When I was in junior school we had to write a letter to someone famous as an English task, asking them questions. All the other boys chose actors and famous football stars like Bobby Charlton or George Best. We are talking of 1971 here. I was always a bit different and chose to write to Ali Bongo who was on TV at the time introducing a cartoon programme on Saturdays. Of course the other kids took the piss out of me. None of the others got an answer from their famous stars. But months later I received a handwritten three paged letter, where Ali Bongo appologised for taking so long to answer and then went on to explain everything about the programme and answer all my questions in detail. The other kids were quite jealous and I was proper chuffed. What a lovely man.
I really enjoyed watching Ali Bongo all dressed up as his character at a live theater show in Los Angeles called "It's Magic!" He was starring with Mark Wilson and Nani Darnel! I was a kid sitting up front of the live orchestra pit! We paid $10.00 a ticket!!! Now a production theater show would cost $200 +...thus, no more shows!!! I also saw Blackstone Jr. in a theater close by...it is now closed...sad times, but exciting memories!!!
