Monday, May 4, 2015

RICHARD BASEHART


A well known character actor, Basehart appeared in everything from the sublime ("Moby Dick" and Fellini's "La Strada") to the ridiculous (TV's "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea"). In the waning years of his career, I directed him for a radio commercial voiceover. Unlike many once-famous actors who wind up begrudgingly doing voicework, the unpretentious Basehart was patient, cooperative, and totally professional. In his distinctively cultured baritone he recorded the perfect "take" in record time. 
     Afterwards, as we relaxed in the break room, the actor nonchalantly mentioned that it was his birthday. Surprised that he hadn't mentioned it earlier, I asked him if he had plans for the evening. "Dinner in front of the Tube, I guess," he said wistfully.

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