Glimpse | Personal Perspectives
The Other Side of By Lauren Hammack Photos by K.O. Rinearson
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Danny Williams
hile it’s true that personality goes a long way for anyone who works in the public eye (or ear), many would argue that Danny Williams was unfairly favored the day personalities were portioned out. For more than 50 years, Oklahomans have immortalized Williams as the unmatched King of Media for his starring role in the soundtrack of their lives, from childhood (as “Dan D. Dynamo, a.k.a. 3-D Danny” on then-WKY-TV, Channel 4) to the AARP years (for the “Danny Williams Morning Show” on KOMA). But to label Danny Williams a TV and radio personality is to reduce an epic to a short story. At age 84, the now-retired Williams exudes no less charm, charisma and lightning-quick wit than he did for decades as the market’s perennial top radio and TV program host. He’s devoted a lifetime to entertaining generations of listeners and viewers who, at the mention of his name, wax nostalgic about this Oklahoma treasure, Danny Williams – TV and Radio Legend.
What’s your real name? Dan Hamil Williams. Are you originally from Oklahoma City? I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. What kind of student were you back then? I was a very good student. I made straight As in high school – except in “conduct,” and I got a D in that. And you served during WWII after high school? Yes, in the U.S. Navy. After that, I graduated with a Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas. Is it an occupational hazard to retain an unusual amount of worthless trivia? That’s a hazard of being alive for 84 years. Eighty-four years is fantastic! What’s still on your bucket list? My bucket has a hole in it! Actually, I’ve just about done it all. What’s the last thing you lost? My glasses. I’ve lost things all my life, and luckily, a lot of it turns up in some remarkable ways. I’ve lost money several times and someone finds it and gives it all back.
Controversial is better than invisible, right? Absolutely. Do you know that people still gush with adoration when they talk about you? Or do you get too distracted by the criticism? I think it’s important for anyone with a public persona to remain humble, but as for the criticism, I’ve always been hardest on myself. What’s the best decision you ever made? My wife, Maureen. She’s a definite asset! Do you have any vices to speak of? None that can be printed. What’s that they say? “One person’s vice is another’s nectar.” Who should play you in the movie about your life? Pee Wee Herman or Erik Estrada. But the guy I’d want to do it is one of my favorite actors, Benicio del Toro. What do you wish you’d never given away? Because of my career, I used to have one of the best record collections in the world – it was just incredible. I gave it all away, and now I really regret that. Among the many people you’ve met during your career, were there any you predicted would become famous before they did? I knew Mary Hart (who co-hosted my daytime talk show, “Dannysday,” for several years) would be famous. She was wonderful. And I knew Lee Greenwood and the Oak Ridge Boys would make it. What should everyone try at least once in his or her lifetime? Learn a foreign language. I understand you taught yourself Spanish. ¡Si! Where should I eat this weekend? Tarahumara’s Mexican Café and Cantina in Norman. Or Mahogany Prime Steakhouse in Oklahoma City. What book should everyone read? The Bible. I’ve read it in English and Spanish. Do you have any superstitions? Oh, gosh – too many to count. Don’t put your hat on the bed. It’s bad luck.
Have you always been lucky? I’d say I’m lucky. I usually come out on top.
How is that bad luck? I don’t know and I don’t want to find out. I come from a long line of superstitious people.
What else makes you feel grateful? My children. I say you can’t teach children anything, but they can teach you a lot.
What’s the best advice you ever got? My dad used to tell me, “Be nice. That way, if trouble starts, you’ll be right.”
What words have you eaten? A lot! I’ve never been afraid to say what I think, which isn’t always mainstream. I guess I’ve always been a little controversial.
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slice | august 2011
Did you take his advice? I’ve tried.