Happy Birthday, Dwight Schultz

Life is not linear. ~Dwight Schultz

Anybody who’s spent five minutes here at P&Q knows how much I admire Dwight Schultz, the talented character actor who, among many other roles, played Murdock on TV’s The A-Team. Today Dwight celebrates his 65th birthday and, while he’s not doing much in the way of acting on screen anymore, is still making his voice heard.

I don’t just admire Mr. Schultz for his hilarious, sly, and often touching portrayal of Murdock. I admire him for his unwavering dedication to a set of ideals that, while I may not always agree 100 percent, are logical, well thought out, and intelligently expressed. I admire him for his dedication to his marriage and family (he’ll also be celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary next year.) Most of all, perhaps, I admire his dedication to his beliefs often at the expense of well-paid jobs. How many of us, even Hollywood actors, can say that?

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Schultz twice; once back in 2009 and an encore this  past spring. Over the years I’ve met many celebrities, from the A- to the Z-list variety, at fan conventions. Some were harried, some indifferent, some outright rude. Mr. Schultz was none of these. Though he was undoubtedly tired, he made me and every other fan feel welcome and honored. He was warm and kind when so many other “celebrities” barely acknowledge their fans at all. For that I’ll always be grateful. How often, when we meet one of our heroes in person, does the reality live up to the expectation?

Thank you, Mr. Schultz, for being a true gentleman and for standing up for what is right (honor, family, duty to country.) Hollywood needs more people like you. The world needs more people like you. Happy birthday, and many happy returns.

Which actor/celebrity has been a hero to you? Why do you admire him/her?

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~ by Howlin' Mad Heather on November 24, 2012.