Randy Olsen Blog

I have attended many an event, award show, and tribute over the years but none, in recent memory, were as moving as The Tribute to Mike Douglas yesterday.

For two decades The Mike Douglas Show was an institution on American television. In those 20 years virtually all the great performers, actors, comics, singers - and many sports figures and statesmen appeared on the show. Even Presidents would grace Mike's stage.

The beautifully organized event was held at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, home of the Emmy ® award. And attended by hundreds of television industry folks including former guests of the show, co-hosts, heads of studios, producers, show staff, and press.

From the testimonials it quickly became clear how deeply this kind and gentle man had touched so many. Here show creator Woody Fraser and former show producer, now head of Fox Television, Roger Ailes reminisce about Mike Douglas.
Over and over I heard what a thoughtful, generous, honest, and all around nice guy Mike Douglas was. He made all feel welcome, at ease, and important. Always taking time for everyone and open to giving a chance to new talent. During the speeches one commented that, "Mike Douglas was a moral compass for all of us in television, for those years"... going on to say that he set a standard of integrity and fair treatment. Mike gave equal opportunity to all, a pioneer of equality, opening the door for many whom had found it closed in the past.

I am honored to have been a part of this historical and memorable event, thankful to television producer, creator of such shows as Hollywood Squares & CHiP's, and former producer of the Mike Douglas Show, Rick Rosner for involving me. Rick is seen here with actress and singer Della Reese.

I am pictured here flanked by prominent television executive and head of the Television Academy, Alan Perris and writer / motivator / pro athlete, Kamy Bruder (on the right). It is worth noting Kamy's touching and moving recounting of his experience attending the Mike Douglas Tribute in his blog entry.

More Photos from the Tribute...

The Emmy ® statuette is the copyrighted property of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS/NATAS). ATAS/NATAS also own trademarks for the Emmy ® name and the Emmy ® statuette.

One night, while strolling along the beach I came across, Dr. Stephen Hadley and his wife Denise, in the final stages of pregnancy with their first child. Steve said, "Randy, I've got a crazy idea about an aquarium, marine life research center, rescue and education facility, and you're going to help me build it, you're going to get people to see the vision and get behind it." He went on to say, let's get together after the baby is born to discuss the details. Denise would go into labor that very night.

When Steve laid out his brilliantly, detailed, and impressively extensive plan to meet the needs of a marine life rescue, research and, most of all, education facility I exclaimed, "I'm in", with out hesitation. When I asked how much money we needed he said about $60 million, a number that would later become $80 million, and finally $117 million.

But I did not hesitate for a moment. Steve's vision was clear, the mission wonderful, and I had that familiar feeling when something comes from a place of passion and wanting to make a positive difference in the world. I knew Steve wanted to help, I knew he genuinely was driven to open the eyes of the public, especially children, to the marvels of the sea, and, through education, instill a sense of wonder and stewardship. I was resolved, this aquarium must be built.

Impossible, we were told. "You can't do it". "You'll never raise that kind of money these days", were the words of a leading fund raising expert. Just a few years later I would find myself at a meeting, regards another project, with that same fund raising consultant. The room happened to over look the, now in construction, Aquarium. He promptly acknowledged his miscalculation and extended his enthusiastic congratulations.

    

  
The top four finalists of the University students Aquarium logo contest
and the logo selected for the Aquarium of the Pacific

But the true success of this ambitious project was with in the coming together of countless individuals. There were times, at the very beginning, just Steve and I, when our task seemed daunting. But one by one people started to see the vision, get the mission, and begin working toward making the aquarium a reality. The millions of dollars raised started with a single donation of $150.00 from one individual. The project took on a life of it's own, driven by the collective desire to help, to make a difference, to better the world. When people want to help, I've found, rather than consider what's in it for them, we witness amazing power to make things happen, resulting in true and genuine satisfaction.

In 1992 the vision was fulfilled, and it was clear that a world class aquarium, education and research center would become a reality. Construction on the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific was completed in 1998.

Pictured below you can see (from L to R) myself, then Long Beach Mayor Beverly O'Neil, and founder Dr. Stephen Hadley, at the Aquarium of the Pacific Grand Opening. Stephen Hadley also served, for a short time, as CFO of Celebrity International.

We are capable of anything if we just believe, in our own infinite potential, and come together as one.

It would be hard to count the number of Hollywood award shows and after parties I have attended, and been involved with, over the years.

The Golden Globes®, Academy Awards®, Directors Guild Awards®, Producers Guild Awards®, People's Choice®, American Music Awards®, Grammys®, Country Music Awards™, Emmys™, SAG Awards™,... have I forgotten any? Likely.

The most wonderful thing about all of these award shows, for me, are the parities that follow. This is were friends are made, conversations are spun, fun is had, and, most often, good food abounds! That's Jamie Lee Curtis' arm you see making rabbit ears behind Ellen's head, while we were all having fun at the Golden Globe Awards®.

I'm not sure I've ever sat all the way though any award show. Has anyone?
In fact I'm cretin I have not. The times when I was simply attending the show I've always managed to find an excuse to wonder into the lobby to chat, find my way back stage, or slip into the press room. But often I had the best excuse, I was busy producing the event or coordinating publicity.

These pictures show me and some of my award show night friends. Sometimes I was having fun, making sure things flowed smooth, or orchestrating the, crucial, publicity "moment".

GLODEN GLOBE statuette is copyrighted property of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association; and OSCAR® statuette is copyrighted property of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

What better way to start your morning than with this beautiful, and cleaver, digital creation.

Enjoy, and have a great day!

Latte Art - video powered by Metacafe

Last night I had the honor of being at Claudia O'Byrne-Hill's charming dinner party. Attended by about fifty other lovely and extraordinary guests, the evening was enchanting, at minimum. The weather was perfect, the view spectacular, and the guests delightful. Claudia has a gift for, it seems, just about everything, but obvious this night was her ability to host a most beautiful party. Claudia has that flair for finding the perfect balance between elegance and relaxed, warm hospitality. It's hard to remember when I last engaged in so many interesting conversations in one night.

Claudia's long time, and close friend, Pilar Wayne, widow of actor John Wayne, told me stories of their adventures from over the years. I'm not sure if I was more impressed by Pilar's stories or how sweet, and well behaved, her little dog was.

Interior Designer Marcela De La Torre (see below), like Claudia, has homes in both Lima Peru and California. Marcela's eyes shined when she spoke of Claudia and her passion for life. Assured that Claudia's books, the first of which will most likely release next year, will be enthusiastically received by the reading public.

  

I whole heartedly agree with Marcela. Claudia's writings have a way of pulling you in and whisking you away to long ago and far-off lands. That feeling, that we long for in a book, that just does not want to let you put it down!

Another special guest, who's writings touches us in a different way, the French-born Pro Motocross rider and sweet spirit, Kamy Bruder. Kamy can be seen (below) engaged in conversations with fellow guests during dinner. He and renown, and gifted, literary editor "Chad Edwards (known as "The Book Doctor") are also seen here, with me (below).

  

Here (below) video camera man Pete Arias, nephew to late Beatle, George Harrison, and I are pictured reviewing, just shot, footage. Pete is a lovely, gentle and sensitive being whom captured part of the evening on video.

The photographs where taken by Ryu Kodama whom, as you can see in this entry, has a gift for capturing the essence and spirit of a moment like few photographers I've seen.

That being said, you know the guests were wonderful, and also know the food was delicious, the tables set just so, and there was an energy of welcoming hospitality.

Thank you Claudia for a delightful evening.

One of the pleasures of my life adventures are the, seemingly innumerable, diverse and interesting people I have met, and meet, along the way.

It is hard to say which experiences are more precious. Meeting the simple "unsung" heros, in life, or the "celebrated" renown figures.

From people like Ann Baker and all the lovely, caring, dedicated volunteers whom, for decades, have selflessly committed themselves to furthering the cause of empowering women and children that have been victims of domestic violence. For years this group has quietly served, asking for nothing in return, no recognition, no compensation. They only ask that you give, in order to help these souls in need. I consider it an honor to know them, and a privilege to have been invited to participate, and ultimately, produce their largest annual charity event, the WINGS Celebrity Classic.

It is hard to gain more renown than the President of the United States. Of the four US Presidents I have had the honor of meeting President Gerald Ford deserves a special mention. President Ford has not only served his countries top office but uses his platform to change and improve lives. Dedicating himself to supporting the efforts of first lady, and wife's, Betty Ford Center and the mission to help alcohol and other drug dependency persons, and their families, onto the road of recovery. Countless lives have been saved, and improved, because of their labor of love.

President and Mrs. Ford are consistently lovely and kind, taking care to show warmth and thoughtfulness for others. It is always a delight to see them, weather they are guests of honor at an event I am attending, hosting a fundraiser, or just seeing them in Palm Springs where they live much of the time.

Bob Hope, said to be the most recognized talent in Hollywood, has lifted the morale of thousands, starting a long standing tradition of, entertaining solders in time of war. Even in his absence the USO continues in the tradition that Bob Hope worked so hard to establish.

Bob Hope and his sweet wife Deloris, have always been gracious and generous.
From the first time I met the Hope's (at age 18) they were kind and hospitable.
Deloris leading me, and my young friends, into their Toluca Lake home's kitchen to make sure we had eaten.

I would see Mr. Hope frequently, over the years, at many events and happening -- and it's no wonder, as it's said that, "In the entire history of show business, no one has traveled so far, so often, to entertain so many."

I consider it a great honor to have met the amazing people that I have on my life's journey. Each day I seem to meet someone more incredible, from quite souls to the "bigger than life". I always enjoy sharing with people and learning, at least part of, their story. Coming away touched, or even changed, by each experience and seeing the beauty, that is surly, in everyone.

What we do in life echos in eternity.
- Maximus Meridius, "Gladiator" hero

Photo by Pat Olsen
Renown & pioneering photo journalist (joyfully retired), and my amazing Mom

I thought it appropriate to start my blog with, what seems to be, the subject I am most often asked about. Oscar Night®.

Perhaps a bit of an irony that the most inquired about event is among one I am most committed to maintaining confidentiality about.

I can talk in "broad strokes", however, about my involvement with the Oscars® and Oscar® after parties over the past 20 years. Which I will do more in upcoming blogs.

Starting over two decades ago valet parking cars for the Academy Awards® I got my first taste of Hollywood's biggest night.
After a short while I was put in change of valet and limousine arrival / return. Before the arriving celebrity would hit the red carpet, cameras franticly flashing, I (along with my, well briefed, team) would quickly get to the limo door telling the arriving passenger... "hold on to this claim ticket! It's the way you'll get your limo back at the end of the night". You see, with hundreds of limousines it's impossible to have them all "standing" curb side. We had come up with a system to call limousines, via two way radio, when the emerging actor was ready to depart the awards venue and head to the various after parties around town.

Working the red carpet for those few years, I met everyone, everyone. The funny thing was, not being big into movies or "Hollywood", I often did not recognize the celebrities I would talk with. Phil Collins was one such person. I remember asking him, as he was out front getting some air, if he was in a movie. He humbly replied, "I'm just a singer". We chatted for a while. Phil was a delight to visit with. As he walked away, one of my associates approached me and asked "wow, what were you talking to Phil Collins so long about?"

It was actually nice to get to know many of the attending actors, producers, directors, and the like, with out the bias of already knowing who they were.

Now, I must admit, to this day someone still has to occasionally whisper the name of the newer talent, into my ear, as they approach.

In more recent years, creating awards events, competing for press attention, and "wowing" a crowd that's seen it all, has been much more challenging than, the early days of, coordinating their arrival and departure.

Thankfully I've learned to slow down, and enjoy the moment... even on Oscar Night®.

Here (above) I am pictured, a few years back, with Chef Wolfgang Puck and his his wife Barbara, at Spago's Oscar Night® party.

And (above) pictured more recently, with three-time Oscar® winner Oliver Stone, at one of the celebrated Academy Award® after parties produced by, our team, Celebrity International Entertainment, Inc.

ACADEMY AWARD(S)®, OSCAR(S)®, OSCAR NIGHT® and OSCAR® statuette are copyrighted property of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences