Larry Manetti

Elvis was an American icon, but the watch he wanted was given to me from someone that was like a father.

[When another Universal contract player Tom Selleck would eventually end up on the same episode of The Rockford Files (1974) Manetti was doing at the time, before the two co-starred together on Magnum, P.I. (1980)]: Tom Selleck was on the same show playing a flaky detective named Lance White. I was very impressed with Tom. Soon after that, I was offered two pilots, one of which was 'Magnum.' Show less «

[Of his longtime friendship with Frank Sinatra]: Frank Sinatra was like a father to me. I feel very lucky to have known him so well and so closely. Every time I hear one of his songs, which is a lot, it brings tears to my eyes. My wife and I where very close to him and miss him greatly. Show less «

[About growing up in Chicago, and the personality that changed his acting career, forever]: I grew up mainly around Chicago Avenue and Sacramento there, that was not an easy street. Through my upbringing, and hanging around with some pretty tough characters there, you learn both sides of the track. I think I used a lot of my traditions, tenacity and memories from there in my acting. Show less «

It bothered me at first. I was always wondering if they knew my real name, but as you progress as an actor, you start to realize that when people fall in love with a character, it's really a great compliment. It shows me that this is a show people really take into their homes and into their hearts. Not only that, but I've got a brother named Rick, so I'm kind of used to it. Show less «

[When he heard NBC was going to turn Robert Conrad's, Baa Baa Black Sheep (1976), TV series into a character-driven comedy program]: That was a big push from the star of the show, Robert Conrad. There were some groups at the time, I don't know if it was the P.T.A. or whoever, was giving us a hard time because of the violence of the show. Conrad wanted to add some softness in, so he brought in the nurses and Red West, who was a friend of his and also Elvis Presley's bodyguard. I think it added to the show and brought a little more spice. Show less «

[When he and Robert Conrad were both annoyed by his lifelong friend Elvis Presley]: That goes way back when I was doing Baa Baa Black Sheep, when I was with Robert Conrad, and Ken did a concert that Elvis was doing in Las Vegas, and the night that I went to the concert of my dear friend, Al Saks [who owned the Stardust Hotel] gave me a pulsar watch and in those days, that was a digital watch that was unheard of, I mean, it was gorgeous, and I put it on. I went to the concert, and when we were talking with Elvis, I hit the button - and it lit up - and he went bonkers, and all he knew was he had to have that watch, and he was peeling off his rings, his pendants, everything and I said, 'I can't do it,' and Conrad was becoming very annoyed also cause he said, 'Manetti, too, give me a break, will you, it's only a watch by Elvis Presley.' I said, 'I can't, that's my friend, I'm too loyal to him,' cause he was ticked off and stormed off, but that was my encounter with Elvis, after that, we were fine. Show less «

[on his on- and off-screen chemistry with Robert Conrad, who played Maj. Greg "Pappy" Boyington]: Well, let's put it this way, if Robert Conrad hadn't taken his hand in given me a life and help me, I never would've been here, never would I had a career, we wouldn't be talking, I would either be jail or dead! Show less «

[Of Robert Conrad]: He was a sweet, dear man and a terrific help, along with Irv Kupcinet, who was also a big help. Initially, Bob Conrad told me to get a pair of elevator boots and a haircut. Show less «

[on his on- and off-screen chemistry with Julie London, who played Nurse Dixie McCall, R.N.]: I worked with Julie London & Bobby Troup [who was her husband], and she invited me to their home; and I did 2-3 episodes of Emergency! (1972), and she was by far, the nicest, sweetest lady that I ever met, and every-time I hear her voice, I just reminisce, she was just wonderful. Besides being so nice, she had a great voice! As far as dancing was concerned, I don't know, we never danced. Show less «

[Of Julie London]: She was no doubt, platinum, everybody loved Julie London! I heard her this morning on the radio, singing 'London Fog.' There was no doubt, she was top notch, plus, I worked with her, she was a wonderful lady! Show less «