English is not my native language. Dutch is. The reason I write this article in English is because I want to thank my heroes for enrichening my life. I want to thank authors, actors and musicians while they are still alive. Since most of my personal heroes are not of Dutch origin, it’s only logical I write this in the most commonly used universal language: English. As I grow older (i’m pushing 58) I notice that the heroes I grew up with have a disturbing survival rate. More of them are dead then alive. And to all who are dead, I never said one single ’thank you’.
The thought to write down my thanks to the living heroes was triggered by an old movie with Gene Hackman in it. Gene Hackman is one of the actors that gave me great joy in the eighties and nineties. Of course it all began with the sixties classic The French Connection. After that he starred in many movies. Mostly action-thriller movies, but also westerns and political engaged movies. He is truly one of the great ones. So, Gene, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the pleasant and exciting hours you gave me.
I have not yet read all this man’s work. But man o man, this guy can really grab you. Stephen King. What a writer. From his early work like Christine, firestarter and It to the heroic Dark Tower. Thank you Mr. King for granting me so many hours of undisturbed and fascinated reading.
Dear Mr. Cleese. If you would have made only one episode of Fawlty Towers, you would still be in my top 3. But since you have done way more than that you’re my undisputed nr. One comedy actor. Your intelligent humor has no equal. Thank you for all the laughter you granted me. And still do.
Oh my, do I miss you. Jack Nicholson. Retreated from the filmindustry (like Gene Hackman). In this case because of amnesia I have heard. One flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Shining, Wolf, Easy Rider, The Witches of Eastwick, the Departed and so many, many more. You might just be the greatest actor ever lived so far. Thank you so much for making all these movies. You’ve made them incredible, by performing in them.
I hope this message reaches you. It might give you a little smile. It’s not much, but more then you’ll recieve when your 6 feet under.
In time, i will give this post a follow up. I hope all the heroes stay alive till then. There are still so many I have to thank.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I celebrate all of you.
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