Ambassador of Possibility

Yesterday one of the greatest human beings and an American icon, passed away.  I knew him as a great friend and mentor.  Art Linkletter had a presence that brought great joy to everyone who ever came in contact with him.  His one-of-a-kind personality brought out the best in everyone, and provided a safe space for someone to be more of him or herself.

Art was a famous TV personality, who at one time starred in three hit TV shows simultaneously: House Party, Kids Say the Darndest Things, and People are Funny. Art would daily walk between ABC, CBS, and NBC.  Art was also a keen businessman who, even in his late 90’s, was building new and innovative companies, like Solargenics, Linkletter Villages, and world’s biggest Planetarium in Myrtle Beach, Fl.

He was married to the same woman, Lois Forrester, for over 74 years, one of the longest and strongest marriages in Hollywood.  Together they had five children, and were proud grandparents and great-grandparents. 

He wrote many bestsellers, including one that I had the pleasure of writing with him.  It was a “love letter” to baby boomers—“How to Make the Rest of your Life the Best of your Life!”  If you call my office, I would be happy to sign a copy for anyone interested in buying a future collectors item. 

Art did it all.  He came into this world as an orphan, in Moose Jaw, Canada. He was adopted and raised by a preacher and his wife. He lived through the depression, was personal friends with five presidents, and once exclaimed to me “I think I have spent more time in the White House as a guest than any other person!”  He was an ambassador to Australia, where he saw Aboriginal children playing with a hoop that he named hula-hoop and brought it to the United States, sold and marketed it avidly. Art received seventeen honorary doctorates and the distinguished Horatio Alger award.

Art will be lovingly missed by all who knew him and considered him a friend, like I did.  His impact on American television, arts, and business will be felt forever.  My deepest condolences go to Lois and the entire Linkletter family.  I will deeply miss my great friend, Art Linkletter.

- Mark

Office number— 800 433 2314 ext. 100.