My friends, can your hearts stand the shocking facts about the 32nd anniversary of the death of Edward D. Wood, Jr.?"
Eddie
(10/10/1924 ---- 12/10/1978)
I've written about him before, and I'm not going to get into it much more deeply here. I just want to note that he's one of my heroes, which might explain my high level of fail half the time, but even as an anti-hero, Ed Wood teaches, and his life is a fascinating and difficult object lesson about self-awareness, self-promotion, and the self-destruction that comes from denial and fear.
Angora'd, smoke'd, and happy.
Consecrat'd by Bela. Definitely happy.
On this date in 1978, Wood was found dead of a heart attack in the bedroom of a friend's home, where he'd been living while trying to break himself of his alcohol dependence and get his career back on track.
Sad.
If he'd lived, in just another couple of years, he'd have seen the beginning of his cult-like following, and become the darling of every horror and sci-fi convention throughout the last few decades.
He likely would have found plenty of legitimate, established Hollywood talent begging to be a part of his next project.
As it is, he's at least being remembered and appreciated -- if not for his skill or talent, then for his early optimism, ambition and inspiring mediocrity.
Until we get you your cenotaph at Hollywood Forever Cemetery...
... rest in peace, at sea, Edward Davis Wood Jr.
And remember...
Future events such as these, will affect you in the future.
DUMDUMSHREKPULLDESTRINGK!
Ed always knew his ship would come in. Too bad he didn't have the right schedule. I always thought of him as being the ultimate optimist. And who is to say he was wrong? He got to hang out with Tor Johnson, Vampira and Criswell (20% accurate, 80% of the time). And then Ed helped out Bela Lugosi in his declining years. Not sure about his taste in sweaters, though--angora is too tickly for me!
ReplyDeleteRest in Peace Ed. And thanks for all the great memories.