Ray Stricklyn(1928-2002)

Switched from acting career to publicity, joining John Springer Associates in L.A. in 1973. Represented such stars as Elizabeth Taylor and Bette Davis, who had played his mother in Pranzo di nozze (1956).

I was 27 and still looked 16, but there was a whole new crop of boys coming up who really were that age. I'd thought my career was going straight up. So like a lot of foolish young actors, I started living beyond my means. I bought expensive cars, got into debt. Once you think you're going to be a star, then you're not -- it's a rude awakening.