Category Archives: Famous dads

A Powerful Man, A Good Dad

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“It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.”

—Pope John XXIII

Today’s story is about Tim Russert as a son and a good dad.

good dad Tim Russert

Good dad Tim Russert with son Luke
(photo courtesy of Today)

A Powerful Man
He shaped world thought. He influenced your vote. Those who abused power? Fried “live” on the tube.

As Meet the Press host, Tim sparred with the best. Rocky Balboa with “knock ‘em dead” words. At just 58, in 2008, Tim Russert departed too soon. Today is about Tim as both father and son.    READ MORE 

The Weight of His Father’s Shadow

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Wealth. Access. Status. Options.
Kids of fame have it made.

Today’s story is about Scott Newman, son of Paul Newman, garnered from public sources.

“Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.” –Democritus
his father's shadow

Paul Newman and his son Scott Newman

Paul Newman is remembered for much. Star of the screen. Stunning good looks. A 50-year marriage. “Newman’s Own” foods.

Scott, Paul’s only son, dwelt in the darkness of his father’s shadow. Joanne Woodward, Paul’s second wife and Scott’s stepmom, commented, “When the kids go anywhere with him, they can be pushed aside by fans, as if they don’t count, as if they’re nothing in themselves.”

A friend observed, “He was always competing with his father’s image.”
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My Dad, Jim Henson, Taught Us Learning Is Cool

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His teachings were brilliant, lessons of felt.
Lessons of Felt?

Today’s story is from Lisa Henson, daughter of Jim Henson of Muppet fame.

He “fathered” thousands…but never met most. Jim Henson fathered The Muppets. Creatures of felt. He brought us Sesame Street, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, so much more.

Jim Henson taught us that learning is cool.
Counting to ten could be fun.
Jim Henson, Learning is Cool

Lisa Henson with her father Jim Henson*

But what was it like to be a real Henson kid? “We were always doing extraordinary things,” says Lisa, now 53 (the same age as Jim when he died). Making it fun was how the Henson kids learned that learning is cool.

“Dad (and Mom) were always up for play,” says Brian, 50. Games and more games. And felt puppets—of course.

Jim taught his kids through engagement and fun, lessons of felt. Brian, a technical whiz, Dad taught puppet building. Lisa showed a knack for editing. “From age 12, I read and gave feedback on his scripts… ”
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Father’s Advice

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Are you a sports fan? I don’t mean the casual type.

Today’s story is from Jenna Lazenby.

You dream in team colors. The night before games, you don’t sleep. If you’re into sports, you know my dad.

father's advice

Jenna and her father, Roland Lazenby

Roland Lazenby has written more than five-dozen books on basketball and sports. He’s appeared on ESPN Sports, CNN, NBC and Fox News. My dad shakes hands with the best in the game. They smile, wave, and often call out his first name. Kobe Bryant, Tex Winter, Phil Jackson… to name a few.

I’ve always been able to bask a bit in Dad’s light. Like when I was 20 years old, we flew to Chicago and after a game, I joined players and press in the locker room. There I was standing next to The Man, Michael Jordan.    READ MORE 

The Father of Aerobics – Dr. Kenneth Cooper

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The next time you’re sweating your way to a healthier life, gasp a “thanks” to Dr. Kenneth Cooper.

Dr. Cooper is our special Savvy Dad guest today. Dr. Cooper is a famous father — the father of aerobics. As you will see, his dad … and mom inspired him to help others live a longer, healthier life.

Dr. Kenneth Cooper, the father of aerobics

Dr. Kenneth Cooper,
The Father of Aerobics

Dr. Cooper is known worldwide for inventing the term “aerobics.” He authored the 1968 book by the same name, and launched a health movement that swept the land and endures to this day. Dr. Cooper advocates keeping your body fit and strong to prevent disease—true primary care.

As Dr. Cooper puts it, “…Health insurance is really disease insurance…Primary care is a misnomer and, in reality it is secondary care; taking care of people when they are sick.”   READ MORE 

Ronald Reagan’s Fatherly Advice on Love

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It was a watershed moment…a big day in his life.

Reagan Family 1981

Reagan Inaugural Family Photo 1981
Michael standing third from left, holding his son Cameron

1971 – Michael Reagan was about to be married. His dad wanted to share important advice.

A brilliant man, Ronald Reagan imparted much to his children, but perhaps most touching were his lessons in love. It was a subject this famous father knew well; his legendary marriage to Nancy spanned half a century.   READ MORE 

Mistakes Define You

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Brandon Steiner is one of my multi-millionaire, check bouncing good buddies. His New York-based, Steiner Sports is the largest distributor of specialty sports memorabilia in the world. Brandon works with the big time athletes.

You wouldn’t hesitate to accept a measly $1500 check from a big hitter like Brandon, would you? Me neither.   READ MORE