YOU'VE , NO DOUBT, SEEN PAUL LeMAT in the the classic film of Americana, "Growing Up In California In The Sixties", "AMERICAN GRAFFITI". But, his importance in the Movie/TV Industry has never been limited to just that one film.
Paul was born in Rahway. New Jersey, moved to California when he was five, and when he was 21 moved to New York to study at the famed Actor's Studio. Later, Paul served in the Armed Services by doing a tour of duty in Vietnam, and was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and, the George Washington Honor Medal.
Paul's film and TV work began in 1973, and his role as "John Milner" in the aforementioned "American Graffiti" won him his first of two Golden Globe Awards.
WHEN WE FIRST TALKED IN 2006 at the KKOA Lead Sled in Salina, Kansas, Paul & I discussed his "Graffiti" work, his "Milner Coupe", and my old friend, who was in "Graffiti", Wolfman Jack.
BUT, I had seen Paul's other films and wanted to know about one of my favorites "Melvin And Howard"...with one of my all-time favorite Actor's JASON ROBARDS. Paul didn't disappoint me, told me the whole story, and added some input on working with the legendary Mr. Robards.
Then we covered his second Golden Globe Award, starring as the abusive husband with the late FARAH FAWCETT in "The Burning Bed". Paul's character was one of the meanest "bad guys" you'll EVER see ! But, why did he chose to play that role anyway ? Paul explains it in this part of an exceptional in-depth Interview.
Paul LeMat is always a fun guy to be around, always able to fill you in on his long & varied career, and I hope you'll check-out "Melvin & Howard" (1980), "Citizens Band" (1977) (a/k/a "Handle With Care"), "The Burning Bed" (1984), and some of his other great films. When you do, you'll come to a greater appreciation of this really nice guy...who's an excellent Actor.
Enjoy this Interview and drop me an eMail...let me know what you think. AND, next time you see Paul at a Car Cruise, mention to him that you've heard his stories on the HOF Legends WebSite. He'll get a kick out of that...it's always appreciated ! JK
