Why do we care? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

croiter · 06-03-2001, 04:28 PM

I've added a new section to my site called why do we care and here is what I wrote for it:

Before the Iran hostage situation, before the Gary Gilmore execution, before Persian Gulf and sex in the oval office, there was Freddie Prinze. He was a star in our lives for three years beginning in 1974. I was 12 at the time he made his television debut.
In the beginning I found the show extremely funny. I'd already been watching Sanford & Son, and ranked that show higher than some of my other favorites: All in the Family, Good Times, Welcome Back Kotter and Barney Miller.

Chico and the Man never quite fit a special category for me like the others did. The show came on at 8:30 Friday nights, and when I became a teenager I chose sleepover parties and movies to Friday night TV.

But when Freddie shot himself in January 1977, something in my unfocused, adolescent mind jumped to attention. Freddie now became a human being, not just an image that flashed across the living room once a week. He had problems, like me, and he chose to deal with them in the most punishing way.

I listened for a day-and-a-half to radio and television reports. I recorded them on my old-fashioned tape recorder, a bulky Panasonic cassette with "stop" and "fast-forward" buttons the size of your fingers.

I clipped the first short newspaper article, a six-or-seven paragraph Associate Press story with the headline, "TV Actor Critical After Suicide Try." In the hours after the shooting, little or no information was given to the press. The article stated simply, "The shooting is an apparent suicide attempt because a gun was found near the body." No mention of Dusty Snyder or Carol Novak or Quuaaludes. They did cite that Freddie had parted ways with his wife, Kathy, and that he had to be in court in February for a drugs-and-driving violation.

I kept thinking that if he would wake up from his coma, he would realize what a big mistake he had just made. That night at the very end of an NBC news update, Chuck Scarborough said, "And Freddie Prinze remains in critical condition after shooting himself in the head. Doctors at the UCLA medical center said 'Prinze tolerated surgery well,' but had suffered "severe brain damage."

Then Saturday afternoon, the guy on 1010 WINS, an all news station out of New York City, said somberly: "Freddie Prinze DIED of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head." That was all I needed to hear.

I ran to my mother, who was cleaning the bathroom. "Did you hear? Did you hear?" I shouted.

My mother nodded her head. "He had to have been crazy," she said. "To put a gun to his head and do that to himself. He was nuts."

Later that night, on the six o'clock news (ABC affiliate in Manhattan), Roger Grimbsy confirmed what I'd heard on the radio. He said, "The young New Yorker took his life." Freddie was from New York? I didn't even know that. While I grew up in the lush green suburbs of the city, Freddie grew up in Spanish Harlem. He got beat up from kids for his lunch money. He wasn't into athletics in school.

I saw parallels in everyhing in our lives except for two things: poor city life and age. Freddie was older than me and I thought of him then as an adult capable of making his own decisions.

The years wore on, and I never did hear about Chico reruns, sometimes would check the newspaper TV listing to see if any of the cable channels were carrying them. None of them were, ever. Sanford was on, so was All in the Family, and even Welcome Back, Kotter (which at this point had become horribly dated and stale).

The tape recordings I made got lost over the years. My life evolved into college and several relationships; newspaper reporting in sleepy little towns like Lychburg Virginia and Bradenton, Florida.

But for 25 years I never stopped thinking about Freddie or what he had done to himself.

I reached the age of 22, same age as Freddie, and began to realize that people still thought of me as a kid. And I felt like a kid. Then, when I turned 32, I realized that people young as Freddie was when he died, sometimes are not fully grown inside. I began to realize what a loss there really was.

And to see him again, especially when he is in his element, is to witness both talent and tragedy intermingled with a warm tale of an old white man and his young Spanish helper.

You can't ask for more from Hollywood.

-- Tony Attrino

chicosladyfair · 06-03-2001, 04:41 PM

Thank you, Croiter for that heartfelt and insightful editorial. You've mirrored all the sad and tragic memories and emotions that I experienced during January, 1977.
You never cease to amaze me with your words. You have gone to painstakingly long measures to keep the Freddie that we all love and remember to the forefront of our hearts. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you have the most detailed and thorough web sites out there today. You are truly a credit to the tribute of Freddie Prinze. Thank you so much for all your hard work and efforts...they have not gone unnoticed or unrecognized. If Freddie is watching right now he's saying "Loooking Gooood, Croiter's the Man!!!"

Pitooey · 06-03-2001, 06:33 PM

Croiter - I have to agree with Chicosladysfair..... Your words were magical and I can still feel the pain of his death after all these years. It hurt and it hurted alot! Especially the way it happened. I've never stopped loving him or thinking of him over the years myself. I'm just happy to see that they bought the show back even if it's on cable. One day I will go to his gravesite and put a bunch of flowers on it. He was tremendous and so loved. He is sorely missed......

EdBrownJr · 06-03-2001, 08:24 PM

That was very deep and very well wrote man. Im 23 and can tell you that im still thought as a kid and we do have problems like everyone else and sometimes we are ignored and told your only a kid and our problems dont exist there only in our head and thats so unfair.

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GET OUT OF MY GARAGE!!!

Peko · 06-04-2001, 10:11 AM

Croiter (Tony), that was a very moving piece. I was about the same age as you when Freddie died. I never forgot him either. I never did seem to deal fully with the loss. At that age, you get confused and hurt and don't fully understand. Seeing CATM re-run brought all those feelings to the surface again, but this time it's different. Now its dealing with it as an adult. It seems even worse now, with all the facts we know, (or don't know). Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Tony. Hey, I lived in Bradenton, FL also!

[This message has been edited by Peko (edited 06-04-2001).]

atlangel · 06-04-2001, 10:45 AM

To Croiter (Tony), you have done a splendid job with making a lasting tribute to Freddie Prinze, Sr. Your words here are stirring and heartfelt. I was tearful reading them. Thank you for opening up about how this affected you. We can all relate and see ourselves through your words. You give so much of yourself and creativity through your work. You are much respected and appreciated for your diligence, professionalism and candor. Please continue in keeping Freddie's memory alive.

Anna · 06-04-2001, 06:30 PM

Heart Warming!

Joy · 06-04-2001, 08:49 PM

HEY,
tHAT WAS beautiful,it made me want to cry. I too want to add my thanks for all the work you go to in keeping Freddie's memory alive and us his fans informed

croiter · 06-05-2001, 02:42 PM

thanks everybody,

I just wrote what I've been thinking all these months since Chico went back on the air. I'd like to know more about what makes FP a significant part of your lives.

Tony

Peko · 06-05-2001, 05:31 PM

Freddie Prinze made a lasting impression on me starting at age 11. I loved to watch CATM as a kid and I thought Freddie was just the most handsome and charming guy a girl could have laid eyes on! I also thought he was very funny and had bought his comedy album, (which I kept and treasure to this day) and virtually had it memorized. I never missed an episode of CATM and my family also liked to watch it regularly. I don't remember where I was when I'd heard the news about Freddie but I do remember feeling shocked and hurt when I heard the news of his death. I just wasn't the same. I can still remember a close up picture of Freddie taken from a magazine, which was plastered on the front of my bedroom door . I remember I kept looking at it and crying for quite a while. I took it very bad. I don't think my parents really understood at the time. I felt very alone with my pain at that time, with no one to talk to about it. I couldn't watch the episodes without Chico and when I first laid eyes on Raul, I burst into tears and ran out of the room. I just couldn't understand how they could have done the show without him. I felt a tremendous loss and being the age I was at the time, didn't know how to handle it. I purchased Maria's book also at that time and didn't fully understand it all either. I never forgot Freddie or the show. I only wish I could have known him, I loved his gentle soul, his humor, his radiant smile, handsome face, and admired his talent. Always will. Freddie's qualities make him stand out from the rest. I've admired other celebrites as a teen, like all of us did, but Freddie always left an impression on me like no other. God Bless you, Freddie Prinze. We will always love you.

EdBrownJr · 06-05-2001, 08:45 PM

Well i want to answer this but it is just really more information than i care to share but i guess without having to say much i can tell you that since i started watching the show and reading this board and all the stuff about Freddie and his childhood me and him have a few things in common. I understand his pain in ways and he means alot to me cause if i never would seen his show and get hooked on it i would have never met a few people here that have taught me things and are very kind. Everyone here is great too.

------------------
GET OUT OF MY GARAGE!!!

Joy · 06-05-2001, 08:52 PM

I guess what makes Freddie such an important part of my life is that he could make me laugh>
There has been a lot in my life that is anything but funny and when I would watch CATM at least for a while I forgot the pains.
I would have loved to meet him-only in my dream do I imagine that I could do for him what he did for me. to look beyond my pain and love and cherish my life.
God always knows what we need in our lives and when we need it for me it was humor

Cheryl Harrell · 06-05-2001, 09:13 PM

Altho I enjoyed watching CATM in the 70's it wasn't until the TVLAND re-runs that I started becoming interested. I don't know exactly why I care but I do. I feel he is a friend I haven't met yet. I do care about him & now wish I had been able to know him & help him back then. I was too late but better later than never... God Bless you Freddie...

[This message has been edited by Cheryl Harrell (edited 06-05-2001).]

Dannii · 06-05-2001, 11:25 PM

Freddie has always meant a lot to me! I first saw him in'74-I was ten, and I must say that he was my first love! Such a striking man with so much charisma! When he died, it was my first heartbreak. I have been collecting stuff on him for decades, and am so glad that others love him as much as I do. And that son of his is a fine young man, isnt he?

I do not mean to sound cruel, but if I saw Freddie Sr. today in person, I don't know if I would hug him or slap his face!
I am still kind of angry that he is gone, but I can watch him anytime I want now, after waiting 24 years to get the chance to do so. I still love him, and always will...he lives on in my heart and all of yours.

Vicki39 · 06-09-2001, 02:38 PM

You are amazing. I bet we are the same age. You wrote everything that I am feeling and have felt. It is so nice to have people on this message board who followed Freddie, or at least tried to, when he was alive. Your website is the best and thanks for all of your hardwork.

06-03-2001, 04:28 PM	#1
croiter Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Mar 26, 2001 Posts: 232	Why do we care? I've added a new section to my site called why do we care and here is what I wrote for it: Before the Iran hostage situation, before the Gary Gilmore execution, before Persian Gulf and sex in the oval office, there was Freddie Prinze. He was a star in our lives for three years beginning in 1974. I was 12 at the time he made his television debut. In the beginning I found the show extremely funny. I'd already been watching Sanford & Son, and ranked that show higher than some of my other favorites: All in the Family, Good Times, Welcome Back Kotter and Barney Miller. Chico and the Man never quite fit a special category for me like the others did. The show came on at 8:30 Friday nights, and when I became a teenager I chose sleepover parties and movies to Friday night TV. But when Freddie shot himself in January 1977, something in my unfocused, adolescent mind jumped to attention. Freddie now became a human being, not just an image that flashed across the living room once a week. He had problems, like me, and he chose to deal with them in the most punishing way. I listened for a day-and-a-half to radio and television reports. I recorded them on my old-fashioned tape recorder, a bulky Panasonic cassette with "stop" and "fast-forward" buttons the size of your fingers. I clipped the first short newspaper article, a six-or-seven paragraph Associate Press story with the headline, "TV Actor Critical After Suicide Try." In the hours after the shooting, little or no information was given to the press. The article stated simply, "The shooting is an apparent suicide attempt because a gun was found near the body." No mention of Dusty Snyder or Carol Novak or Quuaaludes. They did cite that Freddie had parted ways with his wife, Kathy, and that he had to be in court in February for a drugs-and-driving violation. I kept thinking that if he would wake up from his coma, he would realize what a big mistake he had just made. That night at the very end of an NBC news update, Chuck Scarborough said, "And Freddie Prinze remains in critical condition after shooting himself in the head. Doctors at the UCLA medical center said 'Prinze tolerated surgery well,' but had suffered "severe brain damage." Then Saturday afternoon, the guy on 1010 WINS, an all news station out of New York City, said somberly: "Freddie Prinze DIED of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head." That was all I needed to hear. I ran to my mother, who was cleaning the bathroom. "Did you hear? Did you hear?" I shouted. My mother nodded her head. "He had to have been crazy," she said. "To put a gun to his head and do that to himself. He was nuts." Later that night, on the six o'clock news (ABC affiliate in Manhattan), Roger Grimbsy confirmed what I'd heard on the radio. He said, "The young New Yorker took his life." Freddie was from New York? I didn't even know that. While I grew up in the lush green suburbs of the city, Freddie grew up in Spanish Harlem. He got beat up from kids for his lunch money. He wasn't into athletics in school. I saw parallels in everyhing in our lives except for two things: poor city life and age. Freddie was older than me and I thought of him then as an adult capable of making his own decisions. The years wore on, and I never did hear about Chico reruns, sometimes would check the newspaper TV listing to see if any of the cable channels were carrying them. None of them were, ever. Sanford was on, so was All in the Family, and even Welcome Back, Kotter (which at this point had become horribly dated and stale). The tape recordings I made got lost over the years. My life evolved into college and several relationships; newspaper reporting in sleepy little towns like Lychburg Virginia and Bradenton, Florida. But for 25 years I never stopped thinking about Freddie or what he had done to himself. I reached the age of 22, same age as Freddie, and began to realize that people still thought of me as a kid. And I felt like a kid. Then, when I turned 32, I realized that people young as Freddie was when he died, sometimes are not fully grown inside. I began to realize what a loss there really was. And to see him again, especially when he is in his element, is to witness both talent and tragedy intermingled with a warm tale of an old white man and his young Spanish helper. You can't ask for more from Hollywood. -- Tony Attrino

06-03-2001, 04:41 PM	#2
chicosladyfair Member Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 10, 2001 Location: Sunny California Posts: 770	Thank you, Croiter for that heartfelt and insightful editorial. You've mirrored all the sad and tragic memories and emotions that I experienced during January, 1977. You never cease to amaze me with your words. You have gone to painstakingly long measures to keep the Freddie that we all love and remember to the forefront of our hearts. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you have the most detailed and thorough web sites out there today. You are truly a credit to the tribute of Freddie Prinze. Thank you so much for all your hard work and efforts...they have not gone unnoticed or unrecognized. If Freddie is watching right now he's saying "Loooking Gooood, Croiter's the Man!!!"

06-03-2001, 06:33 PM	#3
Pitooey Member Forum Star Join Date: Feb 15, 2001 Location: Rocking in Transylvania. Posts: 15,042	Croiter - I have to agree with Chicosladysfair..... Your words were magical and I can still feel the pain of his death after all these years. It hurt and it hurted alot! Especially the way it happened. I've never stopped loving him or thinking of him over the years myself. I'm just happy to see that they bought the show back even if it's on cable. One day I will go to his gravesite and put a bunch of flowers on it. He was tremendous and so loved. He is sorely missed......

06-03-2001, 08:24 PM	#4
EdBrownJr Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 08, 2001 Location: Jersey City, NJ Posts: 1,247	That was very deep and very well wrote man. Im 23 and can tell you that im still thought as a kid and we do have problems like everyone else and sometimes we are ignored and told your only a kid and our problems dont exist there only in our head and thats so unfair. ------------------ GET OUT OF MY GARAGE!!!

06-04-2001, 10:11 AM	#5
Peko Banned Banned!! Frequent Poster Join Date: Apr 03, 2001 Posts: 181	Croiter (Tony), that was a very moving piece. I was about the same age as you when Freddie died. I never forgot him either. I never did seem to deal fully with the loss. At that age, you get confused and hurt and don't fully understand. Seeing CATM re-run brought all those feelings to the surface again, but this time it's different. Now its dealing with it as an adult. It seems even worse now, with all the facts we know, (or don't know). Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Tony. Hey, I lived in Bradenton, FL also! [This message has been edited by Peko (edited 06-04-2001).]

06-04-2001, 10:45 AM	#6
atlangel Member Forum Regular Join Date: May 02, 2001 Location: Lawrenceville, GA, USA Posts: 523	To Croiter (Tony), you have done a splendid job with making a lasting tribute to Freddie Prinze, Sr. Your words here are stirring and heartfelt. I was tearful reading them. Thank you for opening up about how this affected you. We can all relate and see ourselves through your words. You give so much of yourself and creativity through your work. You are much respected and appreciated for your diligence, professionalism and candor. Please continue in keeping Freddie's memory alive.

06-04-2001, 06:30 PM	#7
Anna Member Frequent Poster Join Date: May 23, 2001 Location: Indpls,Ind. U.S.A. Posts: 442	Heart Warming!

06-04-2001, 08:49 PM	#8
Joy Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 10, 2001 Location: In Mn lovin my DVD and the Prinze of comedy!!! Posts: 3,247	HEY, tHAT WAS beautiful,it made me want to cry. I too want to add my thanks for all the work you go to in keeping Freddie's memory alive and us his fans informed

06-05-2001, 02:42 PM	#9
croiter Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Mar 26, 2001 Posts: 232	thanks everybody, I just wrote what I've been thinking all these months since Chico went back on the air. I'd like to know more about what makes FP a significant part of your lives. Tony

06-05-2001, 05:31 PM	#10
Peko Banned Banned!! Frequent Poster Join Date: Apr 03, 2001 Posts: 181	Freddie Prinze made a lasting impression on me starting at age 11. I loved to watch CATM as a kid and I thought Freddie was just the most handsome and charming guy a girl could have laid eyes on! I also thought he was very funny and had bought his comedy album, (which I kept and treasure to this day) and virtually had it memorized. I never missed an episode of CATM and my family also liked to watch it regularly. I don't remember where I was when I'd heard the news about Freddie but I do remember feeling shocked and hurt when I heard the news of his death. I just wasn't the same. I can still remember a close up picture of Freddie taken from a magazine, which was plastered on the front of my bedroom door . I remember I kept looking at it and crying for quite a while. I took it very bad. I don't think my parents really understood at the time. I felt very alone with my pain at that time, with no one to talk to about it. I couldn't watch the episodes without Chico and when I first laid eyes on Raul, I burst into tears and ran out of the room. I just couldn't understand how they could have done the show without him. I felt a tremendous loss and being the age I was at the time, didn't know how to handle it. I purchased Maria's book also at that time and didn't fully understand it all either. I never forgot Freddie or the show. I only wish I could have known him, I loved his gentle soul, his humor, his radiant smile, handsome face, and admired his talent. Always will. Freddie's qualities make him stand out from the rest. I've admired other celebrites as a teen, like all of us did, but Freddie always left an impression on me like no other. God Bless you, Freddie Prinze. We will always love you.

06-05-2001, 08:45 PM	#11
EdBrownJr Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 08, 2001 Location: Jersey City, NJ Posts: 1,247	Well i want to answer this but it is just really more information than i care to share but i guess without having to say much i can tell you that since i started watching the show and reading this board and all the stuff about Freddie and his childhood me and him have a few things in common. I understand his pain in ways and he means alot to me cause if i never would seen his show and get hooked on it i would have never met a few people here that have taught me things and are very kind. Everyone here is great too. ------------------ GET OUT OF MY GARAGE!!!

06-05-2001, 08:52 PM	#12
Joy Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 10, 2001 Location: In Mn lovin my DVD and the Prinze of comedy!!! Posts: 3,247	I guess what makes Freddie such an important part of my life is that he could make me laugh> There has been a lot in my life that is anything but funny and when I would watch CATM at least for a while I forgot the pains. I would have loved to meet him-only in my dream do I imagine that I could do for him what he did for me. to look beyond my pain and love and cherish my life. God always knows what we need in our lives and when we need it for me it was humor

06-05-2001, 09:13 PM	#13
Cheryl Harrell I Love You Mike 4-Ever Forum Veteran Join Date: Mar 23, 2001 Location: Pixley!!!! Actually VA--USA LOL! Posts: 6,192	Altho I enjoyed watching CATM in the 70's it wasn't until the TVLAND re-runs that I started becoming interested. I don't know exactly why I care but I do. I feel he is a friend I haven't met yet. I do care about him & now wish I had been able to know him & help him back then. I was too late but better later than never... God Bless you Freddie... [This message has been edited by Cheryl Harrell (edited 06-05-2001).]

06-05-2001, 11:25 PM	#14
Dannii Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 04, 2001 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 24	Freddie has always meant a lot to me! I first saw him in'74-I was ten, and I must say that he was my first love! Such a striking man with so much charisma! When he died, it was my first heartbreak. I have been collecting stuff on him for decades, and am so glad that others love him as much as I do. And that son of his is a fine young man, isnt he? I do not mean to sound cruel, but if I saw Freddie Sr. today in person, I don't know if I would hug him or slap his face! I am still kind of angry that he is gone, but I can watch him anytime I want now, after waiting 24 years to get the chance to do so. I still love him, and always will...he lives on in my heart and all of yours.

06-09-2001, 02:38 PM	#15
Vicki39 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Apr 15, 2001 Location: Springfield, OH, USA Posts: 108	You are amazing. I bet we are the same age. You wrote everything that I am feeling and have felt. It is so nice to have people on this message board who followed Freddie, or at least tried to, when he was alive. Your website is the best and thanks for all of your hardwork.