In 1964, Elvis Presley decided to try something new on the set of the film Roustabout. At this point in his career, he was already tired of his repetitive acting roles. To inject a bit of excitement into the part, Elvis asked director John Rich if he could do his own stunts. Though Rich initially refused, Elvis was persistent and the director gave in. Almost immediately, Rich came to regret this decision.
Elvis hurt himself while trying to do his own stunts in a film
On the third day of filming Roustabout, Elvis came to Rich with a proposition: he wanted to do his own stunts in a fight scene.
“He came to me and said, Could he please do the stunt himself?” Rich recalled in the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I said, ‘My God, no. What happens if you get hurt?’ He said,...
Elvis hurt himself while trying to do his own stunts in a film
On the third day of filming Roustabout, Elvis came to Rich with a proposition: he wanted to do his own stunts in a fight scene.
“He came to me and said, Could he please do the stunt himself?” Rich recalled in the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I said, ‘My God, no. What happens if you get hurt?’ He said,...
- 5/30/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley spent much of his time with his bodyguards and entourage. They followed him on tours, vacations, and even between his houses. When one bodyguard, Sonny West, spent just a month away from Elvis, he was shocked upon his return. Elvis looked so unwell that West gathered other bodyguards to pray for him.
Elvis Presley’s appearance shocked his bodyguard
After Elvis’ divorce from Priscilla Presley, those close to him grew concerned for his well-being. He frequently saw a doctor for problems with his throat, took increasing doses of drugs, and slept very little. All of this began to wear on him.
“I tell you,” Sonny said in the book Elvis, What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy, “I was going nuts looking after him with his actions.”
Elvis and bodyguards | Tom Wargacki/WireImage
In 1974, West was away from Elvis for a month to do work with Colonel Tom Parker. When...
Elvis Presley’s appearance shocked his bodyguard
After Elvis’ divorce from Priscilla Presley, those close to him grew concerned for his well-being. He frequently saw a doctor for problems with his throat, took increasing doses of drugs, and slept very little. All of this began to wear on him.
“I tell you,” Sonny said in the book Elvis, What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy, “I was going nuts looking after him with his actions.”
Elvis and bodyguards | Tom Wargacki/WireImage
In 1974, West was away from Elvis for a month to do work with Colonel Tom Parker. When...
- 4/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley made a fortune over the course of his life, but this didn’t stop his father from worrying about his finances. Elvis spent nearly as quickly as he earned, funneling money into hobbies, vehicles, and gifts for his friends and family. He also purchased expensive presents for strangers. He once gave someone a life-changing gift after reading about them in the newspaper.
Elvis Presley bought a stranger an expensive gift
While Elvis had a reputation for giving away cars — Johnny Carson even joked about it in one monologue — his gift-giving did not stop there. Once, while reading the newspaper, Elvis learned about a local woman in need of a wheelchair. He did not hesitate to buy her the nicest, most expensive one he could find.
Elvis in ‘Blue Hawaii’ | Paramount Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images
“Man, that woman’s face was a picture when he just walked into...
Elvis Presley bought a stranger an expensive gift
While Elvis had a reputation for giving away cars — Johnny Carson even joked about it in one monologue — his gift-giving did not stop there. Once, while reading the newspaper, Elvis learned about a local woman in need of a wheelchair. He did not hesitate to buy her the nicest, most expensive one he could find.
Elvis in ‘Blue Hawaii’ | Paramount Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images
“Man, that woman’s face was a picture when he just walked into...
- 4/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley understood how to rile up his fans, something his bodyguards knew all too well. They watched people scream, cry, and gyrate through the singer’s shows for years. While they watched the audience with mild perturbation most of the time, they found some behavior downright frightening. One bodyguard recalled a frightening show during which audience members stormed toward the stage.
Elvis’ bodyguard said the singer’s fans sometimes frightened him
At Elvis’ concerts, fans had the chance to walk away with a souvenir: a scarf the singer used to mop his brow. He tossed out many of these each show, and people fought over them. At one concert, bodyguard Dave Hebler said so many people rushed for a scarf that it terrified him.
“Well, Elvis has reached the part of his act where he throws out about fifty scarves into the audience,” Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened?...
Elvis’ bodyguard said the singer’s fans sometimes frightened him
At Elvis’ concerts, fans had the chance to walk away with a souvenir: a scarf the singer used to mop his brow. He tossed out many of these each show, and people fought over them. At one concert, bodyguard Dave Hebler said so many people rushed for a scarf that it terrified him.
“Well, Elvis has reached the part of his act where he throws out about fifty scarves into the audience,” Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened?...
- 4/14/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley built a fan base that supported him for years. They bought his records, watched his films, and let loose at his concerts. While Elvis loved the way his fans showed their devotion to him, his bodyguards did not. They believed the behavior of the audiences at the singer’s concerts was shocking.
Elvis’ entourage said fans behaved appallingly during concerts
Elvis’ bodyguards were on hand at concerts to make sure the singer was safe during his performances. Ultimately, though, they said they had to watch out for the safety of the audience more than they did Elvis.
“I swear I don’t know how someone hasn’t been killed at some of these shows,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “There have been a lot of people hurt but it’s a miracle somebody hasn’t been killed.”
Elvis Presley | Bettmann...
Elvis’ entourage said fans behaved appallingly during concerts
Elvis’ bodyguards were on hand at concerts to make sure the singer was safe during his performances. Ultimately, though, they said they had to watch out for the safety of the audience more than they did Elvis.
“I swear I don’t know how someone hasn’t been killed at some of these shows,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “There have been a lot of people hurt but it’s a miracle somebody hasn’t been killed.”
Elvis Presley | Bettmann...
- 4/11/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley grew accustomed to performing to screaming audiences of fans who would do anything to get closer to him. While the crush of their enthusiasm concerned his bodyguards and venue security, Elvis reveled in it. When he got in front of a particularly polite and quiet audience, he realized he had to do something to rile them up. His solution was an incredibly expensive one.
Elvis gave away expensive jewelry to one audience
When Elvis’ bodyguards raised their concerns about audience behavior at his concerts, he told them not to worry. “When they stop attacking me, I’m dead,” he said, per the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. It bothered him greatly, then, that one 1973 audience was comparatively quiet.
“He was in the dressing room and he told me that the audience wasn’t worth a damn,” bodyguard Red West said. “They weren’t responding, which wasn’t really true.
Elvis gave away expensive jewelry to one audience
When Elvis’ bodyguards raised their concerns about audience behavior at his concerts, he told them not to worry. “When they stop attacking me, I’m dead,” he said, per the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. It bothered him greatly, then, that one 1973 audience was comparatively quiet.
“He was in the dressing room and he told me that the audience wasn’t worth a damn,” bodyguard Red West said. “They weren’t responding, which wasn’t really true.
- 4/11/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was one of the biggest celebrities in the world during his lifetime, but the death threats he received proved that not everyone was a fan. Elvis’ bodyguards said many of the threats the singer received were easy to write off as hoaxes. Sometimes, though, they took them quite seriously. They spoke about one that frightened them so badly they involved the FBI.
Elvis received one particularly distressing death threat
When Elvis began playing shows in Las Vegas after a break from live performances, he was closer to his fans than he’d been in years. This brought increased attention to him. With that came an influx of threats.
“We tried to keep most of it away from Elvis,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy, “but there was a lot of serious stuff coming down that he had to know about.”
One...
Elvis received one particularly distressing death threat
When Elvis began playing shows in Las Vegas after a break from live performances, he was closer to his fans than he’d been in years. This brought increased attention to him. With that came an influx of threats.
“We tried to keep most of it away from Elvis,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy, “but there was a lot of serious stuff coming down that he had to know about.”
One...
- 4/8/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley did not have a normal life in any sense of the word. He rose to unprecedented levels of fame in his twenties and maintained an army of dedicated fans for the entirety of his life. While this sometimes felt uncomfortable for him — he struggled to find any amount of privacy — Elvis thought of himself as greater than most people. His bodyguard said Elvis saw himself as superhuman.
Elvis Presley tried to elevate himself above normal humans
Elvis long claimed an ability to heal with his touch. While his bodyguard, Dave Hebler, thought Elvis genuinely wanted to help people, he thought the singer also wanted to think of himself as special.
“I think he sincerely wanted to heal someone’s pain. But at the same time he was trying to elevate himself above ordinary humans,” Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He sort of had this superman complex.
Elvis Presley tried to elevate himself above normal humans
Elvis long claimed an ability to heal with his touch. While his bodyguard, Dave Hebler, thought Elvis genuinely wanted to help people, he thought the singer also wanted to think of himself as special.
“I think he sincerely wanted to heal someone’s pain. But at the same time he was trying to elevate himself above ordinary humans,” Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He sort of had this superman complex.
- 4/7/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Elvis Presley returned to live performances after a lengthy break, his audiences reacted as though he’d never left. Eager crowds danced to his songs and fought each other for the scarves he threw from the stage. Elvis’ bodyguards and venue security had to work hard to keep the crowd under control. It came as a shock to them, then, when Elvis told his audience to ignore safety instructions.
Elvis told his audience to ignore police instructions
Crowds at Elvis’ shows often reached a state of hysteria, which Elvis liked. He wanted his audiences to prove their dedication to him. His bodyguards did not like the frenzied reactions, though.
“I swear, I don’t know how someone hasn’t been killed at some of these shows,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “There have been a lot of people hurt but it...
Elvis told his audience to ignore police instructions
Crowds at Elvis’ shows often reached a state of hysteria, which Elvis liked. He wanted his audiences to prove their dedication to him. His bodyguards did not like the frenzied reactions, though.
“I swear, I don’t know how someone hasn’t been killed at some of these shows,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “There have been a lot of people hurt but it...
- 4/5/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
For two decades, Elvis Presley commanded zealous audiences. He brought people to tears with his performances and kicked up a frenzy that some found alarming. His bodyguards said he had this same effect off the stage as well. Elvis was so charismatic that he almost seemed to have magical control over people.
Elvis’ bodyguard said the singer could entrance them
Many members of Elvis’ entourage worked for him for years, putting in long hours to do whatever he asked of them.
“I often felt that I’m in the aura of some very special human being. He genuinely believes that he is a prophet and we were his disciples,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He demands fanatical loyalty, expects it. There have been times that I have felt that Elvis bordered on being a bit of a nut, but look at the loyalty we gave the man.
Elvis’ bodyguard said the singer could entrance them
Many members of Elvis’ entourage worked for him for years, putting in long hours to do whatever he asked of them.
“I often felt that I’m in the aura of some very special human being. He genuinely believes that he is a prophet and we were his disciples,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He demands fanatical loyalty, expects it. There have been times that I have felt that Elvis bordered on being a bit of a nut, but look at the loyalty we gave the man.
- 4/1/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s bodyguards protected him from physical threats, but they also wanted to safeguard his reputation. When they learned about a rumor circulating about Elvis, they decided they needed to put a stop to it. One bodyguard decided that the best path forward was to threaten the perpetrator’s life.
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard tried to protect him against rumors
When Elvis stayed in Las Vegas to play residencies, he got frequent massages from the same man, whom his bodyguards called Big Bill. Each time, Elvis tipped him $100, which his bodyguards felt was more than generous. They were frustrated, then, when they heard Big Bill was spreading rumors about Elvis’ drug use. They discovered this while talking to a stranger from New York.
“Anyway, it seems that one of these guys from New York was getting a massage, and this Big Bill starts shooting his mouth off to him...
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard tried to protect him against rumors
When Elvis stayed in Las Vegas to play residencies, he got frequent massages from the same man, whom his bodyguards called Big Bill. Each time, Elvis tipped him $100, which his bodyguards felt was more than generous. They were frustrated, then, when they heard Big Bill was spreading rumors about Elvis’ drug use. They discovered this while talking to a stranger from New York.
“Anyway, it seems that one of these guys from New York was getting a massage, and this Big Bill starts shooting his mouth off to him...
- 3/30/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s bodyguards got to know every side of the singer, and they said he had many. Some days, Elvis was funny, thoughtful, and generous. Others, he was angry and quick to lash out. They shared what it was like to spend time around the megastar.
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard said his personality could change rapidly
Over the years, the bodyguards who knew Elvis longest noticed a change in him. Dave Hebler, who met Elvis in the 1970s, said he found it shocking that Elvis was so self-destructive.
“It seems he is bent on death. The thing about him is that Elvis doesn’t care. He doesn’t give a f***,” Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “I can’t find the words to say it strong enough. I mean he is a fascinating person, the most fascinating human I have ever met. He is a composite of contradictions.
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard said his personality could change rapidly
Over the years, the bodyguards who knew Elvis longest noticed a change in him. Dave Hebler, who met Elvis in the 1970s, said he found it shocking that Elvis was so self-destructive.
“It seems he is bent on death. The thing about him is that Elvis doesn’t care. He doesn’t give a f***,” Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “I can’t find the words to say it strong enough. I mean he is a fascinating person, the most fascinating human I have ever met. He is a composite of contradictions.
- 3/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1970s, Elvis Presley was so bored with his career that he began to invent problems for himself. According to Priscilla Presley, he grew obsessed with the idea of cleaning up the streets, even going so far as to offer to “take care” of anyone who bothered her. Elvis himself rarely ventured into dangerous situations. Instead, he sent his bodyguards out to deal with his problems. One of his bodyguards spoke out against this behavior.
Elvis Presley put people in danger to seem ‘macho’
In 1976, Elvis welcomed his bodyguard Red West into his bedroom. Here, West found guns spread all over the floor and a list of people Elvis saw as a threat to the public.
“He had it all planned,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He wanted myself and Dave Hebler and Dick Grob, the former cop, to go out and lure them,...
Elvis Presley put people in danger to seem ‘macho’
In 1976, Elvis welcomed his bodyguard Red West into his bedroom. Here, West found guns spread all over the floor and a list of people Elvis saw as a threat to the public.
“He had it all planned,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He wanted myself and Dave Hebler and Dick Grob, the former cop, to go out and lure them,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was a talented performer who captured the hearts of millions of fans with his songs. He had a highly successful career, but he yearned for greater achievements. Elvis grew fascinated with finding his purpose in life, which he believed would lead to spiritual fulfillment. He even believed he held certain metaphysical powers. He once used these to try to take pain away from a woman in labor.
Elvis Presley tried to help a woman in labor
In 1975, Elvis and his girlfriend, Linda Thompson, visited her brother, sister-in-law, and their new baby in the hospital. While they were there, Elvis noticed a woman in labor entering the hospital.
“The next thing I know, Elvis has stopped the emergency charge toward the delivery room and starts talking to the lady,” his bodyguard Dave Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Here she is in labor, but...
Elvis Presley tried to help a woman in labor
In 1975, Elvis and his girlfriend, Linda Thompson, visited her brother, sister-in-law, and their new baby in the hospital. While they were there, Elvis noticed a woman in labor entering the hospital.
“The next thing I know, Elvis has stopped the emergency charge toward the delivery room and starts talking to the lady,” his bodyguard Dave Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Here she is in labor, but...
- 3/12/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s bodyguards spent much of their lives supporting him. While it was not an easy job — Elvis could be quite demanding — they were happy to dedicate themselves to him. According to some of his bodyguards, Elvis had a seemingly supernatural power over people. While his bodyguards sometimes thought this was ludicrous, they couldn’t deny that Elvis seemed to be blessed.
Elvis Presley’s bodyguards thought there was something special about him
Elvis was a majorly successful singer, a stroke of luck he thought was godsent. This didn’t sound like too outlandish of a belief to his longtime bodyguard Red West.
“He believes there was a master plan by God in singling him out for his fantastic success,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Now, while it does sound a little wacky, I have often given it a lot of thought and...
Elvis Presley’s bodyguards thought there was something special about him
Elvis was a majorly successful singer, a stroke of luck he thought was godsent. This didn’t sound like too outlandish of a belief to his longtime bodyguard Red West.
“He believes there was a master plan by God in singling him out for his fantastic success,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Now, while it does sound a little wacky, I have often given it a lot of thought and...
- 3/10/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s entourage was intimately familiar with the singer’s interest in spirituality. He led Bible readings for them and spoke often about his belief in his own mystical abilities. Elvis attempted to heal members of his entourage with a touch and tried to control the weather in front of them. Once, he had them sit in a hot car while he tried to move a cloud with his mind.
Elvis tried to prove to his entourage that he could control clouds
Elvis and several members of his entourage were driving through Palm Springs on a day that was “hotter than hell,” said bodyguard Dave Hebler in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. As Elvis talked about the power of metaphysics, he instructed the driver to stop the car. Elvis pointed out the only cloud in the sky.
“Suddenly Elvis yells out, ‘Stop the car. I want...
Elvis tried to prove to his entourage that he could control clouds
Elvis and several members of his entourage were driving through Palm Springs on a day that was “hotter than hell,” said bodyguard Dave Hebler in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. As Elvis talked about the power of metaphysics, he instructed the driver to stop the car. Elvis pointed out the only cloud in the sky.
“Suddenly Elvis yells out, ‘Stop the car. I want...
- 3/8/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Elvis Presley’s career took off in 1956, his love life did too. He was a charming, good-looking superstar and people flocked to him everywhere he went. According to Elvis’ friend and bodyguard, the singer had multiple flings as he was traveling between cities to perform. His bodyguards said he was so charismatic that hardly anyone was immune to his advances.
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard said he left lovers behind everywhere he visited
As Elvis’ career gained traction, he traveled between cities for concerts. His bodyguard, Red West, said everything happened so fast that it was difficult to adjust.
“We never seemed to have time to absorb it all,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “We were all busier than a one-legged man in an a**-kicking contest. We were hitting town after town in very quick succession.”
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
As they traveled,...
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard said he left lovers behind everywhere he visited
As Elvis’ career gained traction, he traveled between cities for concerts. His bodyguard, Red West, said everything happened so fast that it was difficult to adjust.
“We never seemed to have time to absorb it all,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “We were all busier than a one-legged man in an a**-kicking contest. We were hitting town after town in very quick succession.”
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
As they traveled,...
- 3/4/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was many people’s celebrity crush. He commanded audiences of screaming fans and had affairs with a number of his co-stars in movies. According to those who knew him, he was the most charismatic person they’d ever met. Still, he didn’t win everyone over right away. One of Elvis’ biggest crushes didn’t think much of him at all before they met.
Elvis’ celebrity crush didn’t hold him in high regard before she met him
In 1956, Elvis starred in his debut film, Love Me Tender, alongside Debra Paget. Paget was a glamorous, well-established actor, and Elvis immediately fell for her. He confessed to his friends that he had a massive crush. They believed this crush stuck with him for a while, possibly even influencing his relationship with Priscilla Presley.
“If you look at her in those earlier pictures, you will see she had a decided likeness to Priscilla Presley,...
Elvis’ celebrity crush didn’t hold him in high regard before she met him
In 1956, Elvis starred in his debut film, Love Me Tender, alongside Debra Paget. Paget was a glamorous, well-established actor, and Elvis immediately fell for her. He confessed to his friends that he had a massive crush. They believed this crush stuck with him for a while, possibly even influencing his relationship with Priscilla Presley.
“If you look at her in those earlier pictures, you will see she had a decided likeness to Priscilla Presley,...
- 3/1/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s bodyguards were like family to him. They often lived with him, took trips with him, and were there whenever he needed them. In the earliest years of Elvis’ career, they did all of this for very little money. One of his longtime bodyguards, Red West, said this led to an embarrassing moment for him in a New York City bathroom.
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard felt embarrassed while in New York
In 1956, Elvis traveled to New York City and made an appearance on Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey’s Stage Show. Afterward, he went to dinner at the Brown Derby restaurant.
“Now, there were the two of us, ‘E’ and me, at the classy Brown Derby,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “We were fresh out of Memphis, and we both looked like real rednecks, real hicks.”
West went to the bathroom at the restaurant,...
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard felt embarrassed while in New York
In 1956, Elvis traveled to New York City and made an appearance on Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey’s Stage Show. Afterward, he went to dinner at the Brown Derby restaurant.
“Now, there were the two of us, ‘E’ and me, at the classy Brown Derby,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “We were fresh out of Memphis, and we both looked like real rednecks, real hicks.”
West went to the bathroom at the restaurant,...
- 2/29/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s bodyguards spent so much time with the singer that they saw all sides of his personality. The Elvis they initially befriended and wanted to protect was kind, generous, and charismatic. He drew people in with an ease that had nothing to do with his fame. Elvis was not always this person, though. According to the people close to him, he could be incredibly manipulative, swinging rapidly from one emotional extreme to the next.
Elvis’ emotions changed quickly, according to his bodyguard
When Dave Hebler met Elvis, he could hardly believe how charming he was. He gifted Hebler a car shortly after meeting him and welcomed him into his entourage.
“Perhaps, now, I see it clearer, but there is no getting away from it. I had never met — before or since — never read of, nor heard of, any man who could so totally disarm you with charm, generosity...
Elvis’ emotions changed quickly, according to his bodyguard
When Dave Hebler met Elvis, he could hardly believe how charming he was. He gifted Hebler a car shortly after meeting him and welcomed him into his entourage.
“Perhaps, now, I see it clearer, but there is no getting away from it. I had never met — before or since — never read of, nor heard of, any man who could so totally disarm you with charm, generosity...
- 2/10/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley and his bodyguards all carried guns. The singer received death threats, and everyone wanted to be prepared in case someone attacked him. While his bodyguards had no problem with this, they found the way Elvis coveted his guns to be concerning. According to Red West, who worked with Elvis for years, he would not have been surprised to learn that Elvis had gotten into trouble because of guns.
Elvis’ bodyguard found the singer’s obsession with guns concerning
Elvis owned a large collection of firearms, and he always had one close at hand. While he said this was for protection, it often just put the people close to him in danger. Without warning, Elvis would pull out his weapon and fire it at whatever was close: the headboard, the toilet, the television, or the light fixtures.
Elvis Presley | Screen Archives/Getty Images
Elvis brought his guns with him...
Elvis’ bodyguard found the singer’s obsession with guns concerning
Elvis owned a large collection of firearms, and he always had one close at hand. While he said this was for protection, it often just put the people close to him in danger. Without warning, Elvis would pull out his weapon and fire it at whatever was close: the headboard, the toilet, the television, or the light fixtures.
Elvis Presley | Screen Archives/Getty Images
Elvis brought his guns with him...
- 2/7/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1970s, there was no person Elvis Presley hated more than Mike Stone. Priscilla Presley began dating him after she left Elvis, and he did not handle the rejection well. He ranted endlessly about Stone and spent days telling his bodyguards that he wanted someone to kill him. His bodyguard, Dave Hebler, shared why he was glad Stone never found out about the way Elvis spoke about him.
Elvis’ bodyguard said Mike Stone would have retaliated if he knew how Elvis spoke about him
After several men got onstage during a 1973 concert, Elvis became convinced that Stone had hired them to hurt him. He decided that the best course of action would be to kill Stone before he could hurt him.
“You know it, Sonny,” he yelled at his bodyguard, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “You know it. There is too much pain in me,...
Elvis’ bodyguard said Mike Stone would have retaliated if he knew how Elvis spoke about him
After several men got onstage during a 1973 concert, Elvis became convinced that Stone had hired them to hurt him. He decided that the best course of action would be to kill Stone before he could hurt him.
“You know it, Sonny,” he yelled at his bodyguard, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “You know it. There is too much pain in me,...
- 2/3/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was famous for much of his life. He was one of the biggest celebrities in the world and grew accustomed to having fans throw themselves at him. Over the course of his life, he had multiple flings with multiple women. According to his friend and bodyguard, though, his fame did not spark the affairs. He was so charming that he would have had a busy love life even if nobody recognized his name.
Elvis Presley would have been a successful flirt even if he wasn’t famous
When people first met Elvis, they took note of the way he could make anyone feel special.
“This guy didn’t have to give me the time of day. But somehow he had that charm, or maybe it was a knack, of making me feel important at a time when it was important for me personally to be made to feel important,...
Elvis Presley would have been a successful flirt even if he wasn’t famous
When people first met Elvis, they took note of the way he could make anyone feel special.
“This guy didn’t have to give me the time of day. But somehow he had that charm, or maybe it was a knack, of making me feel important at a time when it was important for me personally to be made to feel important,...
- 2/3/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1973, Elvis Presley was in the middle of a performance when a group of four men stormed the stage. His bodyguards had long prepared for a moment like this and immediately jumped into action. Elvis also readied himself for a fight. He used his years of karate training to kick one potential attacker off the stage before collapsing.
Elvis helped clear four men off the stage during a concert
During one of Elvis’ performances in Las Vegas, four men climbed on the stage. Elvis had received multiple death threats over the years, so his bodyguards had been readying themselves for the possibility of an attack. Elvis, it seemed, had also prepared himself.
Elvis Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty
As his bodyguards handled three of the men, Elvis took up a karate stance and kicked one of the men off the stage. Afterward, he began shouting, “Come on, you motherf******!” (per...
Elvis helped clear four men off the stage during a concert
During one of Elvis’ performances in Las Vegas, four men climbed on the stage. Elvis had received multiple death threats over the years, so his bodyguards had been readying themselves for the possibility of an attack. Elvis, it seemed, had also prepared himself.
Elvis Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty
As his bodyguards handled three of the men, Elvis took up a karate stance and kicked one of the men off the stage. Afterward, he began shouting, “Come on, you motherf******!” (per...
- 2/2/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley met his longtime bodyguard, Red West, when they were both in high school. Elvis and West were not friends in school, but West stepped up to protect Elvis from bullying. He continued doing this for years after they both graduated. West said Elvis had a quality about him that he felt he needed to protect.
Elvis’ bodyguard shared why he felt like he needed to protect the singer
In high school, West walked into the bathroom and found some of his football teammates threatening to cut Elvis’ hair. West was fairly certain they wouldn’t have done anything to actually hurt Elvis. Still, he felt a pressing need to protect him.
“The guys who were giving Elvis a hard time were not really bad guys, just a bit noisy and stuff. But when I saw Elvis’s face, it just triggered something inside of me,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened?...
Elvis’ bodyguard shared why he felt like he needed to protect the singer
In high school, West walked into the bathroom and found some of his football teammates threatening to cut Elvis’ hair. West was fairly certain they wouldn’t have done anything to actually hurt Elvis. Still, he felt a pressing need to protect him.
“The guys who were giving Elvis a hard time were not really bad guys, just a bit noisy and stuff. But when I saw Elvis’s face, it just triggered something inside of me,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened?...
- 1/31/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley frequently entertained guests with his karate demonstrations. He became passionate about karate while he was in the Army, and continued to study it for the rest of his life. He often bragged about his skills and concocted stories about how he heroically used them. According to one of his bodyguards, though, Elvis was nowhere near as knowledgeable about karate as he made it seem.
Elvis was not as skilled in karate as he thought
Dave Hebler became one of Elvis’ bodyguards, but he initially met the singer because of his knowledge of karate. When Hebler met Elvis, he was a fifth-degree black belt who was training at Ed Parker’s studio in Las Angeles. Per Hebler’s website, he became a tenth-degree black belt. One day, Parker paired Hebler with Elvis to spar.
“Now I have been in these situations a million times,” Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened?...
Elvis was not as skilled in karate as he thought
Dave Hebler became one of Elvis’ bodyguards, but he initially met the singer because of his knowledge of karate. When Hebler met Elvis, he was a fifth-degree black belt who was training at Ed Parker’s studio in Las Angeles. Per Hebler’s website, he became a tenth-degree black belt. One day, Parker paired Hebler with Elvis to spar.
“Now I have been in these situations a million times,” Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened?...
- 1/24/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1973, Elvis and Priscilla Presley finalized their divorce. The couple had been growing distant for a while; Priscilla, tired of Elvis’ constant infidelity and controlling nature, eventually began an affair of her own. After they separated, Priscilla began publicly dating karate instructor Mike Stone, which Elvis did not handle well. His bodyguard believed that if Priscilla had dated a different type of man, Elvis may not have been as hurt.
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard shared why he thought the divorce was so hard on the singer
While Priscilla and Elvis were married, she began an affair with Stone, to whom Elvis had introduced her. They continued their relationship after her divorce. Priscilla enjoyed a much more normal life with Stone than she had with Elvis.
“She was standing at the door of the tournament stamping the hands of paying customers who came in,” Elvis’ bodyguard Dave Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened?...
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard shared why he thought the divorce was so hard on the singer
While Priscilla and Elvis were married, she began an affair with Stone, to whom Elvis had introduced her. They continued their relationship after her divorce. Priscilla enjoyed a much more normal life with Stone than she had with Elvis.
“She was standing at the door of the tournament stamping the hands of paying customers who came in,” Elvis’ bodyguard Dave Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened?...
- 1/24/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley rarely went anywhere without his entourage. They traveled with him, protected him, and kept his nocturnal schedule. They also had to put up with his ever-changing moods. Elvis sometimes flew into rages, fired his gun at the television, and made outrageous demands. All of this seemed normal to his entourage until they talked to people outside of Elvis’ circle.
Elvis’ entourage realized they were not living normal lives
Elvis typically went to bed in the early morning, slept for roughly 14 hours, and woke up in the late afternoon. When he arose, he was often groggy and irritable, which meant everyone around him had to be on high alert. If he saw something he didn’t like on television while he ate his breakfast, he was likely to fire his gun at the screen.
The members of his entourage grew used to this behavior, even teasing Elvis about it.
Elvis’ entourage realized they were not living normal lives
Elvis typically went to bed in the early morning, slept for roughly 14 hours, and woke up in the late afternoon. When he arose, he was often groggy and irritable, which meant everyone around him had to be on high alert. If he saw something he didn’t like on television while he ate his breakfast, he was likely to fire his gun at the screen.
The members of his entourage grew used to this behavior, even teasing Elvis about it.
- 1/19/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s bodyguards lived in a near-constant state of worry about the singer’s safety. He received a number of threats on his life and feared an assassination attempt. His bodyguards would have done anything to prevent this, including taking a bullet for Elvis. Once they left the job, though, they didn’t feel they were being paid enough to die on the job.
Elvis’ bodyguards weren’t sure they should have been willing to take a bullet for him
In 1972, Elvis’ bodyguards received word that there was potentially a woman in the audience who wanted to shoot Elvis. Immediately, his bodyguards jumped into action.
“When we got the message, Red [West] and I stood up in front on the stage as a block to Elvis,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? “Elvis moved to the back of the stage and sang in a sideways stance...
Elvis’ bodyguards weren’t sure they should have been willing to take a bullet for him
In 1972, Elvis’ bodyguards received word that there was potentially a woman in the audience who wanted to shoot Elvis. Immediately, his bodyguards jumped into action.
“When we got the message, Red [West] and I stood up in front on the stage as a block to Elvis,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? “Elvis moved to the back of the stage and sang in a sideways stance...
- 1/16/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley had many girlfriends, but he was only ever married to Priscilla Presley. The couple dated for years before marriage and shared a child. Even after their divorce, they remained on friendly terms. According to one of Elvis’ bodyguards, the musician never lost the love he had for Priscilla. He believed Priscilla was one of only two people Elvis truly loved in his life.
Elvis’ bodyguard said the musician deeply loved Priscilla Presley
In 1973, Elvis and Priscilla finalized their divorce. Priscilla had felt a growing distance between them and was fed up with Elvis’ constant infidelity. Elvis’ friend and bodyguard Red West said he never faulted Priscilla for leaving the marriage.
“There is no doubt that his ego was very badly hurt,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? “It happened right before our eyes. We knew it was going on when he didn’t even know. Now...
Elvis’ bodyguard said the musician deeply loved Priscilla Presley
In 1973, Elvis and Priscilla finalized their divorce. Priscilla had felt a growing distance between them and was fed up with Elvis’ constant infidelity. Elvis’ friend and bodyguard Red West said he never faulted Priscilla for leaving the marriage.
“There is no doubt that his ego was very badly hurt,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? “It happened right before our eyes. We knew it was going on when he didn’t even know. Now...
- 1/13/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
A major part of Elvis Presley’s legacy is his outfits. Elvis’ heavily rhinestoned jumpsuits and oversized sunglasses are a key part of his image. Sometimes, though, he used clothing as a way to hide from the public. Elvis was so famous that he couldn’t go anywhere without being recognized. He once tried to go incognito with the police, but his choice of outfit was so outrageous that it only made him stand out more.
Elvis’ outfit to go undercover was so outrageous that his bodyguard couldn’t help but laugh
Elvis liked ingratiating himself with local police departments whenever he traveled. He also had many friends in the Memphis police department, as he spent much of his downtime in the city. Because of these connections, Elvis once had the opportunity to tag along on a drug bust.
Elvis prepared to go incognito by donning a jumpsuit, a snowsuit,...
Elvis’ outfit to go undercover was so outrageous that his bodyguard couldn’t help but laugh
Elvis liked ingratiating himself with local police departments whenever he traveled. He also had many friends in the Memphis police department, as he spent much of his downtime in the city. Because of these connections, Elvis once had the opportunity to tag along on a drug bust.
Elvis prepared to go incognito by donning a jumpsuit, a snowsuit,...
- 1/13/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the years leading up to Elvis Presley’s death, everyone in his inner circle was worried about him. Elvis took increasing amounts of drugs to fall asleep and stay awake. While Elvis insisted he knew what he was doing, it became clear to everyone else that the situation was out of control. One of his bodyguards believed Elvis was intentionally harming himself.
Elvis seemed to be rushing toward death, said his bodyguard
By 1975, Elvis was taking copious amounts of medication to get him through the day.
“His system doesn’t work anymore like a normal human being’s. The pills do all the work for him. He is a walking pharmaceutical shop,” his bodyguard, Red West, said in the book Elvis: What Happened?, adding, “He has smoked marijuana, but he doesn’t like to smoke it because it burns his throat. He takes uppers and downers and all sorts of very strong painkillers,...
Elvis seemed to be rushing toward death, said his bodyguard
By 1975, Elvis was taking copious amounts of medication to get him through the day.
“His system doesn’t work anymore like a normal human being’s. The pills do all the work for him. He is a walking pharmaceutical shop,” his bodyguard, Red West, said in the book Elvis: What Happened?, adding, “He has smoked marijuana, but he doesn’t like to smoke it because it burns his throat. He takes uppers and downers and all sorts of very strong painkillers,...
- 1/13/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1976, Elvis Presley visited Colorado with his entourage and began peddling a story about a drug raid. Elvis took each member of his entourage aside and told them he had taken a trip to Denver so he could help the police. According to Elvis, he had tagged along on a drug raid and broken the neck of a drug dealer. When members of his entourage investigated this claim further, they found there was no truth to it.
Elvis lied about something he experienced on a drug raid
On a ski trip to Vail, Colorado, Elvis took a day trip to Denver. He bought cars for his friends in the police force and dropped them off. In conversations with his entourage, though, he claimed this was just a cover. The real reason for his trip was to help the police on a drug raid.
“He then told me in very confidential...
Elvis lied about something he experienced on a drug raid
On a ski trip to Vail, Colorado, Elvis took a day trip to Denver. He bought cars for his friends in the police force and dropped them off. In conversations with his entourage, though, he claimed this was just a cover. The real reason for his trip was to help the police on a drug raid.
“He then told me in very confidential...
- 1/12/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
For much of Elvis Presley’s career, he relied on drugs to get him to sleep and keep him awake. He also liked befriending local law enforcement in the cities he visited on tours. These two habits became a problem for him in Denver. Police officers took note of his drug use and encouraged him to seek treatment for it. In response, Elvis fled the city.
Elvis left Denver after police officers spoke to him about his drug use
Elvis visited Denver many times on his tours and befriended several of the city’s detectives. He used his connections with them to seek out a prescription from a police doctor. This backfired on him.
“Anyway, in Denver he had this infection from an ingrown toenail,” former bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? “Now the police doctor comes along, who is introduced by these two narc cops.
Elvis left Denver after police officers spoke to him about his drug use
Elvis visited Denver many times on his tours and befriended several of the city’s detectives. He used his connections with them to seek out a prescription from a police doctor. This backfired on him.
“Anyway, in Denver he had this infection from an ingrown toenail,” former bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? “Now the police doctor comes along, who is introduced by these two narc cops.
- 1/10/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1970s, Elvis Presley’s career and wellbeing took downturns so concerning that his friend was moved to tears. Though Elvis continued to play to large, adoring audiences, the people close to him could tell that something was off. He seemed so shaky on tour that his friend could scarcely believe what he was seeing.
Elvis Presley’s friend grew concerned for the musician
At a tour stop in Maryland, Elvis’ health seemed to take a turn for the worse. Keyboard player Tony Brown watched in disbelief as the musician struggled to get out of a car.
“My first night was College Park, Maryland,” Brown said in the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I was scared, my hands were sweating, and I’m waiting backstage for Elvis to arrive. He pulls up in the car, and he fell out of the limousine, to his knees.
Elvis Presley’s friend grew concerned for the musician
At a tour stop in Maryland, Elvis’ health seemed to take a turn for the worse. Keyboard player Tony Brown watched in disbelief as the musician struggled to get out of a car.
“My first night was College Park, Maryland,” Brown said in the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I was scared, my hands were sweating, and I’m waiting backstage for Elvis to arrive. He pulls up in the car, and he fell out of the limousine, to his knees.
- 12/24/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was shocked by the contents of the 1977 book Elvis: What Happened? Written by Steve Dunleavy, it painted the King of Rock and Roll in a very unfavorable light. Published just weeks before Elvis’ death, dark secrets revealed between its pages “hurt” the entertainer, says his cousin Danny Smith.
Danny Smith reveals Elvis Presley had hurt feelings over ‘Elvis: What Happened?’
The publication of the tell-all Elvis: What Happened? shocked Elvis Presley, admits his cousin Danny Smith. The book’s contents deeply hurt the king of rock and roll’s feelings, Smith said on his YouTube Channel Memphis Mafia Kid.
Smith said, “I think we all know how he felt. It hurt him bad on a lot of different levels.” He continued, “It made him very, very angry. He was angry, upset, and hurt by it.”
Smith admitted his feelings regarding the tell-all that pulled the curtain back on Elvis’ private life.
Danny Smith reveals Elvis Presley had hurt feelings over ‘Elvis: What Happened?’
The publication of the tell-all Elvis: What Happened? shocked Elvis Presley, admits his cousin Danny Smith. The book’s contents deeply hurt the king of rock and roll’s feelings, Smith said on his YouTube Channel Memphis Mafia Kid.
Smith said, “I think we all know how he felt. It hurt him bad on a lot of different levels.” He continued, “It made him very, very angry. He was angry, upset, and hurt by it.”
Smith admitted his feelings regarding the tell-all that pulled the curtain back on Elvis’ private life.
- 10/26/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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