Ronda Rich

Syndicated Columnist

There sat three of us around a kitchen island in a suburban home outside of Nashville. It was great conversation where three of us were telling stories. One person’s story led to another’s story.

Something was said that reminded me of a story so I started. “I have a friend of more than 35 years. He was one of the Hollywood’s top stunt men. He doubled for Paul Newman because they looked like brothers and they were best friends.”

This was my set-up for the story. The other two were twins, Matthew and Gunnar, the sons of rock music legend Ricky Nelson and, of course, the grandsons of Ozzie and Harriett.

Matthew, sitting beside me, cut his eyes over at me and asked, “Are you talking about Stan Barrett?”

I did a double take. “As a matter of fact, yes. Do you know Stan?” I asked incredulously.

The two, who had enormous rock success in the 1990, now live in Tennessee, and have gently moved into country rock like the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt and their dad, who they still adore decades after his death in a plane crash.

Matt shrugged casually. “Yeah, we’ve known him since we were kids. He was always giving us Bibles.”

“Really?” Surprise rang in my tone.

Know this, he is one of the toughest, gruffiest men ever. Most probably, every bone in his body has been broken. Tough is what you expect from a man who jumped off a cliff in a movie. He suffers no fool.

Our friendship is such that we have lengthy conversations three or four times a year and I adore hearing his Hollywood stories told casually not arrogantly. Later, after I left Gunnar’s house, I remembered that Stan telling me once that he met Ricky Nelson on the set of “Rio Bravo” because he was always John Wayne’s first call when he needed a stunt man.

“Ricky and his brother, David, were the nicest guys you’d ever meet. We became friends.” But he did not tell me that he gave Bibles to Ricky’s sons.

Stan, gruff as he is, is a solid Christian who calls Franklin Graham a dear friend.

Paul Newman was his best friend and he loved him, always telling him of the Lord’s goodness.

Another story came to mind, a week or so later. Years ago, I was book touring in Charlotte for a couple of days. My publishing representative and I were having dinner on a café sidewalk after an exhausting day of interviews and book signings. The restaurant was in a nice shopping area in the toniest side of town, South Park.

A man walked by, stopping for the crossing light. Simultaneously, we turned to look at each other and surprise filled our faces.

“Ronda! What are you doing here?” Stan walked toward me. I stood up and hugged him when he got to the table.

“I’m here on book tour. Why aren’t you in Los Angeles?”

“I built a house here up in the mountains.”

I introduced him to my rep and we invited him to join us for coffee and dessert. Neither Stan or I spoke of his incredible career. When he does tell me of something impressive he has done, it is always in a tired, nonchalant tone.

“Where are you staying?” he asked.

“The Duke Mansion.” It is the ornate mansion owned by tobacco giant James Duke. I highly recommend it.

“I’ve always wanted to see inside.” He looked at my escort. “Would you mind if I drive her back?”

A few minutes later, I was climbing up into his expensive SUV.

“What a nice car!” He shrugged. “I’m going to sell it. I’ve been doing mission trips with Franklin. I don’t feel right, driving such an expensive car when people are in need. I’ll give the money to Samaritan’s Purse.”

It’s lovely to know that a man with a tough exterior can have such a tender heart.

Ronda Rich is the best-selling author of the Stella Bankwell series. Please visit www.rondarich.com to sign up for her weekly newsletter.