The following is the third part of The Hollywood
Sentinel’s exclusive interview with the most well connected
producer in the world, A.C. Lyles, conducted by Bruce Edwin.
Part
one and Part Two
can be read in previous issues of the Hollywood Sentinel.The
interview was conducted on lot at Paramount Pictures. No part of
Mr. Lyles words have been altered. Portions of the original
interview tape were shortened due to limitations of space, or for
areas of topic off the record.
His is the stuff legends are made of - the biggest legends of all
time. He had no back up, Plan B. Failure was never an option. He
came, he saw, he conquered. If the words ‘greatness,’
and ‘living legend’ mean anything at all, it is
defined by this man known as A.C. Lyles. The writer, producer,
and studio publicist who handled and helped launch the careers of
the biggest superstars in the world including Clint Eastwood
among many, many more.
Known often as the official spokesman for Paramount Pictures and
Hollywood to the rest of the world, A.C. Lyles, who used to
regularly travel on Air Force One with his best friend and then
President Ronald Reagan, used to have his own office in the White
House for 8 years. Today, he counts Kings and Queens of
countries, and even Prince Charles as one of his good friends,
and has been friends with the biggest movie stars in the world
that ever walked the Earth, including John Wayne and Marilyn
Monroe. Husband to the lovely Martha Vickers, and, before that,
boyfriend to other such screen goddesses as Barbara Payton,
Ginger Rogers, and Joan Crawford among more, Mr. Lyles has lived
and still lives the life most can only dream of. If Hollywood
would ever have a King, he would preside its towering
throne.
If you ever have the pleasure and honor to meet Mr. A.C. Lyles,
you will realize that he gives you 100% of his attention, treats
you as if you are the only person at that time that exists, and
are the most important person in the world. When I ran in to him
once on the street of Hollywood Boulevard, I was leaving
Mel’s Diner, and he was exiting a commemorative event at
the Hollywood Museum honoring Marilyn Monroe, where he spoke of
his friend Marilyn that he used to go clubbing with. Suddenly, a
homeless beggar interrupted us, reeking of odor. Mr. Lyles at
once pulled out his wallet, looked in to the mans eyes with care,
and handed him money, patting him on the back, and talking to him
like a real human being, telling him he really hoped it would
help him. Several minutes later, the man returned when we were
still talking, and again, Mr. Lyles gave him more. That is the
kind of person A.C. Lyles is. And that is why Hollywood publicist
Michael Levine, who has represented over 200 Academy Award ®
winning stars, stated, “A.C. Lyles is known as the
gentleman of the West, and for good reason. He is the most
charming man I know.” Without a doubt. Now, without further
ado, The Hollywood Sentinel® is proud to introduce to you Mr.
A.C. Lyles.
BRUCE EDWIN: You’ve worked with and known
the most beautiful leading ladies in the world, is there one that
in your mind, aside from, in my mind the obvious, Marilyn Monroe,
that stands out as the most beautiful?