Copyright 2015 Robert Fuller Official Website
“Some men are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them...” And then there are those who have to fight for their start in life... literally. Also, a little help from a friend doesn’t go astray, either. Already signed to star in the 1957 cult movie ‘Teenage Thunder’, Chuck Courtney knew his best friend Robert Fuller would be perfect for the role of teen ‘heavy’ Maurie Weston.
Chuck spoke to director Paul Hemlick requesting he test Robert for the role of Maurie. Hemlick agreed to see him and so Robert read for the part. Although the director liked what he saw, he already had up-
A good friend never takes ‘no’ for an answer and Chuck persisted with his campaign, talking Robert up a couple more times until Hemlick relented and asked Robert back to read again. But Ed Byrnes was still top of the list to play the part of Maurie.
Determined Robert was going to be in his movie and knowing how much his friend wanted the part, Chuck came up with a plan he figured would be failsafe. He told Robert he would invite Hemlick to his home and Robert was to drive his 1950 Ford Convertible up to the house where the two young men would act out the fight scene from the movie. When Paul was at the house Chuck gave the signal and Robert drove his car, as planned, to where he and Chuck gave the director a taste of not only their expertise in acting, but in stunt fighting, as well. Impressed with the performance, Hemlick hired Robert on the spot and the rest, as they say, is history.
THE FIGHT
Coming Soon
Hear Robert tell the story of how he got the part of Maurie Watson
PLUS
Gallery from the film