Doug Marsh Misses Dick Cook
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In the media holding area, the out-of-towners knew something was up when all the cell phones of the local reporters began ringing at once. And when they began packing up their equipment and stowing it away, it was obvious that a major storm cell was bearing down on the Speedway. But don’t take my word for it. Take a look at this video, shot just after the height of the storm had passed.
There was no time to take video at the height of the storm, as an unlucky group of us visitors were too busy holding down the media tent, which began rising off the ground at one point. That was just before a pair of the massive balloon towers broke loose and went scudding down the carpet, taking out lights and dislodging the covers that had hastily been thrown over the Cars cars. (You know, the ones that look like Lightning McQueen, Mater, Sally and Doc Hudson.)
What, you may ask, does all this have to do with Dick Cook? Well, take a look at this video. It’s Mater, in the driving rain. But at the very end, you’ll see a face that should be familiar to any LaughingPlace reader who has been following our red carpet coverage over the years.
Yes, that’s Dick Cook, hunkered under the edge of the Speedway bleachers with the rest of the working staff. Rather than ride out the storm in the party tent with the company executives and celebrities, he chose to wait down in the trenches and keep tabs on the progress of the storm.
As soon as it was clear enough to come back out, everyone began regrouping and setting up. Granted, the place was a mess, with literal creeks of water flowing over the red carpet.
Even a team of Nascar girls in full war paint couldn’t hide the fact that this red carpet had been through a storm.
As for all those balloon towers, the tattered remains were hauled down, dragged under the bleachers, and set upon by an efficient team from the company that had delivered them scant hours earlier.
As the scheduled time for the red carpet arrived, it was, frankly, pandemonium. Crews were mopping down the carpet, lights were being replaced, print and camera crews were jostling to get the few dry spots available, and in the background was the incessant pop-pop-pop of a million balloons meeting their fate.
Sadly, it seemed that despite all the activity, there would be no one to interview. And that’s where Dick Cook comes into the story, and the reason I miss him already. Despite the discomfort, despite the circumstances, and despite that fact that no one expected it, he came around and started giving interviews, even as the rain kept intermittently drizzling.
Dick Cook not only met the major media during that first half hour, he worked his way up the entire carpet, stopping to talk to anyone with a microphone.
I remember thinking that this would probably be the only on-camera interview we would get that day. Here’s our full story as it ran on LaughingPlace back on June 9, 2006:
Watch the first interview, with Dick Cook. At about one minute in, notice he glances down at his feet. And while he does stumble for just a moment, he keeps on going, even as he keeps glancing down. You see, during the interview, an enthusiastic sweeper managed to send a wall of water right across the carpet, straight at Dick Cook, and up over his shoes. For the rest of the event, I know he was walking around in soaking wet socks.
Dick Cook was one person I could always count on to offer a good interview, even to an internet site of unabashed Disney fans. He had the kind of care and concern for his audience that grew out of his early years working on stage at Disneyland. Even after ascending to the executive suite, it was obvious to anyone who believes in the Disney magic, that Dick Cook “got it.” In the end, it was always about giving the public a little bit more. I wish him only the best wherever he lands. And while I hope it’s not in a puddle, I know that even if it is, he’ll land with grace and good humor.
Thank you, Dick Cook, for all you have done for the Walt Disney Company. I do miss you already.
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-- Posted September 23, 2009