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Special tributes to Freddie Prinze are
from his Mother Maria Pruetzel, Freddie's co star Isaac Ruiz, and his devoted fans of all ages.
Thank you Luis Rivera for contacting
Maria Pruetzel for her special tribute to her son Freddie.
Freddie - A timeless gift of laughter ( a poem )
A timeless gift of laughter is what you've given to me.
A treasured love there after is what I can plainly see..
Growing into a handsome young man before our very eyes.
Your shinning love for others around you is what I realized.....
Your laughter lives on forever still to this very day.
Memories of you continue to linger through everyones unique way.
You are loved in ways like no other as your spirit stays
in our heart. You, our dear sweet Freddie your life, love, and laughter will never ever part.
- "Suz"
Hi Suzanne! Your absolutely right, next Tuesday
is Fred's 50th birthday.
When I told Maria about your request she was happy to share about Fred's birthdays. In fact
she can't believe that she is still with us to see the day. She says that Freddie's birthdays were a great time of celebration
back in NYC. He always had a nice birthday cake with lettering and candles on it, even though his favorite desserts were strawberry
shortcake and pistachio ice cream. The apartment would fillup with freinds and family and it was as much a party for the adults
as it was for the kids. Fred's dad and grandmother would provide some of the entertainment by playing songs on a baby grand
piano. Grandmother Eleonore Shultter Pruetzel (I hope I'm spelling her name right) was formerly an opera singer and concert
pianist in Germany and would sing "Ave Maria" in English, as well as birthday songs. She lived to be about 98 years of age.
At one birthday Fred joined a group of boys that wanted to start a band and played the drums and bongos to the delight of
the adults. A great time was had by all and Freddie was the center of attraction and a lot of love. As you may know, on his
15th birthday he decided to dedicate himself to comedy and the rest is history.
It was really nice to hear Maria laugh
as she reminisced about Fred's birthdays. Thanks for your request and I hope it is as heart warming for you as it was for
me.
God bless,
Luis A. Rivera
Used by permission of Mrs. Maria Pruetzel
Hi everyone! Well, it's that time again,
and I'm sure there are mixed emotions about how to handle the fact that another year has come and is almost gone, since our
amigo "Chico", went to pick pockets in the subways of heaven, "Looooking Gooood", and possibly even looking for his Puerto
Rican Mother, and Hungarian Father, which ultimately made him, Chico, a HungaRican".
I have so many fond memories
of this "crazy vato", who helped to keep us laughing, though he himself, was crying on the inside. So talented...yet
so perplexed with many difficulties and anxieties in life. So humorous...yet so full of complexities, that on a fatefull
day in January 1977...the laughter would be silenced, with a shot that was to be heard around the world...our amigo "Chico"...aka
Freddie Prinze, would no longer
be able to personally...make us laugh...instead...we would now cry!
But wait...thanks
to tecknowledgy, and to the wonderful creation of re-runs", and to the release of "Chico" episodes...we can all enjoy, and
remember what is was like, to see Chico in Ed's Garage, everyday, getting the best of Ed Brown, and Making us all laugh in
the process.
I too, laugh my b_ _ _ off, as I remember my friend, not in the sad circumstances of his fateful outcome...but
in the mastery of his
performances, that had us all in stiches. Freddie was a genious in his time, before his time,
and a genious in the making! It was a pleasure and privilidge for me to have been able to be a part of "Chico &
The Man", and
to be a friend to one Fredrick Pruetzel..
.aka...Freddie Prinze...aka..."Chico Rodriguez"!
On June 22nd, the month and day of Freddie's birth,
please do not get caught up in what Freddie might have been, or in Freddie's death...but in the celebration of God'd gift
to each and every one of us who loved Chico...because his talent...his charisma...his aura/presence...his beautiful smile...his
cutesie way of capturing all of our hearts...his great sense of timing as a comedian...and his love which he has shared with
us all...is alive!..Yes, it is ALIVE!
On this his birthday celebration, I dedicate this
note to every "Chico & The Man" viewer who appreciated my good amigo Freddie, and his
multi-talented ways...and especially
toFreddie's Mother, Mrs. Maria Pruetzel, my "second Mom", whose love and devotion to Freddie, is known only to her, the Good
Lord Above, and also to me...because I had the privilidge of watching her adorn Freddie with her Love and wisdom. Freddie
loved his Mother Maria, more than anyone in the whole wide world, including....well I will stop right there before I get myself
into trouble.
Suffice to say, Freddie learned
much from his Mom, who was quite funny in her own right. God Bless you Maria, and just know your "other" son loves you
very much!
God bless you all and thanks for making every June 22nd, so special! If Freddie was able to tell you
himself, he would thank you and
say..."LOOOOKING GOOOOD"!
With all my love and God's richest blessings ....Mando
----- Original Message
-----
Sent: Saturday, June
22, 2002 11:46 AM
From: Isaac Ruiz
To: edbrownsgarage@hotmail.com
Subject: "Happy Birthday
Freddie Prinze"...
Good Morning to all my friends who have been
so kind to me, and who are keeping alive, the memory of one of America's funniest comedians ever!
Freddie Prinze was much more than a funny,
talented, handsome young comedian and stand-up-comic...Freddie had an insight to people, that helped him to write comedy that
was real. Men write comedy about fantasies, and some are very vulgar, and others let a staff of writers write for them..the
latter are lazy, and rely on their ability to deliver the punch line, along with the timing, to make people laugh. And
please don't get me wrong, that is the nature of our business in comedy...to make people laugh
But Freddie was unique, in that he studied
people, and used their manerisms, and characters, and emotions to blend it all together in a way that brought out the laughter
in us. As young as Freddie was, he was 22 as an individual, but 40...as a performer.
Take a look at the shows that Freddie
was invited to host, and to be a part of...Starting with the Johnny Carson Show...I mean, come on, we are talking about the
King of Late Night T.V....Nobody,..Nobody, beat Johnny Carson! "HEEEEEEERES JOHNNNNY"...and the Freddie that all of you Love, and I loved, at the age of 19 or 20, was
asked to guest host when Johnny took some time off! Think about it my amigos...that is incredible, and Freddie was just
that...INCREDIBLE...he was incredibly funny!
Some of your top comedians of the day, which
include Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Flip Wilson, Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor, and many others...were in awe of the overnight
success of a tall, handsome, slim Puerto Rican dynamo named Freddie Prinze, who was loved by millions as "Chico".
Hey, I was older than Freddie, and had been
around longer, and I was in awe of him. He was a genious! He died prematurely, and left an impression on everyone
who knew him...Freddie was amazing...Freddie was adorable...
Freddie was talented, and Freddie...was my
friend! and I still miss him.
I loved Freddie, and have never gotten over
his death. He was so talented and cutsie, that even when you were mad at him, he had a way to look at you with those
big, droopy eyes, that you had to laugh and forgive him. and we all know, that freddie like many big stars, had his
own demons. He was by no means perfect and without blemish, but Freddie was still a kid. He as a man was 22...going
on 15. He was vulnerable, and ultimately... paid the price.
Today, I salute my good pal, and on his behalf,
to all of you who still Love his memory...who enjoy watching our sitcom, and who through all the years have been so faithful..we
wish Freddie a Happy Birthday, and I offer this tribute of Freddie to all of you fans, who make it possible for us actors
to entertain you, and earn a handsome living while doing what we enjoy best.
Yes, I miss my friend Freddie, and no one...I
shall repeat, no one, other than his Mother, Maria Pruetzel, knew him better! I miss her so much, cause I love her dearly,
and she is a wonderful woman, and was a wonderful Mom to Freddie. If anyone has her address, or phone number, or e-mail,
I would so much appreciate you contacting me. Maria, Freddie's Mom & myself are the only two (as far as I know)
that know the real truth about Freddie's life, and of course his ex-wife Kathy. But though she was married to Freddie,
she knew him but a short while. I've known Freddie since he was a young aspiring comedian in his teens. and no
one was closer to his Mom or Dad.
Thanks again to all of you who Love Freddie,
and are true fans of our show...and I shall end this tribute with the words from a song I wrote for him, just after his death.
Try to put the words of this song to the tune of Carole King's, and Joe Cocker's..."You've got a Friend"
"He was tired...and lonley...and a troubled
young man was he..and his pains and sorrows kept him away from reality..."
"He used to laugh with every one...and a smile
was always on his face...but his troubles arrived...then frowns began to take their place"
"He would cry...when he was alone..wanting
friendship..which was never shown..just when he needed..to be understood"
"Freddie was a troubled young man...but
happiness was his only plan... and I'm so
sorry..yes I'm sorry...cause He was my friend...oh Freddie"
"You were my friend" (there's more)
God bless you all, and thanks again for your
devotion and dedication to my
friend and hero...Freddie..to steal a line
that was once written ...
"Good night sweet Prinze"...and a Happy Birthday,
from us all...Mando
With Freddie's birthday on the horizon and trying to
think of a tribute that does him justice, I guess I realized that no amount of words can express the joy and happiness he
has brought to my life over the last two years.
His exuberance, his laughter and the bright infectious smile warms my heart
on the cloudiest of days. His soft voice inviting and his handsome looks unforgettable. But amidst all his wonderful qualities,
I think the best for me is his heart. Without a good and caring heart we all stand alone. This prince will never stand alone
as far as his true fans are concerned. Thank you for hours and hours of pure pleasure as I sit in the evenings enjoying your
incredible talent Mr.Prinze.
Your acting was right on target whether comedy or drama, your stand up routines cutting edge,
creative and very funny...and lastly your voice bringing tremors up and down my spine, causing me to shake my head in wonderment.
How does one so young have so much talent and what was left untapped??
Freddie fans are loyal and unwavering. You will
never be forgotten as long as we have a single breath left in us. You deserve our loyality and love....and you have it.
We
love you dear sweet prince.
Happy Birthday!!
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Like
a comet Blazing'cross the sky Gone too soon Like a rainbow Fading in the twinkling of an eye Gone too soon Shiny and sparkly
And splendidly bright Here one day Gone one night Like the loss of sunlight On a cloudy afternoon Gone too soon Like a castle
Build upon a sandy beach Gone too soon Like a perfect flower That is just beyound your reach Gone too soon Born to amuse,to
inspire,to delight Here one day Gone one night Like a sunset Dying with the rising of the moon Gone too soon Gone too soon
-Macca |
Dear Freddie,
This is not a poem or a song,but
a letter of love from my heart...to yours.
I never got to know you, yet somehow I feel like I do. Your talent brought joy
and laughter to so many, I only wish you could have known more of that in your short life.
So much has changed since you
left us, the music, the technology, even the medium through which you entertained us.
Your son 'Pie' your pride and Joy,
a baby when you saw him last a young man now and a superstar in his own right.
The technology I mentioned earlier has brought
so many of your fans together to remember, honor and think about you in their own creative ways. There are stories, songs,
poems, and pictures,(and I do mean pictures!) that remind us of you and all that you brought to our lives.
The jokes maybe
different but the laughter remains and reminds me of you.
As I read your Mom's book and discover how you lived, loved,
and struggled, it is my hope that you found the peace you sought here and could not find.
There are some who are in touch
with those you loved and though they still miss you, know that you were and are loved.
As the anniversery of your passing
nears you will be remembered with laughter and yes, some tears, but our love for you will go on...We love you dear Prinze.
- Joy
Freddie's gift was priceless......
Freddie's gift that he generously gave to the show and
to others around is endless. Past, present and future generations of Freddie Prinze Sr fans have enjoyed the charisma, the
laughter, and love he showed for others around him. Yes we are sadden that Freddie is not with us but with today's technology
we are able to capture the essence of Freddie's multi talent and bring forward the greatest gift that Freddie left us. His
gift of love, laughter and joy that he had generously gave to others.
Willingly Freddie gave us laughter that no one can take
away. His memory lives on through us, his fans and his friends. I can just imagine how he would feel if he were here today
discovering how much we still love him. I believe whole heartly that our love for him is showen through these websites
and message boards. If Freddie were here today. I believe he would be so proud of each individual who has had the generosity
to still love and admire him.
-Suz
Freddie, your memory will live on forever
in our hearts. You were one of the most talented, gifted, and dedicated artists to ever grace the screen. But beyond that,
you were sensitive, kind and considerate of others. Your smile melted our hearts. Your struggles in life galvanized a legion
of fans who understood and prayed for you. We will always stand by you and for you. We are in your corner and have an everlasting
love for you. Thank-you for sharing your life with us. My broken heart over your leaving, will never mend, until I see you
face to face in paradise.
- Adrienne Hall
My friend Freddie was a comedic genious,
much ahead of his time. He could stand with any comic of his generation, but they couldn't stand with him. He was so much
better, and funnier. Freddie loved to crack up, so he thought of natural things that happened to him, that were funny, and
he added humor to them and made the stories even funnier.
Freddie could make you laugh, cry, wonder, and probably would have
been a great salesman. Well, as a comedian, he was a salesman. His job was selling all of us laughter...humor...and he accomplished
that, with his brand of delivery. Timing was essential, and Freddie had the best!
Freddy was so debonaire, so masculine, so vibrant, yet he could
act like a little kid. The ladies loved Freddie because of his boyish looks, his cute face with the big dimples, and his cute
"bubble butt!"
One day I caught Freddie in the rehearsal hall, while everyone was
out for lunch, and he was looking at his butt. Well, I started capping on him, and told him I was going to tell all his friends.
I said to Freddie, "Freddie, the first person I am going to call is David Brenner!" I told him I was going to tell Richard
Pryor, and Tony Orlando, and then I was going to call Pam Grier, a girl Freddie was dating.
You would think Freddie would have gotten embarrased in front of
anyone, let alone me, but he kept on looking at his butt in the mirror, and said..."Zak, shut-up!" "You ain't going to tell
anyone nuttin', cause you are too loyal!"
"And if you do sucka, I'll tell everyone that I saw you and one
of the set workers caught in a big lip lock!" I'll tell everyone that the secret is out and that my sidekick Mando from the
show is Gay, and that you made a pass at me!"
I told him he was crazy and that they wouldn't believe him because
they know I'm a "macho man!" Then Freddie said, "oh they'll believe me Vato, (said fisichiously) because I'll tell them you
are hiding behind a "Macho" image but you are one who likes "muchachos!" then he started cracking up. We actually both couldn't
stop laughing, and when we stopped he went back to looking in the mirror, and said, "besides, sucka, I do have a cute butt!"
Pam told me" and he looked over at me with that sheepish Freddie Prinze grin, he made so famous.
I told him again, that he was crazy, and he ran over to where I
was and grabbed me like he was hugging me, and with a thick Puerto Rican accent he said, "Ay Dios Mio Mando, Jew no I cude
do nosing to hurt jew, b-coss I lub jew so mush!" and I would say "cut it out Freddie, spomeone might see us!" and he would
say, I know, that's the point!
Then he turned to me as he went back to the mirror, and said..."Hey
Zak...you know I have a cute butt don't you! I think you'r jealous!" and I told him "shut-up you do-do".
Then he broke out into a Groucho Marx deal, like he had a cigar
in his mouth and he said..."step right up folks, our special today is a Hungarican, and a Beaner from Compton, and they are
going to do a two-step!"
I am telling you, he was so funny. You could not stay mad at Freddie.
Never in a million years! He had a way of winning you over with those droopy eyes he would make. And, he knew it too! He was
one-of-a-kind!
I give most of the credit for his success to his Mother, Maria Pruetzel.
She was his encouragement, and critic behind the scenes. I once told you all, that Freddie would do his skits in front of
his Mom, or me, because he said if he could make us laugh, he could make anyone laugh.
But his Mom was the biggest by far, influence in his life. In fact,
Freddie was a big "Mama's Boy!" Not in a bad sense, but it was because he looked to his Mom for so much. And, she did much
for him, and was always there for him.
She even warned him about the bad influences in his life and told
him to stick to me. Freddie would tell her that if anyone gave him any problems he was going to sick me on them. She would
always try and warn him to be careful of who he hung around, but Freddie was a nite owl. He loved being out in the streets
of Hollyweird at night, and hated getting up in the morning.
Maria was a hard working Mom who made sure Freddie had everything
he needed. Freddie did not grow up in poverty, contrary to what the tabloids made you believe. Freddie lived in a beautiful
highrise apartment building, and his Mom made sure Freddie had all the comforts necessary.
Maria and Karl, Freddies Dad, were both hard working people who
spoiled Freddie. Though Freddie was a good son, he was a trabiezo at times! Again, not in a bad way, but in a prankster way.
He loved pulling jokes on people.
I love Maria Pruetzel, and she was like a second Mom to me. She
knew I was looking out for her Freddie, and she loved that about me. She was, is and will always be a wonderful friend, and
I love her dearly.
So, on this Freddies 50th birthdat celebration, I hope you all have
enjoyed this "tid-bit" of information I've shared with you, and that if Freddie could be here with us in person, he would
have us all in stiches. So, Happy Birthday, my good, funny, handsome Puerto Rican amigo, and yes, you do have a cute butt!
In fact, your bootay will always be...LOOOKING GOOOD!....love to you all Mando
Freddie Prinze is a hard guy to pay tribute too..only
because his sprit encompasses so much of who he is. He was not only one of the most handsome men I have ever laid eyes on...he
had a tender heart....gentle expressive eyes that not only served as windows to his soul...but a means of touching your soul
as well. Once you watch him perform...you are hooked, not able to pull yourself away. He mesmerizes his fans only as he can
do. He was a unique young man...a wonderful son, a very caring father and a great friend not only to Jack but to all those
who happened to be fortunate enough to come into contact with this very special Hispanic. Thanks for the memories, the laughs
and the tears. My life will never be the same now that I have watched and listened to your talent...Thank you dear sweet Prince.
Thank you for the laughter and friends Freddie.
I love you.
Sandra
Today I remember you with sadness but also
with happiness. Sadness because you are no longer here, but happiness because you were here. I'm happy that I got a chance
to hear your laughter. A chance to see that beautiful smile and those big brown eyes and know there was mischief behind them.
You had a good heart and sometimes things happened your life you couldn't understand. You looked for answers that didn't
always come. When you left I prayed you found peace with God. My memories of
you are precious to me. Thank you for all you gave while you were here. I'll never forget you. Your laughter and memory will
live on!
Debbie McMurtry
Suz, and all my friends...
Today, I had to do the eulogy at a funeral
service, for the Mother of a dear friend. Most all faces there, could be seen harboring a somber look, or with tears in their
eyes, and when I arrived the atmosphere, was one of gloom.
My friends Mom, was 87 years of age, and
had been afflicted with alzheimer disease, for the past several years, and in and out of hospitals, all the time. She had
lost a significant amount of weight, and her arms and wrists, were filled with bruises, from all the needles, and I-V's, and
from the hospitals taking blood samples.
She had heart problems, had suffered several
strokes, and was looking very pale the last time I saw her. She wasn't eating and when she did eat she couldn't hold it in,
and also had problems with bowel movements. She looked like death, standing on a corner, chewing life-savers!
But guess what. As I began to open the service,
I shared a light moment about my friends Mom, which everyone could identify with, because it was about her dog, whom she loved
dearly, and those who knew her, knew about her dog. After making all in attendance laugh, including her children and relatives
present, with a funny but touching story, the gloom and sadness, that had cast a shadow over the entire room, subsided, and
a new spirit of life and joy, made their grand entrance.
When I think of my friend Freddie Prinze, I think not on all the shadows, that had taken over
his well-being, but I think of the funny, wonderful, happy times we had together, as colleagues...and as friends! Because
Freddie, was indeed my friend, and thats what I choose to remember.
I do not want to dwell in the negativity or uprisings in his sadness, but in the joy and the
fullness of his short, sweet life. I choose to remember all the crazy, humorous, times we had, and the dumb pranks he was
involved in, to get us to laugh, and made me a part of, even when I didn't know what was going on.
I remember the talented, handsome, girl-happy kid, who cmae from New York at the age of 18,
and took Hollywood by storm! I remember a kid who couldn't quite grow a mustache, and would have to darken it with eye-brow
pencil, along with his sideburns.
I remember a chubby, tall, good looking young man with big dimples, who had more talent in one
finger, than I had in my entire body, but at times didn't even know himself, how funny he really was! He had figured out how
to make people like him, and it was through laughter, so he became the funniest person he could possibly be.
I remember a young boy, trying to be a man, but was just a kid at heart, and I choose to remember
all the great times I was able to share with him. So, on the anniversary of his...LIFE...I want to remember my friend
Freddie, with the love and caring, and respect, we had for one another...and the joy and laughter he brought into my heart.
He was definitely a character! He could easily get you upset! and knew, how to "push buttons", but in his way, only as Freddie
could...he also knew how to love! Good night sweet Prinze...We still have much to talk about!... and I always think about
you, my friend... Love...Mando
Another year has passed and all us Freddie
fans are still together, sharing moments, pictures, CD's and tapes of anything we can get our hands on...and we're still talking
about the young man that managed to steal all our hearts after watching him on Chico and The Man. I will never forget
the connection with Freddie Prinze as I watched during TV Land's marathon weekend. You know the connection is meaningful
and true...when it was never planned and you just happened to come across the show while channel surfing. Freddie Prinze
had the magic that held you captive and made you want to know more about him. His smile made you smile, his large round
eyes made you want to swoon and his dimples are like none I have ever seen since. His looks are original as was his
material. His talent was endless, his gentle and caring heart brought tears to my eyes when I read Maria's
book and she told the story of how he gave his Buddy Rich drums away to a stranger who needed them to
keep his job. He was only 22 years old and yet it seemed like he lived a lifetime in those few short years.
God gave him to us as a gift, one to be cherished and
handled with care....as we have. Freddie wanted to be remembered...and he is. He wanted children...and Our
Lord gave him a wonderful son...a namesake...Freddie Jr. "Pie" respectfully carries his father's memory in his
heart and he has shown us that you don't need to know or personally meet someone to love them, remember them,
cherish the moments that are so very special to all of us. Thank you "Pie"....your father is so very proud of you...and
I know our Freddie's heart is still beating when I look at you. You are classy, as was your father...and you are
true to yourself. Here's to another new year, 2005, that we can continue celebrating the LIFE
of our dear prince. You were here and gone in
a flash...but never to be forgotten.
Macca
Freddie,
As I think of the approaching remembrance of your
life, though I never knew you I feel sad for the loss, not only to your family, close friends, and countless fans, but to
the world of entertainment with all that you accomplished in your all too short career.
But it is with Joy, not sadness that I associate
with my thoughts of you. You were a true talent with creativity, ambition and drive.
As George Lopez and many others have said, you
paved the way for them to do what they love by pressing forward with your dream, and your dream made us laugh, made us happy
and gave us dreams to dream.
Today is the day, as I spend it remembering your
gift to us I pray for your family and friends, those blessed enough to have had you touch their lives if even for a moment.
We, your fans, take comfort in knowing you are
in a better place now and that we are still able to enjoy your legacy through the soon to be released DVD of your show.
Congratulations on receiving your star and the
TV land award as well.
We love you Freddie!
Angie ( Joy)
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