Arts R.I.P. Aaron Spelling
Those who have read my TV column over the years know that more than any TV personality (yes, even Hasselhoff or Selleck) I held uber-producer Aaron Spelling in the highest regard. After suffering a stroke this past weekend, Spelling died earlier today at the ripe age of 83. Though best known for guilty pleasures such as Charlie’s Angels, The Love Boat, Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, Fantasy Island, T.J. Hooker, Dynasty—Christ, the list goes on and on—Spelling never gave two craps about what the critics thought, always keeping the viewers in mind first.
“The knocks by the critics bother you,” he admitted in a 1986 interview with The Associated Press. “But you have a choice of proving yourself to 300 critics or 30 million fans. You have to make a choice.”
It’s a choice I’m glad he made. While there are those who still criticize him for his so-called “mindless” shows, I for one am thankful for all the hilarious, trashy memories. There ain’t nothing wrong with entertainment. We still need it now more than ever.
God speed Aaron Spelling. Got a fave Spelling show or character? Let me know!
My childhood would have been a far darker place without the shining beacons of Charlie's Angels, The Love Boat, and especially Fantasy Island.
I still remember asking my dad (when I was something like 9) what a "hooker" was after seeing an episode of Love Boat. Spelling's shows were entertaining AND educational, dammit!
RIP Aaron!