Something very flattering occurred the other day-the lovely Cassandra Peterson- better known as the legendary Mistress of the Dark, Elvira- not only mentioned , on a national radio show, that she’s a fan of mine- but that I’m one of her top picks as a horror host! This was in response to one of our loyal fans here, Jerry, calling in to the show, and mentioning that he had met Cassandra, as Elvira, when she was in our area for “Flashback Weekend”, and that she made a surprise visit on-stage with me. You can actually see and hear her talking about me at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjv_D3F1AC0
Please know that she tells a story about Frank Sinatra that uses a word for her upper anatomy that some may not find acceptable (the word, not her…well, you know) –so, if you wish to avoid that, just go to about 3 minutes into the video. As I’ve said before, she is a sweetheart, very kind and generous, and I am very flattered that she thinks so much of me!
It’s kind of funny that this happened on Stephanie Miller’s show- because, back in 1989, I replaced Stephanie (and her partner John Howell) on the morning show at WCKG radio! I’ll bet Stephanie doesn’t even remember who I am…
Something else happened that connects to my WCKG show, but, something I was very sad to hear- Don Grady, a talented actor and musician, who played Robbie on “My Three Sons” passed away after battling cancer. I was lucky to meet Don, as well as “Chip and Ernie”- the Livingston Brothers, who played his brothers on the show- when we had them come in for a special live event, as well as having them guest on my morning radio show. They were all really nice, down-to-earth guys- and we had a great time- we even did a radio skit- a take-off on “My Three Sons”, in which I played “Uncle Charlie”. When they arrived at the event at a local nightspot that evening, they were all really appreciative of the stuff I did, and I remember Don , when he spotted me, smiling broadly and saying “THIS is our guy, right here!” When we introduced them on stage, we actually held up a sheet so you could only see their feet- and “recreated” the animated open of the show, with the brothers’ toes tapping to the theme song!
I remember that, shortly after that appearance, Don became a father. His show business legacy includes being on the original “Mickey Mouse Club” and creating all sorts of music, including one of the themes to, I think, the Phil Donahue show. He was a great guy and a great talent, which makes his passing even sadder.
The weather may be steamy, but that doesn’t stop us from heading out for more fun Sven appearances- next week Friday night, July 6,we hit Silver Cross Stadium (shouldn’t a silver cross be poison to a vampire?) in Joliet for a fun night with the Joliet Slammers baseball team, as they take on the Normal CornBelters ( as opposed to the ABnormal CornBelters?) I’ll be signing autographs, taking pictures, and, no doubt, getting involved in the various fun activities happening that night. Everyone that I”ve mentioned this to who has been to a game has said it’s a great time, a beautiful stadium and fun for the entire family! Get your full info by clicking on our “appearances” tab…
Also coming up, on Sunday, July 8- you can meet me at the Lake in the Hills Rockin’ Ribfest! There’ll be lots of great music, plenty of delicious ribs, and –yours truly, again signing autographs and taking pictures with you. No, I will NOT barbeque a rubber chicken- this is a RIBfest! I’m there from noon to two pm, so- come out for the food and fun! Again, the information is under the “appearances” tab here on our site.
Come back for our next blog tomorrow- to find out what we’ll be showing on our Saturday Sven shows!
Sven/Rich, RIP to Robbie-Don Grady and also RIP to Doris Singleton who played in different seasons two (2) different mothers on “My Three Sons” and was also on the “Lucy Show” and the early TV days of “Superman”.
Sven/Rich, To further clarify, Doris Singleton was on the “I Love Lucy” show as well as the later “Here’s Lucy” show…she was 92.
Sven, you have mentioned professional wrestling on your blog on occasion. I read this morning that “Nature Boy” Rick Flair was the victim of domestic violence. He called the police because his wife had “assaulted” him. I guess this was the second time in two years. Who would ever think that could happen? I was wondering if you had ever met him over the years?
I was thrilled when I heard you mentioned by Cassandra on Stephanie’s show the other day. At last two of my worlds collide: my favorite TV horror host & my favorite morning radio program. Cassandra is a class act herself and of course her alter ego is very well known, however now that you are seen nationally, you may become as famous.
A caller to Stephanie’s show mistakenly recalled an event featuring Elvira and Seymour, L.A.’s premiere horror host of the 1970s. The event, a Halloween show at Knottsberry Farm, actually teamed Seymour with another dark-haired horror hostess, San Diego’s Moona Lisa.
Seymour was later paid tribute by Quentin Tarantino in FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, when Seymour’s weekly introduction (“The master of the macabre, the epitome of evil, the most sinister man to crawl the face was the earth”) was gender-specifically revamped and used as the stage intro for Selma Hayack’s exotic vampire dancer.
Speaking of horror movie hosts, are you aware of Zomboo of Zomboo’s House of Horror Movies in Carson City, Nevada? My son is a big fan. I tried to post a photo of Zomboo on your photo gallery
Congrats sven! im glad to see that you are still going on strong, i know that past horror hosts have retired, but you keep up our spirits. I hope you do the show for more years to come!
Regarding “My Three Sons”: William Demarest’s character of Uncle Charlie comes across like a Moe Howard who’s been in an anger management program.
I was really glad when after I mentioned you she sang your praises so well and so long. I just wonder how come she didn’t remember me???? You are still number one Mr. Goolie but she is a perfect two.
Rich, you’ll probably never see this but.. First I couldn’t believe it when I saw you were airing “I Saw What You Did.” I had waited 40+ years to see this again (boy too many see-saws)! My retelling of this movie had become a cult conversation with my daughter, so we sat with baited vampire breath and pizza to watch. Surprisingly it held up to my expectations after all this time. Second thanks for continuing the shtick! In the 70′s I was an Air Force broadcaster with AFRTS and continuing in the footsteps of our local Seattle horror host Joe Towey, I stepped into hosting some truly “horrible” movies in Iceland and Italy. With lots of midnight requisitioning we built a castle set, I had my Dad send my make-up and costumes, and with the help of an alabaster skull named 2×4 we were almost live every week! Most of the time it was a one-man show, planning, writing (well that was minimalistic at best), finding/building props, shooting, editing… so I appreciate the effort you and the crew provide!
Scott- what makes you think I’d never see your comment?
Ann Marie- I was at an event where Flair was, but unfortunately, didn’t get to meet him.Peggy- yes, I’ve heard of Zomboo.
I agree with Elvira. As a horror host you are up there with the best.
Growing up a Navy Brat, I saw every local host from one coast to the other. Sorry those days are all but gone, and am glad you are still going strong.
Yeah well,,,I had her first…
2000 years ago.. ( how do you think she became so hot )
thanks …
Dracula….
I, too, saw the video clip of Cassandra’s radio interview. It was posted on your Facebook page. I don’t know which I enjoyed more, that she gave you a shout out, or seeing her without the Elvira costume. I’m sorry to hear about Don Grady’s passing. I remember you interviewed him and the two other ‘sons’ when you did WCKG radio back in 1990.
Just a quick Elvira note. I met her at her parents magic/party/costume shop in Colorado Springs MANY years ago. IIRC she was just heading off to do her Elvira bit in the big time. I saw her portfolio, etc. for the gig she was getting. They were quite proud of her. They were also very nice folks.
I was raised on the Christopher Coffin (Reed Farrell), The Ghoul (Ron Sweed), horror show hosts and, Sven – I hope I can call you Sven, you are keeping up the fine tradition of horror hosting. I try to never miss one of your weekly shows. Keep up the great work, you are a pleasant diversion.
Twang on.
Sven, why not make the Mummy out to be a junky in search of “tanna leaves”? Also, welcome back (at least to my ability to watch you), We used to watch you when you doubled as weather man in Chicago. Yes, we watched Elvira then too and don’t mind saying she was cause of some pre-mature endings to love making
Course this was 36 yrs. ago and you and I were both thinner.
Tomestone, of course hasn’t changed a bit!
I’ve got it!!! No.. not THAT…
“Transylvania ReHab”…
Mummy is a tanna-leaf addict, Dracula is a bloodaholic & peeping Tom, Wolfman has multiple-personality disorder, and Frankenstein’s monster has depression & low self-esteem issues.
Dr. Jeckyll (who has his own split personna issues) could serve as a Dr. Drew type of counselor…
okay… I’ll stop now…
Don Grady was easy on the eyes too, So sorry to hear about his passing. You are the top horror host. You do your research and you are entertaining. And I also want to give a shout out to Doug as well because no one has shot the piano player yet so he must be good.
You are truly a just right webmaster. The site loading velocity is amazing. It kind of feels that you are doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a fantastic job on this matter!