It’s hard to believe that someone whose career started on the squeaky clean sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet could take so many sharp left turns. Ironically, it’s because of his Ozzie & Harriet connection, in which he played Ricky’s frat brother Fred in 19 episodes between 1956 and 1963, that I was most interested in meeting him. His 1960’s sitcom connection didn’t stop there either, as he also made appearances in The Donna Reed Show, Hazel, and Mister Roberts, not to mention a handful of dramas and westerns.
Between that time and this, James Stacy has certainly had his share of challenges… from a motorcycle accident that claimed the loss of his girl friend, as well as the loss of his left arm and left leg, a return to acting for roles tailor made to his injury, his marriages to Hollywood actresses Connie Stevens and Kim Darby, molestation charges in the 1990’s that drove him to attempt suicide by jumping off of a cliff in Hawaii, to his years in prison following his capture. It’s enough to make quite a fascinating biography or movie-of-the-week.
Still I will stay with being more interested in the wholesome side of James Stacy’s life and career. I was ecstatic when I found out that he’d be appearing at the Hollywood Show on October 5, 2013. In the weeks leading up to it, I prayed that his health would permit him to attend. Sure enough, he showed up.
I didn’t let the fact that his $25 autographs were all pre-signed before he got to the show, nor the fact that he never said a single word take away from the thrill I got to meet this most interesting person who was part of one of the greatest shows in television history. I had so often heard about the loss of his limbs that seeing them in person was almost surreal. There he was, flesh and blood, right next to me. The stuff of legends and lore.
Who knows if this opportunity would ever come again? – but I am ecstatic that it did on this day and that I took advantage of it.
Celebrity encounters from the Fall 2013 Hollywood Show will continue…
Loved James Stacy…Always will… May he rest in peace..
Joseph M Donohue
April 9th, 2018
A tremendous talent. A very sad story.
Steve Marinaccio
December 2nd, 2018
A big inspiration for fully living life with disabilities. Thank you James Stacy! Rest in peace.
Jennie Zeitler
July 27th, 2019
I loved you then….I love you now. Please Rest In Peace.
Anita J Mann
January 31st, 2022