Untold tales from the beat

Slapped by Jack Lalanne

When I interviewed 1960s fitness guru, Jack Lalanne, in the early 80's, he slapped my face, in response to my first question.
Jack Lalanne, among other things, is known for his incredible feats of strength, many he performs on each birthday -- ("1984 (at) Age 70: Handcuffed, shackled and fighting strong winds and currents, towed 70 boats with 70 people from the Queen's Way Bridge in the Long Beach Harbor to the Queen Mary for 1 ½ miles"). To learn more aboaut the exploits of Lalanne, go to http://jacklalanne.com
During a press conference where he was publicizing a fitness drink, Lalanne had just finished a prepared statement and asked for questions.

The question
"Mr. Lalanne, as the guru and pioneer of television fitness programs, how well is Richard Simmons filling your shoes?"

SLAP -- as other reporters back away in an ever- widening circle. It was a love tap. Otherwise, I would have went flying backwards, landing on my keester.

"I like your humor," he said, smiling, "Simmons, www.richardsimmons.com is not really serious about fitness, he's a television celebrity."
He must have liked my question, because he invited me to walk with him -- leaving the other reporters behind, mouths open, wondering what had just happened.

Richard Simmons & friend