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WEEKLY INTERVIEW
KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 27, 2017
HAYS BLINCKMANN hays@keysweekly.com
SAINT PAUL REIGNS OVER IRMA
2017 FANTASY FEST KING
P
aul Murphy had lots of reasons to run for Fantasy Fest King, including, unfortunately, the one many share: he lost a dear friend to HIV. Unable to attend the funeral back in his home country, England, he remembered his days raising money for Positive East, an HIV charity in London, and declared “it was about time I started helping again.” During his four years in Key West, Murphy watched close friends Mark Watson and Christopher Rounds both win Fantasy Fest King and laughs, “I should have been put off.” Instead, unexpectedly, he took on the challenge in the most challenging of years. Hurricane Irma stunted fundraising and drew attention away from usual campaigns and parties for AIDS help. Amazingly, he and the other candidates raised a whopping $129,000, a proud achievement in the aftermath of Irma. Murphy, a rather subtle and charming Englishman, said, “It was horrible with Irma, but would I do it again? Positively.” Already a King at heart, Murphy has decided to continue raising money for AIDS help long after his reign ends. He plans on throwing his popular campaign Gatsby party every year after Fantasy Fest just to contribute. Since Murphy is a manager at the Saint Hotel and already the king of the best cocktails in town, it does appear to be his destiny to wear the crown.
Full Name? Paul Stewart Murphy. You ran as Saint Paul? I am the restaurant and bar manager at the Saint Hotel and, well, it seemed appropriate. Do you have a life credo or motto? Live Life, Stay Safe. Now that running for king is over, what did you learn from the experience? Never take anything for granted and expect the unexpected. If you could grant Key West one wish? No more hurricanes What do you consider your greatest achievement? Being Fantasy Fest King. Which TV, movie or superhero character is your alter ego? Muriel or Priscilla. What is your nerdiest passion? Craft cocktails are my babies. What is your most treasured possession? My phone. If invisible, what would you do in Key West? Dance naked in the rain. What is your greatest fear? I get emotional if someone doesn’t like me and I don’t know why. Favorite guilty pleasure? Tea Dance, I have to go every Sunday.
On what occasion do you lie? I can’t, I’m King. What would be your dream job? An actor, or better, a TV presenter. Lunch with one famous person, whom would you choose? Matthew McConaughey, which could actually happen. Finish these sentences. My friends and family would describe me as … True English gentleman, loving and inspires loyalty. My autobiography would be titled … From Saint to King One secret I shall never tell … Who or what I did last night. When I go, I will go … happy.