DEAR ABBY: After reading the letter from the Elvis impersonator's mom who was upset that her son was the brunt of unkind comments, I just had to write.
My brother-in-law is an Elvis impersonator, and he does it 24 hours a day, seven days a week -- and frankly, the family is sick and tired of it! He never says, "Thank you" -- he has to say, "Thann (not thank) you very much." He even wore his wraparound dark Elvis glasses to his brother's wake and funeral, along with stage makeup and an outfit as close as he could get to look like Elvis. And no, he had NOT just come from a "gig." This WAS his "gig" for the week!
The mother's signature says it all. "Protective Little Mama" is what Elvis' mother was, and I do believe that she considers herself Elvis' mom and enjoys the attention as much as he does. Give me a break!
Most entertainers are professionals and leave the showbiz behind after work. This Elvis wannabe probably does his act all day and all night -- and that's where the problem really lies. Even Dolly Parton says she goes to the grocery store and no one recognizes her.
My sister is a professional musician, but she is "Mom and wife" during the week and a "performer" on the weekends. That man should give the Elvis act a rest, do the "show" only when on stage, and get a life the rest of the time. -- CHARLESTON, S.C., READER
DEAR READER: You could be right. However, I'm not about to psychoanalyze from long distance the mother or her son who is living the part of Elvis. Although most actors can leap in and out of character at will, I have heard of some who remain in character for the duration of the role -- heaven help their families.
P.S. If Dolly Parton can go to the grocery store without anyone recognizing her, I doubt she is shopping in this country!