It’s interesting how years will go
by and something will trigger a memory.
During a lull in
offerings on television, I began watching The Republic
of Doyle Newfoundland , and the
characters are likeable.
After a couple of
shows I was struck by a sense of seeing someone familiar. One of the main
characters, played by Sean McGinley, reminded me of another actor, although one
from long ago. At the right angle, he and Don Porter of The Ann Southern
Show (1950s) and Gidget movies (1960s) could almost qualify
for one of those Separated at Birth comparisons.
 |
| Sean McGinley |
 |
| Don Porter |
I
looked McGinley up on the internet and saw that while he was never particularly
good-looking, he’s one of those men whose appearance improved with age. Don Porter, on the other
hand, was matinee-idol handsome in his youth, and pretty much maintained his
good looks through his later years.
Yet
the real reason for my interest was a flash of connection to that TV screen: McGinley reminded me of Porter, who reminded
me of my father ( whose own father was also named Don, not Donald). I’ve always had a warm spot in my heart for
Porter because he and my father were cousins and bore a strong resemblance in
voice and appearance.
I
have no idea how well they knew each other – my father died long ago, when I
was young and foolishly saw little point in knowing anything about anyone in
the family other than me. I was wrapped up with being a new mother and wife and
living 3,000 miles away.
Sometimes
these distant reminders, however tenuous, can bring back people we miss.
Sad, all the stories we never listened to, or asked for.
ReplyDeleteIt is both heart warming and sad when you come across someone who reminds you of a loved one who is gone. There is a grandmother at our church who reminds me of my own grandma, who passed away in 1977.
ReplyDeleteExactly right, Bijoux. Bittersweet moments.
ReplyDeleteGlad I found this! I KNEW he reminded me of an actor from long ago...Don Porter!! They would have passed for brothers!
ReplyDeleteI was watching an old (1973) Hawaii-Five-Oh with Don Porter and thought, gee, he reminds me of Sean McGinley. And then I find you! Thank you for sharing your tribute to your dad. Some triggers bring good reactions.
ReplyDelete