Posted on 06/05/2007 12:59:57 PM PDT by freedomdefender
Wesley Autrey makes the most of his 15 minutes of fame. But the 50-year-old New Yorker, who became an instant celebrity and was showered with gifts, honors and praise after he jumped on subway tracks to save another man’s life earlier this year, is learning that fame can be bittersweet.
“I have lost friends and I have gained friends,” Autrey told TODAY’s Al Roker. “It’s amazing what money can make some people do.”
...
He sued his first lawyer, Diane Kleiman, claiming she and a business partner coerced him into signing a contract that would have paid them half of anything he made from book and movie deals. The lawsuit, and her counter-claim, were recently settled, but Autrey is still locked in litigation with his former lawyer’s business partner.
Autrey also learned just how many relatives and friends he has. Some came out of the woodwork when they learned of his newfound fame and fortune. He even got a call out of the blue from his long-lost father.
“I hadn't heard from him for 30 years,” Autrey said. “But you know, I don’t hold onto grudges. He asked me if I could come down to the family reunion. And he asked if I could bring him some money ... He’s still my father.”
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
This guy deserves all the fame and fortune that comes his way. Just hope it doesn’t spoil him. I kind of doubt it will, because his nobitility is instinctive - he jumped on that subway track out of instinct, with not a moment’s reflection.
Lawyers.
In a shining contrast - noble hero attracts selfish slugs. Add salt.
may every blessing come to him.
“I hadn’t heard from him for 30 years,” Autrey said
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Sounds like John Lennon’s father. I don’t think Lennon was as nice and forgiving as as Autry though.
He deserves the fortune. That’s a real reward. But the fame is just punishment in disguise. I would never, ever want to be famous. To many losers and bums drag their sorry, worthless asses into your life.
“I hadn’t heard from him for 30 years,” Autrey said. “But you know, I don’t hold onto grudges. He asked me if I could come down to the family reunion. And he asked if I could bring him some money ...”
Apparently, Autrey wasn’t good enough for the previous family reunions. The only reason his presence is wanted is for his money. Good ole daddy proved that. Autrey, family or no family, ought to get his head on straight.
He treated Sean much differently.
“They like the old guy, because I was able to spend more time with them,” Autrey told Roker. “They have to share their dad with the world and society, and they don't too much like that.”
I imagine Dad doesn't much like it either. Bummer.
TIME wrote a good piece on him. Good read, and definately allows us to all learn from his experiences.
His fortunes were taken by contractual double-speak presented to him by two “Hero Agents” that controlled his life.
Saw this guy on “Deal or No Deal.” He only won $10.00. Too bad, everyone wanted him to win big.
So true! Unfortunately, it is just as true of the fortune. If anything, the losers and bums are even more persistent when they flock to the money.
If I am ever in his position, I will tell the pressies my name is John Smith.
How do you get coerced into signing a contract, I wonder?
"Some people ain't no damn good/You can't trust 'em, you can't love 'em/No good deed goes unpunished...Saw my picture in the paper and the news about my fame/and some people don't want to treat me the same..." -- John Cougar Mellencamp, "Crumblin' Down"
"It's tough to handle this fortune and fame/Everybody's so different/I haven't changed." -- Joe Walsh, "Life's Been Good"
As a clever cross-promotion, NBC invited Autrey -- as a "real-life hero" -- to be a contestant on Deal or No Deal, the season finale of the overrated show Heroes. The guy really crapped out -- he had a chance to leave with $305,000 with only four amounts remaining; 1 million, $10,000, $100 and $25. He turned down the offer, hoping to get another closer to the million so he could win enough to buy a home. Big mistake. He then opened the million dollar case.
He set a DOND record for the largest drop between deal offers; the next one was merely $5,000. He turned that down, and promptly opened the $10,000 case. He refused to switch cases, and the one he selected at the beginning of the game contained only $25.
He still came out OK, because he got a free Jeep Patriot donated by Chrysler regardless.
Man he took a bath on Deal or No Deal.
See my tag line...
It happens to unsophisticated, honest, trusting people who think that the smart people on the other side of the table have only their best interests at heart.
Lots of money is one of the best ways to reveal one’s and other people’s character.
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