remark, "Don DeFore story originated from the book, which would have to make it factual..." only because even if it were directly from my Dad, he had quite an ability to embellish a story. The truth is that my Dad was getting quite popular then, probably did ask for more money, but really wanted to do more live theater and films. Doing a regular series, at least back in those days, sucked up 110% of your time - very difficult to do other things. His first love was politics. He's one of the few Hollywood stars that was very consevative - he campaigned for Pete Wilson, Reagan, Goldwater, and others. He was a Reagan Delegate at both Republican National Conventions. (I was a Reagan Appointee,,,gee I wonder how that happened :-) So in answer to Dusty's Fan question: what was his favorite TV shows? - it was news, documentrys and occasionally an old (40s) film...through which he would name all the actors and whether he liked them or not. Oh, forgot about the Wednesday Night Fights that came on right after (or was it before?) Walt Disney's Wonderful World. Anyway, I do remember the family watching those two things back to back. For those that haven't done so already, you may want to visit the web site I built in his honor: www.defore.net I do remember my Dad saying that Ozzie was very tight with his money, so I'm sure there were negotiations between agents, but Oz was not the type that would get upset becuase he was asked directly...again, if that's what is in Ozzie's book that supposedly came from my Dad, I would suspect that's just the way my Dad chose to remember it and not necessarily how it came down. One of my great memories from the show is the sponsor: Coca Cola. Why? Well, I was just a lad at the time and instead of selling lemonade at the street corner my friend and I would sell cokes. We got them for free! Every week the CocaCola truck would pull up and the driver would put a dolly stack on our back porch...nothing like 100% markup! Later my business acumen was sharpened even further when I used one of the electric lemonade machines from my Dad's restaurant in Frontierland and sold lemonade from a professional bubble machine. Yes, my Dad was the only individual to own a concession and have his name displayed in the park: Don DeFore's Silver Banjo Barbecue - right next to Aunt Jemima's from 1957-1961. For more on that story see my Yesterland guest column: http://www.defore.net/rondisney.htm Any way, enough for tonight. Any other questions? Ron DeFore

10-14-2008, 08:27 PM	#13
TeeVeeCloset Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 25, 2003 Posts: 1,873	I'll take your "I made you laugh" as a nice gesture and leave it at that....I already stated the TREMENDOUS admiration I have for your dad and for Ozzie Nelson. Just originally you stated that there was no truth to the "story" that Ozzie fired your dad. I also wrote if it were true I found that story to be a bit harsh but since the story originated from Ozzie's own 1973 autobiography yes it would seem to be factual even with revisionist history, so it turns out there is some truth to the story....that was all I wanted to know since it was a subject that has long been debated here by the loyal fans again of Ozzie & Don....which again I am a huge admirer of both and would like also to be an admirer of you as well....a very pleasant and respectful good evening.

10-14-2008, 11:44 PM	#14
ILUVO&H Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jun 08, 2008 Location: New York Posts: 505	Well to veer off this tense debate, I'll ask a question, do you know why it was that Ozzie choose to never show Thorny's wife Katherine? She was spoke of all the time but never seen. We never saw his daughter Julie Thornberry either. I remember seeing Will Thornberry just once, though he to was mentioned all the time. And since the folk lore of O&H is being discussed, is it true that the name Thornberry came from the Nelsons real life next door neighbors The Thornberrys?

10-15-2008, 09:54 AM	#15
honeybea Member Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 06, 2005 Location: SC Posts: 503	Ah yes,I remember the Coca Cola man and his free colas. I guess all salesmen at that time were given so many free ones to distribute. A question, which character did your Dad like best, Thorney or Mr. B?