By:  Tommy Garrett

Critics and fans are raving about AMC's new hit "Mad Men" right now.   The show is a nostalgic walk down memory lane for baby boomers of the 60's era, who may find out through this series, what they really thought happened in their lives may be a bit altered.  Or maybe not.  That is what is so great about this show.   I recently saw actress Barbara Kerr Condon on the show and was blown away by her performance.   It may have been an ensemble scene that stood out in my mind, and leave it to the devout Christian to give others credit as well.  "I thoroughly enjoyed working on this show.   It was an incredible experience and I felt so honored that not only did the producers bring all of the women in that were in my episode to find the perfect look for us, having hair and make up work on us for days before they found which look was perfect for each character, but the creator and producer of the show also came out and talked to us as a group and explained how important this scene was to the storyline and also to the show.   It was a great feeling to be involved in such a production."

Condon is also working on a short film project called, "Just Desserts," a long story short.  She received a mass email from someone, we all do, but months later she investigated the email source, found the sender of the original email and ultimately the originator of the story, a priest in Australia no doubt.  She spoke with him and explained her feelings, what she would like to do.  Luckily for Condon, the priest has a brother who is a short film maker, so he knew the process and gave her his blessing.   The story is one that Condon feels must be told and on her faith, she has found almost everyone, crew and cast, that she wants to work with on this project by god's grace.   This is how the beautiful actress lives her life and runs her career.

 

Back to "Mad Men."  The series is groundbreaking.  Nothing since HBO's "Rome" or NBC's "ER" has been so well received by the public.   I haven't met anyone who has said, "Oh, I watched it and don't want to see it again."  Condon says, "Everyone I meet, they are talking about it."  Well, they are talking about Barbara Kerr Condon as well.  Her one episode has now become the most talked about in my circles.   I have received emails and calls from fans and friends who all say, who is this lady and isn't she a perfect fit for this drama?  I could not agree more.  For those who would like to voice their opinion on the show or preferably on the actress we are discussing you can go to AMC's website and send your opinions.  

Condon is a star, and she's one that the series should utilize in the future.   Luckily I find her to be a person of beauty, class and devotion to her faith.   I recently spoke with the actress and found her to be one of the most refreshing actresses in the industry today.   She's as beautiful as Jessica Lange and more talented than many of today's top stars.

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Another legend has left us.  Merv Griffin who is best known as the creator of "Jeopardy" and "Wheel of Fortune," but also was a real estate mogul died of prostate cancer over the weekend.   Griffin may have his critics, the fact that the gay star and icon never openly admitted it and played right wing politics to benefit his financial empire.  But the point should be, he was a gracious man, who always had manners and was smart and savvy in business.  His private life should remain that.  Private. 

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Another great man is former star Rex Reason.  Rex hasn't ventured far geographically from Hollywood, but he's on another planet when it comes to spirituality.  The one time star left the business in a mission to save his soul and to work on what is most important to him.  Rex has been a friend of mine for many years and I cannot say enough kind things about him.   That's why I was ecstatic to learn from him that he will be signing autographs again, and selling memorabilia to fans through his official website:  www.rexreason.com.  The star's site is run by a brilliant webmaster, who has utter respect for his client.  Kent Karemaker says of Rex, "I first became a fan of Rex's back in the late nineties after watching his performance in "This Island Earth."  Afterwards, I wrote to him and he sent a very warm response, we clicked and a friendship was formed then."  The friendship and the great taste of the two gentlemen is the reason this is one of the best sites on the Net.  Rex tells me, "We have some great new changes and additions coming to the site soon and fans will see some never before seen memorabilia.  I'll also be selling some of my inspirational CD's on the site."  And what an inspiration Rex Reason is to many of us in this industry.  We are all his fans.