fbpx

Fred Travalena – Farewell

By Judith

Courtesy of The Flaming Nose

Date: Monday, June 29, 2009

In the midst of the deaths of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson there was a new obituary added this week. Fred Travalena, famed impersonator, passed away Sunday after years of struggling with cancer. Fred never became a television icon and he certainly never rose to the monumental career heights of Michael Jackson, but he had a huge talent, a quick wit and a clever take on impersonations. He could do anyone and do them all better than anyone else. More importantly, he was a good man.

I had the opportunity to work with him some 21 years ago on a promotional campaign touting the ten best vacation destinations in America. I had the big cheap thrill of selecting the destinations and I travelled around the U.S. with Fred and a superbly gifted production crew. We bounced around Williamsburg and Boston, snorkeled in Florida, got history lessons in San Antonio, fished in San Diego, admired the beauty of Pike’s Peak, the Grand Canyon and the city of Chicago. We walked under the arch in St. Louis and rafted down the Snake River outside of the Tetons.

Fred was a joy to work with and I do mean a joy. We basically stayed in dumpy motels to save on costs and he never complained.

He will not be remembered culturally like Michael Jackson will, but he will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. I certainly wasn’t a friend, but I did run into him a few years back at the Italian festival in Los Angeles and he remembered me – for real, by the way. We chatted and then went our separate ways, although I did ask him to do Sinatra. He loved it and so did I!

Fred is now in his Father’s arms on the golden streets of heaven. May you rest in peace, Fred!

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Watch WHEN CALLS THE HEART: Lost and Found
Quality: - Content: +4
Watch GOOD NIGHT OPPY
Quality: - Content: +2