In the Beginning : ‘ Another thing I enjoy about TV is the opportunity it affords me to travel and meet the people. ‘

BY TICHI WILKERSON AND MARCIA BORIE

From “Hollywood Legends,” by Tichi Wilkerson and Marcia Borie, recently published by Tale Weaver Publishing. In November, 1955, Ronald Reagan--then host of “General Electric Theatre”--wrote the following for the Hollywood Reporter.

I HAVE FOR THE past months been combining television and motion picture chores. This manifold job has taught me one thing for sure: Never again will I allow myself to get into a position where I must make a choice between a seat in Congress and a position in the arms of my leading lady.

The actor’s first duty is to his profession. Hence, you can rest assured that I will never again run for mayor or anything but head man in my own household. You may remember a few seasons back when I was honorary mayor of Thousand Oaks and also a candidate for mayor of Hollywood. It was then that someone approached me with the suggestion that I run for Congress.

I realized then that I was becoming a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I selected the Jekyll character--an actor. This presented a chance to appear in RKO’s “Cattle Queen of Montana.” All this plus my regular weekly stint on the “General Electric Theatre.” Now I am getting the biggest chance of my career. My bosses have permitted me to produce “Seeds of Hate” for their series.

Another thing I enjoy about TV is the opportunity it affords me to get away from Hollywood, travel around the country and meet the people. I now make coast-to-coast (trips) for my sponsor. In this manner I can keep in constant touch with the public and better understand their moods, their likes and dislikes.

Copyright 1988 by Tichi Wilkerson and Marcia Borie.