Television, Ink.

“The written word on TV”

Contact:  Herbie J Pilato   *   (310) 480-0067   *   hjpilato@yahoo.com

PRESS RELEASE

Herbie J Pilato writes DASHING new book about Classic TV Male Icons!

DASHING, DARING AND DEBONAIR:

TV’s Top Male Icons from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s

By Herbie J Pilato

Foreword by Adam “Batman” West

Preface by Joel Eisenberg (“The Chronicles of Ara”)
(Taylor Trade Publishing/Rowman & Littlefield)

Be they actors, comedians, singers, dancers, or talk show hosts and personalities, or showrunners, everyone from Danny Thomas and Desi Arnaz to Dick Van Dyke and Robert Conrad to Alan Alda and Telly Savalas ignited their own particular brand.

DASHING, DARING AND DEBONAIR: TV’S TOP MALE ICONS FROM THE ‘50s, ‘60s AND ‘70s by Herbie J Pilato profiles them all.  With a foreword by Adam "Batman" West, this book celebrates the men who invented television machismo and became stars in the process, including: Ed Asner (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show), Max Baer, Jr. (“The Beverly Hillbillies”), Tony Dow (“Leave it to Beaver”), Larry Wilcox (“CHiPs”), Stanley Livingston (“My Three Sons”), Robert Wagner (“It Takes a Thief”) - all of whom (and more!) granted exclusive interviews for this book.

Just listen to some of the DASHING praise:

"Well, here we all are!  We got lucky, worked hard and did what we loved, and in return we found our places in the story – a story that Herbie J Pilato tells so well."  -  Richard Thomas (actor, John-Boy from "The Waltons")

“My friend Herbie J Pilato’s own personal panache shines like a diamond stick-pin in his new book Dashing, Daring and Debonair - a perfectly fun and extremely addictive read.”  -  Cindy Williams (actress)

"Is there anything Herbie J Pilato doesn't know about pop culture, most specifically classic television? I love all his books and he's got the creds to write them because he personally knows many of these icons and can ferret out all the juicy, little known, behind-the-scenes anecdotes that make these tomes such gems. Great reading!"  -  Kathryn Leigh Scott (publisher, author, actress; "Dark Shadows")

"No one is more passionate or informed about classic television than Herbie J Pilato, who is at it again with this truly exhaustive survey of the most influential male stars and producers over three decades.  With profiles from the sublime (Rod Serling) to the ridiculous (Red Skelton), and a slew of other icons in between, Dashing, Daring, and Debonair is comprehensive, enlightening, and a blast to read."  -  David Bushman (Curator of Television, Paley Center for Media)

“Herbie J Pilato gives a true voice to classic television in the same way historians give voice to classical music, poets, writers, filmmakers and creators of masterpieces in museums all over the world.  Herbie J places television history as defining America where it needs to be, side by side with the greatest artists of all time.”  -  Pierre Patrick (talent agent, author of “The Doris Day Companion”)

“Herbie J Pilato had me at Dashing, Daring and Debonair…a delicious, guilty pleasure written by one of today’s brightest chroniclers of yesterday.  Herbie J is a gifted and talented man, whose love, respect, passion, and vast knowledge of classic TV shines through on every page of this fun, fabulous can't-put-it-down guide to TV’s finest male icons.  I adore this book - and I adore Herbie J!  Bravo to both!”  -  Caryn Richman (actress, “The New Gidget”)

“What an informative tribute to the male icons whose talents helped shape classic television!  The gang's all here: everyone from Desi Arnaz and Rod Serling to James Garner and William Shatner, from Ricky Nelson and Donny Osmond to Johnny Carson and Andy Griffith - and literally dozens of others! Herbie J, take a bow!”  -  Thomas J. Watson (author, producer, TV historian, former personal assistant to Lucille Ball)

"Herbie J Pilato has given us an encyclopedia of television’s iconic male stars. What a grand and impressive trip down memory lane!”  -  Gloria Loring (singer/songwriter, actress, author)

“Herbie J Pilato writes about classic television not only with a deep knowledge of his subject, but with an equally deep love and respect.  If you know nothing about television and its greatest stars, read one of Herbie J's books.  If you think you know everything about television and its greatest stars, read one of Herbie J's books.  Either way, you will learn something new, fun, and fascinating. Dashing, Daring, and Debonair is a brilliant addition to his canon. It belongs in your collection!”  -  Melissa Byers (Digital Content Producer, Television Academy)

“There is no one more knowledgeable or more passionate than Herbie J Pilato where classic TV is concerned.  Dashing, Daring, and Debonair not only demonstrates his vast expertise in this realm, but also gives the reader a fresh perspective on the many pop culture icons profiled in this book.  Great scholarship married to great fun!"  -  Bill Royce (Emmy Award-winning co-producer of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno")

“I've encountered the word 'scholar' more than once when associated with Mr. Pilato...first in print and recently spoken in front of me by Kung Fu's creator Ed Spielman.  In this and others writings by Herbie J, one gets the distinct sense they are not reading an historian’s words about television, but those by one who deeply cares for and understands the entire milieu and the real people who inhabit that very special world.”  -  Radames Pera (actor, director)

“I first went to the section about my Dad, and loved it.  Then I jumped to Gene Roddenberry because I’m a Trekker – and then on to Christopher Knight and Barry Williams because we’re friends on Facebook.  After that…I was just plain hooked.  I read it from cover to cover, enjoying every minute of this enlightening, entertaining, and revealing look at television’s glory days.”  -  Chris York (son of actor Dick York, “Bewitched”)

“Herbie J Pilato, Golden Age TV Expert Extraordinaire, has a new book for us to glom onto.  Dashing, Daring and Debonair…[is] chock full of all that full-bodied, full-steam-ahead Herbie J flavor.” -  Larry Brody, TVWriter.com.

“What an exciting book!  A must-have for any fan of television.  Everyone from the baby boomer generation and all ages will remember these stars.  Now the renowned television historian and author Herbie J Pilato has a present for us all:  this amazing book.  From Fonzie to Barbarino to Batman, Mr. Pilato gives us in-depth glimpses at our favorite male stars of the golden age of television.  Kudos!”  -     Rick Lertzman, author, entertainment historian.

About the Author

In addition to Dashing, Daring and Debonair, writer/producer Herbie J Pilato’s critically-acclaimed books include: Glamour Gidgets and the Girl Next Door, Twitch Upon A Star, The Bionic Book, among others.  In 2010, Pilato founded the nonprofit Classic TV Preservation Society (which helps to close the gap between pop-culture and education), presides over Television, Ink. (a family-oriented TV, film, and literary production company), serves as contributing editor to Larry Brody’s heralded www.TVWriter.net, writes frequently about classic television for www.emmys.org, and has worked on several classic TV broadcast and DVD documentaries for Bravo, E!, A&E, TLC, Warner Bros., Sony, and NBCUniversal. He lives in Los Angeles.  

To schedule an author interview or receive a review copy of Dashing, Daring and Debonair, please CONTACT:

Herbie J Pilato

Television, Ink.

(310) 480-0067

hjpilato@yahoo.com

One of the nicest compliments I've ever received...

The following few sentences combined into one of the nicest compliments I have ever received - and I share it with both permission and pride:

"Herbie...I've worked in and around professional publishing for more years than I care to admit. And it is without doubt that you are one of the most courteous and gracious people I have had the pleasure of getting to know. You do your industry and life a great service. Wishing continued good health, luck and success!"

- Pete Doubleu

The Angels Were With Me Last Wednesday Night

I was in a car accident last week.

But I walked away unscathed, as did all of those who were involved.

My car was damaged  in the back, and the other vehicle was pretty much destroyed.

And all that transpired around the incident, in protection of myself and everyone involved, was a blessing.

Here's what happened:

It was Wednesday evening, June 23rd.

I was on my way from Cerritos to Beverly Hills for a special reading of a new play.

I stopped for gas on Artesia Blvd, a few blocks from where I live, and began to make my way to the 91 Freeway West.

In a few moments, I noticed an accident to the side of the road, at an intersection/cross-street.

It was a dreadful.  Two vehicles were involved, and both were intermingled with one another.

I wasn't sure if there was any casualties.

I kept moving, and the traffic started to slow before the Freeway entrance.

Unfortunately, the driver behind me did not notice the slowing traffic, as he was distracted by the other accident.

In seconds, that driver slammed into me, going normal speed, approximately 20-25 miles per hour.

I stopped my car, walked out to see if everyone was okay, and then looked at the back of my car, and the front of his.  There was significant damage to the back of my vehicle, but nothing compared to the other car, the front end of which was destroyed.

Police who were covering the other accident, had already called for back-up.

Within minutes, additional police officers, along with fireman came to the aid of myself and others in this second accident.

The other party admitted it was his fault, and both he and I, thank God, were not harmed in the incident.  I was more concerned about his Mom, who was sitting in the front seat next to him.  She was very emotionally upset, and kept grabbing heart.

We exchanged contact information.  His insurance company would be paying for everything...the damage to my car...the rental car I would be attaining the next day, and all damages.

We all walked away physically unscathed, thank Heaven.

I never made it to my writer's event that night.

But Heaven had another plan, and the Angels were with me, and each of us.

I remain grateful to be alive.....and how I was protected each step of the way.

My faith kept me strong, physically, emotionally, and psychologically throughout the entire ordeal.

I was calm and collected throughout it all.

And I simply don't know what people without faith do in such circumstances.

I'm just glad I have faith, and that the Angels responded to that faith with graceful protection for all concerned.

The Color of Humanity

The Color of Humanity - by Herbie J Pilato

The color of my skin is olive, or white, depending on the time of year. And I am a straight man. But that does not mean that I will necessarily only vote for an olive-skinned or a white straight man to be in the White House, or for an olive-skinned or a white straight man for any particular political position or office. My political beliefs are relatively liberal. But that does not necessarily mean that I will vote for a relatively liberal individual to be in the White House or any particular political position or office. My hair color has ranged from brown to salt-and-pepper to gray to silver. But that does not mean that I will vote for only a brown, salt-and-peppered, or gray, or silver-haired individual to be in the White House or any particular political position of office.

Do you see where I'm going here?

When I vote, or stand behind any political candidate, I vote for the INDIVIDUAL...and for what that particular individual will bring to the table. I vote for their experience...for their wisdom...for the leadership qualities...for their humanity.

Those are the legitimate reasons in choosing a candidate for ANY political office. And not because they are White, Italian, Black, Greek, Blond, a Female, Straight, Gay, or Martian.

And the same rules apply to EVERY area of life, beyond professional politics.

Essentially, I make wise choices in all areas for legitimate, authentic reasons, for the highest good of all concerned.

I Am Only Human

I am a human being, defined solely by my humanity.

My heritage does not define me. My culture does not define me. The color of my skin does not define me. My politics do not define me. My religious and spiritual beliefs do not define me. My financial status does not define. My sexuality does not define me. My gender does not define me. My family does not define me. My friends do not define me. My colleagues do not define me. My work does not define me. My accomplishments do not define me. My intelligence does not define me. My wisdom does not define me. My opinions do not define me.

Defined solely by my humanity, I am only human.

Blessed are the Children - and the Parents!

I applaud each of my dear friends, family members, and colleagues who are so blessed as parents...those who have been blessed with children, whether through biological or adoptive means. I have yet to be as blessed and, and thought by now that I surely would be. 

It was long my dream to have my intended children be raised and grown with the children of my friends of my age...in order that we would have all "grown-up" together. But that has not been the case, and it was simply just not yet meant to be. That particular time-doorway has closed.

Instead, over the years, my "children" have materialized in the form of my books, and my work, as I focused on my career. While, too, my "children" were for a good many years, my parents, for whom in many ways, I placed my life on hold, while I cared for them in their elder years. The parents became the children, and the child became the parent. And I do not regret one single moment in doing so, because I loved my parents on Earth, and very much love them still to this day while they rejoice in Heaven. 

But one day, I turned around, and there I was...a 55-year-old man, with a child's heart, and so much to give, and yet, fatherhood, in it's truest sense, has thus far alluded me. 

Sometimes, for those of us in the arts, who are not born into wealth, or such stable heritage, sometimes for those such individuals, the securities of this world, or at least what the people of this world recognize as stable, it take a little longer. 

So, while my dream of raising children with my same-age friends as they raise their children has passed, a new day is dawning. The success and financial stability that many of my friends had experienced in our twenties and thirties, I am just now beginning to experience. 

So, we shall see what tomorrow will bring. A new life? A new love? Indeed, a new child after all, for the man with the child's heart, and finally, the adult life? We shall see. We shall see.

In the meantime, I'm sending blessings and joy to all and each of you who are already so blessed as parents of loving-kind children of your own. 

How truly, truly blessed you all are indeed.

I'M WALKING AS STRAIGHT AS I CAN by Geri Jewell is a Gem!

Honest.  Poignant.  Funny.  Challenged.  Victorious.  Inspirational.

Those are just a few words to help describe I'M WALKING AS STRAIGHT AS I CAN: TRANSCENDING DISABILITY IN HOLLYWOOD AND BEYOND by Geri Jewell.

The iconic actress and comedian is best known for her ground-breaking role as Geri Warner on the classic TV series, The Facts of Life, which originally aired on NBC from 1979 to 1988.

I'M WALKING AS STRAIGHT AS I CAN is the astounding account of her life and career before, during and after her monumental performance on Facts which, because of Jewell, became the first weekly series to feature a character with visible disability that was actually played by an actor with a visible disability.

Jewell was born with Cerebral Palsy, but her physical struggles have ever since been outnumbered by her triumphs and relentless uplifting spirit and personality, combined with an unstoppable creative mind, wit and intelligence.

Jewell's optimum writing style, coupled with her keen sense of observation and humor, allows the reader to become so movingly involved with her personal and professional best (and worst!) in the most captivating of ways.  She pulls no punches in revealing the challenges she's faced, off screen and on, but after reading her story, one is left with meeting, understanding, attaining, and knowing a new best friend - and a lot more insight into how to live fully, minus any inordinate amount of self-pity or jubilation.

Instead, Jewell delivers with distinction and resolve the perfect balance of how to function, in life life, and in business.

Despite the physical challenges...the emotional and psychological abuse...the insurmountable losses, and the nightmares of every fold, Jewell instead mustered the courage, at times by way of sheer will, to focus instead on the replenished gains and her dreams, even and particularly on the days after her worst nightmares.

In short, I'M WALKING AS STRAIGHT AS I CAN is just about as good as it gets in any literate category.  A Five-Star rating for a truly super star's way of living.

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