PHOTO GALLERY
GERALD HAMPTON
Gerald Hampton kissing Miss World Dec. 26, 1966
Bill and Lonnie,
As you know I had the privilege of being the sailor who was picked at "random" to come up and crack jokes with Bob Hope and sing a song to Miss World, Rita Faria. Of course, we all know it was rehearsed and planned in advance. I had rehearsed with Bob and his assistant the day before the show. While sitting in the waiting room, waiting for Bob to come in for the rehearsal, Joey Heatherton was there, along with Vic Damone and some of his band. I asked Joey how she liked being on this tour with Bob Hope, and she replied, "I hate it! This is the worst month of my life." It was obvious she was only there to further her career, which really never got off the ground, with an attitude like hers.
Anyway, to make a long story short (I know, too late), I was "planted" in the audience out in front by his assistant, and he was supposed to tell Bob where I was. Well, apparently he forgot to tell him, because when Bob Hope announced, "Who would like to come up and sing a song to Miss World," 5,000 hands went up. He was then supposed to look down at me and pick me out to come up. Well, after looking around for a moment, I heard him say, "Where the hell are you!" I realized then that he didn't know where I was. At that time, I jumped up, and went on stage, with about 3 other guys. After he saw me, he told the other fellows to leave. I believe it was that little mix-up that kept my scene with Bob Hope and Miss World out of the TV version back home. I saw the show later, and I know without a doubt that I was the best singer of the bunch!
Maybe some of you guys that were there remember this incident. If you do, I'd love to hear from you.
I've attached the only picture I have of me on the show, if any of you took any more, I would love to have a copy.
Please e-mail them to:
ghampton@bak.rr.com.
Thanks,
Jerry Hampton, YN3
CVS-20, 1966-1968
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Group A
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Group B
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Group C
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Group D
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Group E
Gerald Hampton
YN3
1966-1968
G Div.
Now in
Bakersfield, California
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