With Norton Center so close at hand, it’s never been unusual around Danville to hear stories of visiting celebrities. Not that long ago, I even got to meet Jamie Farr in the green room, and to personally present him an OHIOANS poster. Eddie Montgomery is a typical presence in the area, and who knows what kind of visitors come and go out at the Rick Dees estate. As far as the entertainment industry is concerned, this community is really not that far off the beaten trail. And that’s why I was intrigued, but not entirely surprised, when I learned that Kim Darby was coming to Danville to star in “A Jarful of Fireflies” at Pioneer Playhouse, as part of the Raintree County 50th Anniversary Festival. I’ve always had ample respect for her talent, but now, based on Jennifer B’s article in the Sunday paper, the word is out that her beau, Johnny Crawford, is hanging around Boyle County these days, and that’s enough to activate the old fascination with my favorite TV stars. You see, I had a lot of Oldenday heroic idols back in the 60s, but there were two young guys a bit older than me that I considered the coolest teens to emulate: Don Grady (Robbie Douglas on My Three Sons) and Johnny Crawford (Mark McCain on The Rifleman). What was not to admire about Johnny Crawford? He could ride, rope, sing, play guitar, and, as an actor, hold his own on the tube next to Chuck Connors! Sure, as he matured, he became a “manufactured” heartthrob, but there was something genuine about him I could relate to, in contrast to a Vic Morrow or a Robert Conrad or a David McCallum. Hey, he was even cooler than Mark Vagedes! I hope he makes some sort of connection this summer that brings him back to town with his big-band dance orchestra for a future performance.
