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Green Hornet, Bruce Lee, and Me

Green Hornet, Bruce Lee, and Me

FromLinda's Bumpy Ride on a Bumpy Road


Green Hornet, Bruce Lee, and Me

FromLinda's Bumpy Ride on a Bumpy Road

ratings:
Length:
26 minutes
Released:
Jun 11, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

How are you today and did you enjoy my episode #5 BATMAN, Riddler, and Moth?I'm always excited to learn about your thoughts, reactions and opinions. Just as you like to learn about what happens on the shows I've done as well as my life stories that you enjoy.I think you know today will be about the GREEN HORNET.The first day I recall going to the studio was Exciting and Truthfully, I Just didn't know what to expect although looking forward without question or any doubts.The Director was Darrell Hollenbeck, a man who definitely knew his business.Shortly after I met the handsome Van Williams playing dual parts transforming from businessman into the Green Hornet who fought for justice along with Kato. Also there was the very pretty Wendy Wagner as his assistant.My character was Vama from outerspace and I was the very first female to ever ZAP DOWN and KNOCK-OUT Bruce Lee. This action became History !!I met Bruce at the studio for the first time and believe it or not, there was an immediate friendship.I'll explain .... For sure It seemed that right off the bat he and I clicked and Bruce began sharing many things in his life. The Green Hornet was his first acting role in America and as you know Bruce was a good looking guy and had been, of course a star talent in martial Arts Kung Fu in Hong Kong films. I believe that was the chief reason he was chosen as Kato to be the Kung Fu Protector of the GREEN HORNET !!!Although Bruce never talked about his wife Linda that, coincidentally was My Name and well it could have been because my name was the same as his wife's that he may have felt an unexpected comfort level.All be it, during "takes & filming", a special and trusting friendship began between us. Yes, he was "Kato" the Green Hornet's Protector but much more than that, the Legendary Kung Fu Master "Bruce Lee" who was destined to become an American Icon. THEE LEGENDARY KUNG FU MASTER .... BRUCE LEE ... By the way, July 9th 1967 Bruce wrote in his diary that he named his marshal arts style, "Jeet Kune Do".My very first day of shooting was the day I met Bruce as he approached me almost immediately and began talking about his career. Well, what would YOU do if you were me? Listen of course, right!! And LISTEN is exactly what I did. He kept looking directly at me all the while chatting on and on wanting advice about his life. I never had anyone do that before. There were times he would stare into my eyes but then quickly look away all the while continuously talking; Sometimes he'd step back and look down immediately as if he was unsure of himself. Since I hadn't known him for any length of time I would always listen, and also because We had an immediate friendship.This would happen every day that I was on or off set, he'd find me no matter where I was, whether or not I was in costume or waiting to change into being the golden VAMA.During breaks was his favorite time to come over and begin talking. His main focus was always on his career which encompassed something that saddened me. From his voice I could feel his pain from something deep inside that he wasn't fully accepted being Chinese in the Hollywood film community as he was desperately striving to become an accepted and known star. Being overly sensitive myself, I could recognize and feel his sensitivity regarding those who did not appear to fully accept him. Those who at times might whisper or even sometimes halt their conversations when they saw us talking together.He was gentle and treated me with great respect as he asked my opinions about almost everything in his life. He would say many times I respect your opinion, and you're smart and very educated, a special and beautiful lady.
Released:
Jun 11, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (8)

Many of you may know me as an actress in Michael Crichton’s Premier film “Westworld” in which I played Arlette, robot prostitute who seduced & gave favors to Richard Benjamin. Now Richard was a fantastic actor to work with especially because he knew I was uncomfortable having to disrobe and undress. Richard might have been uncomfortable during that scene but I never noticed a hint of it. Off-screen he was a happily married man to a beautiful and highly talented actress Paula Prentiss, known for her comedy roles in many films. I’d like to mention that when actors don't have any lines of dialogue, it’s not as easy as you would think. Without words, the character has little to work with. As an audience, think about it and imagine what or how You would convey your thoughts to another person if you were unable to speak. Well, if you don’t agree, try it sometime. It isn’t easy my friends. Also, it was inferred that handsome James Brolin was having his way with another saloon gal. FYI - As an aside, James Brolin is married to the iconic “Out of this World” Singer, Actress, Award-Winning Barbra Streisand. Meanwhile, Brolin's character was being pursued by the Man in Black, Gunslinger Yul Brynner who was brilliant, outstanding, and very scary. Mr. Brynner was best known for being the staunch King in the legendary film "The King and I" with Award-Winning actress Deborah Kerr. Now regarding television, there was a well-known series called The Green Hornet (Green Hornet Music.. )in which you may know me as VAMA, the One and Only woman in history to "ZAP" the Great, Incomparable Bruce Lee as CATO. During and between "takes" Bruce and I would talk at length about so many things but honestly He did most of the talking. He said he didn't easily open up to others but felt like he'd known me for a long time. That he felt safe & very comfortable. In The Batman 66 series (Batman Music) I was The Riddler's female villain "MOTH". I will be giving fans much to chew on when talking about the show's Hero Adam West, his sidekick Burt Ward and the forever Memorable Frank Gorshin. Certainly More to share at another time. There are a slew of many other series such as Bewitched with Elizabeth Mongomery and Dick York, Lost in Space, Bonanza, and my Introductory and very first role in Ben Casey as well as many other roles in which I guest-starred.