A letter from Mr. New Year's Eve

Dick Clark

Reference date: January 1st




Mr. Clark has done almost everything there is to do in media. Primarily known for his on camera hosting duties on "American Bandstand", "Pyramid" and "Dick Clark's Rocking New Year's Eve", he is a cultural icon. Indeed, for a generation (or more) of Americans, Dick Clark is Mr. New Years Eve.  Television as we know it would not have been the same without this incredible talent.

In addition to his role as a pioneer of the early days of live TV, Dick Clark is an incredibly successful producer. (Many awards shows and TV events are done by his company.) In 2004, he unfortunately suffered a stroke and had to cut back on his broadcast schedule, but "America's Oldest Teenager" still makes appearances on television and is active in production.

This what he had to say:


Please forgive the long delay in responding. I've been quite sick and, unfortunately, didn't get much work done.

In response to your note, here we go...

The best words of encouragement I received early in my career were from an old morning disc jockey and they were to never become discouraged with the outcome... just forge on.

The only pitfalls I have met are ones I built for myself with my over-enthusiasm. One must be careful not to oversell oneself.

The greatest lesson I ever learned was work hard and steadily. Never become discouraged and look forward to your next challenge.

Thank you for your very kind note. Again I apologize for not being able to reply sooner. Keep up the good work!







I sent him a thank you note the next day.

A personal phone call from a show business legend!

Jay Leno

I was absolutely stunned when my phone rang and the voice on the other end was none other than the host of NBC's "The Tonight Show", Jay Leno.

I shouldn't say that I was completely surprised, as I've always read that Mr. Leno was one of the nicest guys in the entertainment industry. For him to pick up the phone and have a fifteen minute conversation with someone who just sent him a letter is what astounded me? That's unheard of, and I genuinely appreciate it. (I told him that I will someday return the favor and thank him personally as a guest on his show.)

Because I wasn't expecting his call, I didn't have any means of creating an exact transcript of the phone conversation, but here are some highlights of the pearls of wisdom that Mr. Leno had to share with me:

- Work, work, work! (Mr. Leno's work schedule is legendary, as he rarely takes a day off from his show, and also does hundreds of stand up dates throughout the year. His theory is that work is the only way to build up necessary skills and experience that books alone can't convey.)

- Keep yourself grounded in real life, don't get lost in the business. Whether it's hobbies or a family, just have a life outside show business.

- Be yourself! Earn show business type money, but don't live a show business lifestyle by blowing it all on frivolous things.

- If you can be an actor or comedian for seven years without something stopping you, then you can make it in the business. Most people are stopped short by negativity, doubters, addiction, distraction, pessimism, self defeat or other things. Overcome those barriers and you'll do well.

- Never turn down a gig unless it goes against your personal beliefs. Work is work and every experience will bring you further along.

- Always keep your personal feelings and politics out of the discussion when you are performing or hosting. Don't let people know what your true opinions are or you'll lose some of your audience.

I sent him a thank you card as soon as our conversation was over.

A "Beary" special reply

Maxine Clark

Original Letter Sent: February 14th






I wrote to the founder and "Chief Executive Bear" of Build-A-Bear Workshop to tell her how much my young son loved his new alligator doll (which he named Yankee) that he created at the giant Build-A-Bear on 5th Avenue in New York City. In addition to the very nice reply, Ms. Clark also included an autographed  copy of her book: The Bear Necessities of Business: Building A Company with Heart.

The proceeds of this book go to charity, so I highly recommend picking up a copy, both  for inspiration and motivation.

Here is her letter:

Dear Chris:

Thank you for your letter and picture of your son at Build-A-Bear Workshop. I am glad it is one of his favorite places.

I am honored that you have asked my opinion on your industry. Yikes, entertainment--that is really hard. I assume the same principles apply of hard work and relentless pursuit of your goals. I am enclosing a copy of my new book--I think it might be helpful and answer many of your questions. The book is about my career and the creation of Build-A-Bear Workshop but it is also about having big dreams and going after them.

Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Beary best regards,

Maxine Clark

Founder and Chief Executive Bear

Build-A-Bear Workshop

I sent her a thank you the next day.