a tribute to my dearest friend GYPSY BOOTS



My Dearest Friends; May I share these memories with Gypsy's family. When I was 11 or so I was a huge fan of Gypsy Boots. I'd run home from Beverly Vista Elementry School in Beverly Hills, to watch the HIT TV The Steve Allen Show. Truly, way ahead of its time. Steve Allen was a truly a TV legend and his brand of comedy was right up Gypsy's alley. The shows were a riot. My family owned the Beverly Hills Liquor Castle on Beverly Drive and Gypsy with his wife and kids in tow would frequent the world famous store and later sell Gypsy Boots Bars to my mom and dad to sell on their extremely large candy display. (1963) I always had a passion for comedy and singing and I use to speak with Gypsy about these desires. Oneday, I thought "why not" and asked the famed TV star Gypsy to be a guest at my 12th birthday party. I never expected him to show, yet I sent my invites with " Gypsy Boots; Star of The Steve Allen Show MAY appear in person at my 12th birthday party. Be there or be square!"On that January Sunday, here came Gypsy, his entire family and a van loaded with party stuff, signs and fig bars for the kids. my birthday was something I was very proud and delighted with and shared many times over through the years. My prayers go out to this scraggly bearded man who showed a kindness I would soon, never forget. He use to speak with my father and mother for hours about health and good eating and it wasn't long that everywhere he spoke, people listened to this odd little man. When I saw that Gypsy had died, I cried as it brought back such sweet memories of a better time, in this fast paced high tech world we live in, now. As Gloria Swanson the famous film star (a family friend) use to preach on refined sugar and salts in her book "Sugar Blues" in the 1970's and I am very sure she was aware of Gypsy's knowledge on the subject of exercise, eating right, and diet. If rumour has it, gypsy was 89 at his death. Though, I lost touch with him in the 90's I must admit, I truly loved him as a caring and giving man, and he will be greatly, missed, not just by me but his throngs of fans around the world. To his family I send my love and prayers and the reassurance that somewhere in the heaven's, Gypsy is swinging on a tree convincing angels to have a Gypsy Boots Bar w/ figs! Repectfully I remain; David Harrison Levi - Beverly Hills 90210 PS Remember: "Don't panic, go organic; get in cahoots with Gypsy Boots.") 2005


a tribute to my dearest friend GYPSY BOOTS