I am William Windom's biographer. Edward costarred on an episode of The Farmer's Daughter, which Bill was co star. Not sure how true but I reas Edward enjoyed sailing and chess. Bill was an expert seaman and high level chess player. Bill was also eccentric. While costarring in Murder She Wrote he carried a briefcase with a salami attached. A crew member asked, Why? Bill said, why not.
I think Edward liked the *idea* of a lot of things more than the things themselves. He had five ovens and a library of cookbooks, but I never saw him cook. I don't think he was a sailor, and I never saw him play chess, but I think it's very lightly he loved the idea that he was both!
I can't say for sure, but he did love getting mail (particularly fan mail). I would say his intention to answer was always stronger than his ability to find time to do it. By the time he died his to-do list was epic!
H I L A R I O U S. Two things: your wife is definitely a doppelgänger (but more gorgeous obviously) and keep writing. I chuckling all the way. Brilliant
I witnessed the pants on coat hangers on the washing line first hand, truly a sight to behold. He also set 5 alarms when making his toast to prevent himself from burning the house down every morning. Interspersed with “Oh fuck, darling” the few days I stayed with him were some of strangest of my life. He was very kind to me and remains quite the most eccentric person I have met.
It’s a rollicking read. You’ve captured him such that I feel like I knew him. I’m just disappointed that he didn’t walk around saying ‘Blasted $&@‘ at the top of his voice. And being a farm boy it was ‘Ghost and Mrs Manure’ in our household. Sounded funnier when we were kids
I am William Windom's biographer. Edward costarred on an episode of The Farmer's Daughter, which Bill was co star. Not sure how true but I reas Edward enjoyed sailing and chess. Bill was an expert seaman and high level chess player. Bill was also eccentric. While costarring in Murder She Wrote he carried a briefcase with a salami attached. A crew member asked, Why? Bill said, why not.
I think Edward liked the *idea* of a lot of things more than the things themselves. He had five ovens and a library of cookbooks, but I never saw him cook. I don't think he was a sailor, and I never saw him play chess, but I think it's very lightly he loved the idea that he was both!
I've loved Edward for years! I sent him a letter in 1995 and often wondered if he ever got it and read it.
I can't say for sure, but he did love getting mail (particularly fan mail). I would say his intention to answer was always stronger than his ability to find time to do it. By the time he died his to-do list was epic!
I always wondered about this guy and knew nothing about him! Thanks for bringing him to life for me.
You’re welcome. And I’m glad - properly eccentric, but irresistible.
H I L A R I O U S. Two things: your wife is definitely a doppelgänger (but more gorgeous obviously) and keep writing. I chuckling all the way. Brilliant
So cool! Thanks for sharing that... much more interesting background than most!
You know me… Just selling the sizzle!
Hilarious!!! And so envious of your colourful life!!! Mary xxx
Great read, JH, thanks. :)
Thanks, mate.
I witnessed the pants on coat hangers on the washing line first hand, truly a sight to behold. He also set 5 alarms when making his toast to prevent himself from burning the house down every morning. Interspersed with “Oh fuck, darling” the few days I stayed with him were some of strangest of my life. He was very kind to me and remains quite the most eccentric person I have met.
What a wonderful read, Jonathan. Remember him well from various films/TV. What a bizarre and wonderful childhood you experienced x
Thanks, Viv - really glad you enjoyed it.
It’s a rollicking read. You’ve captured him such that I feel like I knew him. I’m just disappointed that he didn’t walk around saying ‘Blasted $&@‘ at the top of his voice. And being a farm boy it was ‘Ghost and Mrs Manure’ in our household. Sounded funnier when we were kids
Thanks, mate. Not sure I'm going to be able to call it anything else now!
What a lovely memory of a true eccentric! I adored that man.
And thank you for the re-stack! Love you, too!
Yeah, me too. XXX
Brilliant piece JH. And methinks your spouse is reminiscent of Mrs Muir.
Ha! She'll like that!
And thank you, by the way.