by G. Jack Urso
 |
16 Magazine article, Nov. 1979. Full text transcription below. |
In promoting the
show, NBC had Hot Hero Sandwich noted
in various magazine and newspaper publications (see Archives).
With a cast of attractive young actors plus some of the hottest rock acts of
the era, I thought it unusual I had not found a teen magazine covering the show
— until now, that is! Presented here is an article from 16 magazine, November 1979 (see above and transcription below).
Since the demographic
is a female teen audience, the article has an exuberant tone and highlights who is “cute and adorable,” as well as some physical characteristics as height and weight, where available. Yet, despite that, the 16
editorial staff showed better mastery of grammar and style with only two minor
typos in the text (identified by the editorial note [sic], compared to the 37 errors
that slipped by NBC in the Hot Hero Sandwich Archives: Full Page Ad
for Series Premier.
Every article,
no matter how innocuous, reveals a little more about the actors. We learn Jarett
Smithwrick appeared in the 1979 classic cult film The Warriors (likely as an uncredited extra since he does not
appear in the credits) and Michael Longfield (identified by his stage name L.
Michael Craig) enjoyed unicycling, which makes sense given that Longfield later
owned his own bicycle shop. Oddly, they don’t mention Paul O’Keefe’s role in The Patty Duke Show and Vicky Dawson’s then-current
role on Another World.
The article also
referenced the show’s original planned premiere date of Oct. 20, 1979, as
though the series had actually already debuted. In fact, the start date was
pushed forward to Nov. 20, 1979, meaning this article was written before the
date change which would have taken place in the very early Fall. That it was
not updated suggests the date change was last minute and after the issue went
to press.
In all, this was
an excellent placement for the series. Though more narrowly focused on teen
girls, I think it likely there was spill-over to teen males as a secondary effect.
The full text is
provided below.
Note: Spelling, boldfaced text, and italics
are as they originally appeared. The editorial note [sic] indicates an error in
the original source text.
_______________________________________________________
16
Magazine, Nov. 1979: Make Yourself A Hot Hero Sandwich!
It's The Newest
Teen Show Around-And All Your Favorites Are (Or Will Be!) On It!
Whatcha doin'
this Sunday around noon time? 16's got a super-great suggestion — how 'bout
turning to NBC and gettin' yourself a tasty Hot
Hero Sandwich? That's the name of the brand-new, for-teens-only TV variety
show. It's [sic] unusual concept is to feature the biggest stars of today — nothin'
so unusual about that! — except that these stars talk candidly about the
problems they had growing up. Some of them may be the very same problems you're facing! And not only is Hot Hero Sandwich flavored with your
favorites, it also features a brand-new group of talented teens who call
themselves The Repertory Company. Have a look-see!
ERIK ESTRADA was one of the very first
guests on Hot Hero Sandwich — the
show premiered Oct 20 —and as always, the smooth-talking Erik was very open.
Erik reminisced about his childhood in New York City and revealed his nickname
"The Phantom." He also spoke about the pain of growing up without a
father. Erik's parents were divorced when he was very young and he was brought
up mainly by his mom and grandfather. You'll get to see a whole ‘nother side of
rough-tough Erik!
DONNA PESCOW, TV's Angie, was another star happy to sit down and share the trials and
tribulations of growing up with you. She's originally from Brooklyn, New York,
and Donna's parents, too were separated when she was very young. She spent many
of her growing-up years alone with her mom and older sister. Donna tells how
she handled it — lots of people can learn something from her optimistic attitude!
Lovely Livvy — OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN — was only too happy
to share her thoughts with psychologist Dr. Thomas Cottle (the show's very much
unofficial host), especially since she knew you'd be watching. Olivia talked
about the fact that she dropped out of school that was especially difficult for
her family to handle since her grandfather was no less than a Nobel Prize
winning scientist! Olivia also talked about how she felt when her parents first
told her they were getting divorced.
Olympic star BRUCE JENNER had had plenty of things
to discuss with Dr. Cottle — he confided that he has a learning disability
called “dyslexia” and he found learning to read very difficult! He also revealed
his high school nickname — Jenner-ation"!
Among the
performing guest stars, SISTER SLEDGE
treated Hot Hero viewers to a sample
of their big hit, "We Are Family-what a great show they put on!
Meet The Repertory Company!
In each 'n every
segment of Hot Hero Sandwich, you'll get to see hear the fabulous Repertory
Company — seven super teens who'll delight you with their antics! Here they are
one-by-one.
MATT MCCOY is the six-foot tall,
blue-eyed baritone of the group he's from New York City and is into acting,
dancing and playing guitar.
VICKY DAWSON has strawberry-blond hair
and lots of freckles she's 18 years old. Vicky’s been in commercials and many
ABC Afterschool specials like It Must Be
Love 'Cause I Feel So Dumb (she had the lead role!).
MICHAEL CRAIG is a cute 5'8"
baritone — he’s 19 years old and hails from Seattle, Washington, where he got his
start in stage plays. Mike plays guitar and also likes sailing, surfing and
unicycling!
JARRETT [sic] SMITHWRICK is only 5'6"
tall, but talent abounds in every inch! He's from Brooklyn, New York and was in
the movie, The Warriors!
DENNY DILLON is actually a “she” — a
blond and adorable one, too! Denny's been in lots of stage plays and she had
the small role of “Doreen” in Saturday
Night Fever!
NAN-LYNN NELSON is a 5'6" tall,
105 lb. newcomer who also calls New York City home — she’s into acting, dancing
and naturally, singing!
PAUL O'KEEFE is a blond-haired,
blue-eyed charmer whose television experience includes being on the soap opera,
As The World Turns. He's also worked
as a “gunfighter” and stuntman in amusement parks!
Want to know more about Repertory
Company? You can write to any or all of them at Hot Hero Sandwich, NBC-TV, 30 Rockefeller Center, New York, N.Y.,
10019. Be sure 'n tell 'em 16 sent
ya'!
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