Skip to main content

Lee Majors



 .


The Club 22 at the Windsor Arms Hotel in Toronto was a hub for the who's who of the film industry in the 70s and 80s. Many big-name actors frequented this spot when they were in town shooting movies. It was also a de facto office for many movie people. One sunny afternoon, I found myself hanging out in the quiet ambiance of the Club 22, when none other than The Million Dollar Man, Lee Majors, walked in accompanied by a very young actor, Chris Makepeace. Lee had been a familiar face over the past few evenings, often spotted with Karen Kain, the renowned ballet star he was dating at the time.


I was an assistant producer back then, working for Jerome Simon. We had offices both at the Park Plaza and around the corner, but the real business took place here in Club 22. We had just wrapped up a film titled "Double Negative" and were in the midst of negotiating another project. With nothing pressing on my schedule that afternoon, I found myself striking up a conversation with Lee.


Lee and Chris had just completed shooting "The Last Chase", and while Chris sat there looking slightly awkward, Lee was the picture of cool charm. Daytime Don, the waiter, approached the table to take their orders. Lee ordered a drink and Don, with a twinkle in his eye, turned to the underage Chris and said, "You are an actor; I guess you can act 21," before handing him a glass of milk. It was a smooth move that avoided any potential awkwardness.

To my surprise, Lee was much cooler than I had anticipated. Friendly, funny, and remarkably self-effacing, he easily won everyone over, including me. Over the next couple of days, Lee became a regular sight at the Club 22, sometimes joining a group of us, other times engaging in one-on-one conversations with me. One afternoon, I even saw him act as an extra in a nearby shoot, exemplifying his down-to-earth nature.

One particular moment stands out vividly in my memory. It was an afternoon like any other, just the two of us at the bar. After a few drinks, Lee glanced at a tabloid photo of him and Farrah Fawcett, his long-time love and wife from whom he was separated. With a deep sigh and a wistful tone, he admitted, "I am still in love with Farrah, you know." I could see the ache in his eyes as he spoke, and in that moment, any shred of Hollywood glitz fell away, revealing the real man beneath. I bought the next round.

Lee Majors was truly a nice man, full of surprising qualities that made those days at Club 22 unforgettable. Meeting him and spending that time together left a lasting impression on me. It's a memory I hold dear, tucked away in the annals of my experiences in the vibrant Toronto film scene of 1980.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Gordon Tootoosis

In the heart of Toronto, I ran an exclusive after-hours bar, a hidden gem known for its unique clientele and enigmatic charm. Gaining entry to this clandestine establishment wasn't easy; you either had to be a celebrity, most notably a musician, or have the privilege of knowing me personally. This unwritten rule provided a layer of secrecy that kept the authorities at bay for a long time. It was a sanctuary for those who craved anonymity and the freedom to unwind without the scrutiny of the public eye. One memorable evening, as I was tending to the door, a tall man donning braids and a large white cowboy hat appeared. He introduced himself in a confident yet humble manner. "Gary, you don't know me. I am Gordon Tootoosis," he said. "I am an actor, and a good actor too, I can play any tribe." His earnest declaration and imposing presence were enough for me to grant him entry. Gordon's reputation preceded him, particularly for his role in the movie Alien Th...

FARLEY MOWATT

I met Farley in the 60's we had the same Hair Stylist (Chris Beacom) and we had a few drinks at the Pilot and talked of Newfoundland. i remember one of his lines. I would like to go back to Newfoundland, maybe when Joey dies.

Elway Yost

  My sister Gaille was Elway Yost's secretary for a few years at TV Ontario. "I had the incredible opportunity to meet and engage in conversation with the talented Elwy on multiple occasions. On two separate occasions, I was even asked to be a stand-by guest for his show, Magic Shadows. Though I never had the chance to step in, just being considered by Elwy himself was an honor I will never forget. As a devoted fan of Magic Shadows from the very start, these moments were truly unforgettable.