Katie Couric seemed genuinely shocked that actress Shirley Jones was totally undoing the squeaky clean image she had cultivated for decades.
Jones was on Couric’ show to promote her new book, “Shirley Jones,” a no-holds-barred account of her life. No warts were hidden.
In the minds of legions of fans who have followed the 79-year-old’s career, she was the wholesome matriarch of “The Partridge Family,” or the coy “Marian the Librarian” in “The Music Man,” or as the star in the famed musical “Oklahoma.”
Forget that image.
Here was Jones regaling Couric and her audience with stories of sexual exploits with her first husband, Jack Cassidy, and tales of her drug use, a three-some, etc. She even revealed that Cassidy had had an affair with Cole Porter before she married him.
When Couric asked what her secret to appearing youthful, Jones said, ”Masturbation! Sex keeps you young no matter what. The feelings of it keep you going.”
As we frequently tell clients, “It takes a lifetime to build a reputation and only a few seconds to destroy one.”
The question for those of us in the image business is “Why would Jones-at age 79—decide now to trash her image in the minds fans?” What about in the minds of her grandchildren?
Why?
There are likely two reasons: One, Jones desperately craves attention and will do anything for recognition. She has been out of the limelight for years now and misses it.
Or, most likely, she is doing it for the money. As it is often said, “When people say they are not doing it for the money, they are doing it for the money…”
We have worked diligently over the years with clients to do everything possible to enhance their image. It would be difficult to see one intentionally destroy it.
We are grateful we never had to work with a client who desired to trash his/her image as quickly as Shirley Jones.
JONES TRASHES SELF
It is sad to see this woman trash herself after all these years. If it’s for the money, I hope she gets enough. But, what is she going to do if she outlives the money the book makes? One Betty White is enough.
AGE
That hyphen in “threesome” reveals your age.
DESERVE TO BE SHOCKED
If people are really stupid enough to think that character portrayals on screen/TV are how people are in real life, then they deserve to be “shocked” by these types of revelations. Actors are doing a job. They are ACTING!!!!!!
This is what they are paid to do.
The problem is not with them. The problem is with your perception. Grow up!
OUT OF LIMELIGHT
Her greatest success was over 30 years ago and she has been pretty much out of the limelight for awhile. And I will add the last time I saw her on TV she was much heavier than now. She is looking good — although her husband is a major head case.
I’m guessing there is much more in the book than the few tidbits the media is concentrating on.
MARTY INGELS (SHIRLEY JONES’S HUSBAND) RESPONDS
John, the WORLD has advised me to ignore your mean & ludicrous letter like I would a Root Canal…but, Kid, I cannot resist…
You ask some hurtful questions about my sweet wife and then you answer them yourself, taking frightful liberties and making outrageous declarations without a speck of knowledge…So, I’m gonna take a shot and straighten you out like a gentleman…
To Wit: Your wandering critique seems to wonder why my wife would work so hard to “trash” the image you have decided fits my wife best. Now, sit down, Landsberg, and read this slowly…“Truth,” John, “Truth” – Did you ever hear of it ? It might just be possible that your “Partridge Mama” has been living a bit of a Big Screen lie all those years and now, at almost 80, felt it was her responsibility to the world ( and to HERSELF ) to set the record straight, John, not for any of those pin-head probabilities you and your self-righteous diatribe preferred, but for the simple, basic, human, intelligent and Godly reason is that it is TRUE…for better or worse. IT IS TRUE. You missed that one, Landsberg.
TRUTH.
Now go to your room and pray for God’s forgiveness.
INCLINATIONS OF WORLD
It must be nice to know the inclinations of the WORLD. Personally, I’d be happy if just knew enough to let my dogs out to pee on time.
SHIRLEY’S MASTURBATION
Hey, Marty: Your wife says she masturbates. What are you there for? Truth is good, but so is decency. You used to be funny. What happened?
NORMAL, HEALTHY STUFF
I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Jones last summer in a professional musical theatre production. She is charming, talented and respected in the entertainment industry. What she is openly talking about these days is a normal, healthy human trait. I commend her for opening up about the truth, and not keeping things hidden or bottled up. Talking about sex and relationships in life should not be taboo.