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| 8/8/2007 12:01:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article
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Beloved community icon Jake the Alligator Man celebrates 75th birthday
By AMANDA FRINK
Observer Staff Writer
EDITOR'S NOTE: Some beach communities have roller-blading hotties and paragliders. In contrast, thankfully, our most notable community symbol is a distinctly unlovely stuffed carnival sideshow attraction oozing so much personality it seems it ought to be able to talk. On the occasion of his 75th official birthday, Chinook Observer reporter Amanda Frink sat down for a candid "interview" with Jake the Alligator Man.
Chinook Observer: So Jake, I hear you're turning 75 this month - Happy Birthday!
Jake the Alligator Man: Oh, thank you. And please - just call me J-TAM.
CO: Pardon my asking, J-TAM, but how is your health? Are you still feeling great?
J-TAM: Definitely. You know, 75 human years is 200 million in alligator man years, and I'm reaching middle age. My theory about working out is less is more, so I de-stress by taking two vacations a year. I love the South of France, I love being on the yacht, and I love having a chef cook because I love to eat! I just got back - it was divine!
CO: What keeps you balanced?
J-TAM: My friends, definitely. There are always one or two friends with me at all times. They're right there [points to the stuffed creatures at back of the room]. I don't go anywhere without someone who loves me and can tell me the truth.
CO: What do you do that keeps you so young - is it a secret diet or exercise program?
J-TAM:: A balanced routine of green tea, meditation and swimming in mud puddles in the winter - oh heck, winter, spring, fall and sometimes summer, too.
CO: So let's just cut right to the chase - is Jake the Alligator Man single or is there a special someone in your life?
J-TAM: Well, not to brag, but I'm used to getting hugs and kisses from all the beautiful ladies wherever I go. That's all that matters to J-TAM, thank you very much!
CO: What are you up to these days? You seem to be keeping busy!
J-TAM: Right now a lot of my time is dedicated to my clothing line, and a fragrance and skincare line is in the works, and my newest idea - Jake oral hygiene products. I have so many things! Then on top of everything, I still have to approve everything my staff tackles: I approve every ingredient in my perfume, skin care and dental lines, every button in my clothing line, I approve every photograph, and I approve every interview... And then I have a life. It's so hard to balance.
CO: Wow, you just seem to be one diverse entrepreneur! Have you ever thought about merchandise made from alligator skin?
J-TAM: Excuuuse me? No comment. That question was definitely not on the list! Let's keep this moving along, okay, babe?
CO: So sorry...Let's see...who has given you good advice in your career?
J-TAM: Oprah Winfrey. I just will never forget her talking about the power of "No." That helped me so much, especially when trying to balance everything. I have to learn how to say "No" when I don't like something. That's a very hard thing to do because I don't like to disappoint people and I work hard.
CO: You seem to be a pretty popular guy - tourists flock to see you, Peninsula residents have taken you on as one of their own, and you even have your own fan club. How do you keep your privacy and still have time for all your groupies?
J-TAM: Regular contact with my family keeps me grounded. I also take a small amount of time out of each day to have what I call "recharging time" - a wise, old monk once told me that daily rejuvenation is important for the mind, body, and soul.
CO: What is your most embarrassing moment?
J-TAM: I will say that it involved sunbathing near Bolstad Approach and we will leave it at that. The paparazzi are just pigs - no personal moment goes unshared with the rest of the world.
CO: Did you ever know that you were destined for stardom?
J-TAM: I never imagined my life would turn out to be the phenomenon it is. When the Marsh family moved me here, I just loved the idea - I mean, when they asked, it took me all of 30 seconds to say, "Yes." I knew this would be good, but never thought it would be as huge as it is. So to be kicking back and doing what I love, and well, honestly, what the fans love, is fantastic. But I could wake up tomorrow and be yesterday's news, so it's "enjoy-it-while-you-have-it" time for old Jake.
CO: Was there anybody you admired?
J-TAM: Being from a bi-species family, I fully respect and take pride in the fact that my parents overcame every obstacle in their relationship to raise me as a normal hatchling. My folks are great people ... and they have parented some darned good-looking offspring. My other feelings of adoration are reserved solely for Oprah.
CO: So J-TAM, you've lived at the beach for years - what is it that keeps you around?
J-TAM: Well, like I said J-TAM loooves the ladies, and with the Peninsula crawling with voluptuous hotties, I really have no reason to stray.
CO: What is a common misconception that people tend to have about you?
J-TAM: Oh you know, the scaly thing. I'm NOT covered in scales, - I'm not a snake. I'm alligator, all alligator.
CO: Uh, J-TAM...
J-TAM: Okay, okay - half alligator.
CO: So you're 10 years past 65, any plans of retiring?
J-TAM: No plans of retiring yet, but I would like to get in a little more time for my golf swing and maybe sunbathe in my new Speedo. But I don't plan to retire - I will ride 'til I die ... even if that means I'm on an electric scooter.
CO: How do you plan to celebrate your birthday this year?
J-TAM: All of my fans, friends and family are invited to celebrate my 75th birthday on Aug. 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the pocket park in front of Marsh's Free Museum. While I will not be arriving in a big Humvee with tinted windows and a big bow on top like I requested, the party will still be hopping with birthday cake, party hats, balloons, noisemakers and prizes for my friends. I also hear that the folks at funbeach.com are hosting a limerick contest and the "Who's Your Daddy?" essay contest, which will finally reveal how my parents fell in love - I can't wait to finally find out. I have also been notified that Long Beach Mayor Ralph Moore will also honor yours truly with a key to the city. Does that mean I get to be the boss for a day - because that would be awesome.
CO: Anybody you hope to see there?
J-TAM: All my friends, family and fans - just my peeps in general. Maybe a celebrity appearance from Oprah Winfrey or Britney Spears, it would be totally cool if those lovelies would make it to Long Beach.
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Reader Comments
Posted: Monday, August 11, 2008
Article comment by:
Nettie Febus
Hey sexy new Husband. I had a great time with you and hope for more action, when you get home from your tour.
LOVE ALWAYS YOUR BRAND NEW WIFE!
Posted: Saturday, August 09, 2008
Article comment by:
Scott H
LONG LIVE J-TAM!
Posted: Friday, March 28, 2008
Article comment by:
xfrank
I think that jake is the coolest I think that he is a bit creepy but still very cool
Posted: Sunday, December 09, 2007
Article comment by:
Kelly
I'm so relieved to finally "meet" Jake here online! When I was in town for Thanksgiving (I'm from So. CA), I saw signs about Jake, but wasn't able to stop in and meet him personally. (I actually was worried that I would be imposing!) Now I see that Jake loves being in the limelight, so next time I'm around, I'll definitely drop by for a visit! Great article! :)
Happy Holidays!
Kelly,
Lakeside, CA
Posted: Monday, August 13, 2007
Article comment by:
David Marsh
I just wanted to say thank you for interview you did with Jake. I thought the format was both clever and amusing. Now if we can just keep his head from swelling, I would hate to try and find room for a bigger display.
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