TRANSCRIPT:
Celebrity friends of the late actor Kevin Smith
rally to assist his family
When actor Kevin Smith fell to his death on a Beijing movie set
in 2002, it was a cruel blow to his many fans, who were just
starting to see the star of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and
Xena: Warrior Princess fulfil his Hollywood potential. But it
was an even bigger tragedy for Kevin's childhood sweetheart and
wife of 18 years, Suzanne, and their three young sons Oscar,
Tyrone and Willard. The family has never spoken publicly about
the freak accident nor asked for help but now, five years on,
Kevin's friends are joining together to support his family
through the Kevin Smith Family Trust.
Stunt performers Craig Dunn and Shaughan Campbell, close friends
of Kevin and creators of clothing line Onset Industries, were
reminiscing one night about the many good times they had working
with Kevin and came up with the idea of a T-shirt to honour him.
Craig explains, "The lion motif represents Kevin and the
presence he had among his work colleagues. It also represents
the old Lion Safari Park, a former wildlife park now used as a
training ground for actors, stunt performers and filmmakers,
which was the last place we all worked together." Many people
from the film industry have donated time from their busy
schedules to make this tribute possible.
These include Kevin's good friends Xena star Lucy Lawless,
Hercules star Kevin Sorbo, stunt-woman and Death Proof actress
ZoeBell, plus actors Joel Tobeck, Oliver Driver and Michael
Hurst. Proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts will go to the
Kevin Smith Family Trust and all those who buy one from
www.onset.co.nz will go into a draw to win a half-day on the set
of Outrageous Fortune, where they'll hang out and have lunch
with the popular TV3 show's \ actors, crew and stunt team.
Entries close Friday 31 August.
OLIVER DRIVER
"Kev should be remembered, talked
about, laughed at and loved for as long as any of us that knew
him still have breath in our bodies. He was, and still is, a
dear friend and a source of constant humour for me. I love him
and miss him and think of him often. Please buy a T-shirt to
support his-family or, as Kev would say, I'll smash you in the
neck!"
LUCY LAWLESS
"I think of Kev often. He never took himself seriously,
though deep down he knew he was
capable of far greater achievements than those publicly known.
His friends and colleagues knew it and we were shocked when his
life was cut short. I feel he was recalled from active duty
somehow. I hope his sons will always feel their dad's presence
in their lives and Sue will always feel his support Boy, it
can't be easy. The Kevin Smith Trust is a way Kevin's friends
and fans
can express to his family how much he gave them. We're really
grateful to those who have contributed over the years."
KEVIN SORBO
"I have fond, wonderful memories of Kevin. I always enjoyed
working with him but I had a better time on our golfing
adventures - he always cracked me up. I still find it all hard
to believe he's gone. Last time I came back to Auckland, I went
to Kevin's grave, where a group of us drank beer and talked
about memories. It helped bring me closer to a reality I didn't
want to face. Kev had a long career in the profession he
loved-then it was all taken away from him. But more tragic is
the fact that his three small boys will grow up without him."
ZOE BELL
"I met Kevin working on Xena. I never had dinner with his
family or had a pint at the pub with him, but I wish I'd done
both. The beautiful thing about Kev was that it didn't matter. I
loved him anyway - I couldn't help it. His laughter, his sense
of humour, his spirit. There was something fresh and comforting
about him. People spoke about Kevin when he was alive the way
most people don't get spoken about until after they pass away.
It seems to me it didn't matter how well or long you'd known
Kevin -the effect was the same. Kevin, you are a gem. I think
about you and your family often."
MICHAEL HURST
"Kevin was a great actor and a great friend-a man who somehow
managed to combine audacity with humility. We all loved Kevin
and still miss him greatly. So often I'm casting a show and
suddenly think, 'Where is Kev when you need him?' 'Unavailable'
is the answer and I mourn his loss once more, while celebrating
his talent and his friendship. I'll have one for you tonight,
Kevin. You deserve it, mate."
