David Hasselhoff as I remember him back in about 1989. -- Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
“There is a certain relief in change, even though it be from bad to worse! As I have often found in traveling in a stagecoach, that it is often a comfort to shift one’s position, and be bruised in a new place.” Washington Irving
Travels With Maggie
A text from a grandson last night took me on a journey down memory lane. It was the only traveling I did yesterday.
“So um, david hasselhoff is here in lake jackson (Texas) hosting a reality show, how random,” 16-year-old Dallas alerted me.
It was an opportunity for this former journalist to impress her grandson by informing him that I once interviewed Hasselhoff. Of course my grandson wanted to know the details. After a bit of brain scratching I told him as much as I could remember.
It was about 1989, after Hasselhoff’s stint on “The Young and The Restless” and his role as the “Knight Rider” had ended. When I met him he was the bare-chested life guard hero of Bay Watch.
His reason for appearing at the Layton Mall in Northern Utah was to promote his newly begun career as a singer. Tall and good-looking, and not yet 40, Hasselhoff’s appearance had the ladies there to see him all a giggle.
“Take off your shirt,” several of them urged him. He didn’t, however. He sang, and he joked with his mostly female audience, but remained gentlemanly and modest.
Thinking back on that day now, and comparing it to some of Hasselhoff’s more recent shenanigans, left me thoughtful. The years change us, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse, and sometimes a bit of both. You see Hasselhoff ‘s current reputation doesn’t take into account his long-standing charitable efforts with the Make a Wish foundation, or his numerous visits to children’s hospitals around the world.
It makes me glad to know that when I interviewed Hasselhoff , I got to see his better side.
Pat Bean's blog 
Good point, Pat, on how life changes us. We do all change, of course, and I have to wonder if Life makes us different or does Life simply expose the real us? Sam
I guess we’re all mixed bags, aren’t we? Who’s the most interesting man you’ve ever interviewed, Pat?
Irving Stone, right after Origin, his book on Darwin, was published. But my all time favorite interview was with Maya Angelou … Wow! She’s one sassy, sexy old broad.
I envy you the memories of a man I used to admire [and oogle]. And I’m glad you are able to separate the two identies of this one name. Many people only see or feel about someone as they appear in the here and now [crotchety old woman used to be a kind giving person for example] Your insight, hindsight and foresight are admirable!
Interesting thoughts, if we are untouched by time have we been there? I have met several so called celebrities in the course of my travels and have had mixed results. But I think the friendliest was Doug Williams of the Washington Redskins at Wembley, London. He stood for about thirty minutes explaining and discussing football with five amateurs from the UK leagues. He was helpful friendly and didn’t try to brush off any of the questions or requests for help. Nice bloke.
Maya Angelou! How wonderful! I’d just like to be in the same room with that woman. No chance of my saying anything, however. I’d be tongue-tied.
Will the Real David Hasselhoff Please Stand Up « Pat Bean's blog…
Here at World Spinner we are debating the same thing……