Remembering Charles Durning

There appear to be a lot of male movie stars and TV personalities who, with the benefit of hindsight and perhaps a lot of delayed admission on my part, meant a huge amount to me when I was younger. And there were many, including actors known for their acting abilities than their looks, like Edward Asner, Rod Steiger and Tom Bosley. But no one I watched, made more of an impression than Charles Durning.

Durning inspires lustful fantasies buried deep in my psyche that go as far back as I can recall. Being the first male focus of my youthful masturbatory sessions as I began to discover my penchant for big, matured men! Durning had an everyday look, sporting less-than-perfect physique - portly, thinning hair and a bulbous nose - and was a casting director's delight, equally adept at comedy and drama.

If his ordinary-guy looks deprived him of leading-man roles, they did not leave him typecast. He could play gruff and combative or gentle and funny. In the comedy “Tootsie” (1982) he was a little of each,  playing Jessica Lange’s unsuspecting father, who falls for a television actor masquerading as a woman. But it wasn't until he starred in "Evening Shade" were he portrayed the dim, blustery, small-town doctor Harlan Elldridge that got my attention. He had spent most of two episodes walking around wearing just a small bush. I was titillated at the sight of  this silverfox of a chub bellying his way across a scene. The sight of him had me shooting ropes that night. From this point I was hooked and have been trying to get my hands on anything he has appeared in.

By the 2000s, he was getting on in years, a little past his best and he did appear to have lost a little weight, but I'd still would have done him in a heartbeat. He never went out of style, never lost his appeal. He was never put away because his looks had faded or his waistline thickened. I stuck with him, just as he stuck with us. (Durning was working into his late 80s).

I was saddened by his passing, he died Dec. 24 at age 89, but couldn't help but smile at the remembrances of some of the characters he played and the performances that he gave. I didn't feel the pain of loss as much as gratitude for all the happy hours shared with Durning. I was so glad for knowing him. Never mind we never met. I will always be thankful to Mr. Durning for making my life more enjoyable and appreciated his work as a mature admirer. He was a great character actor, D-Day Veteran and more importantly, A GREAT MAN. He’ll be greatly missed.

 

 

 

The Men of Murder, She Wrote. SEASON NINE

Lets take a trip back to the idyllic town of Cabot Cove, AKA Murder Capital of the world. Where can't take a step without seeing a hot chubby daddy. "Murder She Wrote" is a regular daddy buffet with the almost unbelievable amount of hot daddies appearing on this show. During the shows run, I use to watch it because I had a crush on Angela Lansbury since seeing "Bedknobs and Broomsticks". But now it's her semi-regular sidekicks, like William Windom, Tom Bosley and later Ron Masak that keep me watching reruns of the show. So here's a run down of the actors I had a thing for that appeared on season nine.

Dakin Matthews

 All bearded up with his first of three appearances on the show. In "The Wind Around the Tower" he was the murder victom of the show, being killed off by his wife. Damn her. How could you murder someone with a face like that. Funny how back then I didn't pay him any attention, but now I could watch him all day.

Richard Riehle

"The Wind Around the Tower" had another guest star that maded plenty of appearances in my imagination (with alot less cloths). Riehle with no mustache (still hot by the way), played the local police in this episode trying to solve the murder. But I like to think of as he is today, with that cute stache.

Ken Howard

 "The Mole" was Ken's fifth appearance on the show as a corrupt prominent businessman and philanthropist. It was one of his earlier guest spots on the show that caught my attention and I had a boner for him since.

Patrick Macnee

"The Dead File" was Macnee's second and last appearance on the show as a down and out cartoonist. I just love hearing his voice, taking me back to his avenger days as John Steed. Yes even at that age, I'd still tap that. Some guys just have it. Still alive today at 91 and I still might tap that. 

Len Cariou

 If there was anybody that could get into Jessica's panties, it was Michael Hagarty. "Sugar & Spice, Malice & Vice" was Cariou's last appearance on the show as Hagarty, who was framed for murder and need Jessica's help. The chemistry between Michael and Jessica got thinking she had to have given it up to him sooner or later. I mean look a Cariou. I sure would.

Ron Masak 

How would like to be the sheriff in Cabot Cove AKA Murder Capital. Sheriff Mort Metzger did. Taking over for Amos and I don't think it was a bad choice. I mean look at him. That is one hot daddy if I ever saw one.

William Windom

Speaking of getting into Jessica's panties, I like think Seth did. Michael Hagarty was fly in, hit it and fly out. I like to think Jessica and Seth had a relationship where when she needed the cob webbs cleared, she called him over. Seth may have been a grumpy old teddy bear, but I'd do him. Look, I'm happy with this imagery, just accept it.