Eddie Bankhead

Name: Eddie Bankhead

Age: 67

Family: Wife, Lynn.

Residence: Yuba City.

Occupation: Realtor with Prudential California Realty.

Hobbies, interests: I like to play golf and really enjoy bowling, gardening and canning.

What brought you to the Yuba-Sutter area? I've been here for 20 years: I came for an easier life. I lived in Truckee for 18 years, was a mechanic for 30 years.

What do you like about the Yuba-Sutter area? I like the climate a lot and the easy pace.

What is the closest you've been to a famous person? I kissed Ann-Margret on the lips in Reno in the late 1970s. A high school friend from Utah came to visit. We were in the front at a concert — she called us up on stage to kiss her.

What would you do with a million dollars? After the government's portion, I would hope for a six-pack and a pizza! (Actually) I would figure out how I could retire. I was off work for 31⁄2 years due to Lyme disease. Now we're rebuilding.

What has been a strong influence in your life? The support from my wife ... and John Wayne. There are certain things he represented I still have instilled in me.

Favorite places to go to in the area? We usually tend to stay home — one of our favorite times is when it's raining on a Sunday and being in front of a fireplace with a movie.

Do you belong to any clubs or organizations in the community? Toastmasters — I just got my distinguished Toastmaster Award. The group changed my life — I've got confidence now. My favorite part of the club is watching people grow.

What would you like to see different in the community? More support for the arts, especially in the schools.

What do you like about yourself? I'm very easygoing, rarely have a temper tantrum, and I keep going no matter what happens.

Favorite book: Tallulah Bankhead's biography. I went back to find out if we were related — it would be a really distant relation.

What is your pet peeve? Stupid people, arrogant people.

What is your dream job? I would love not to be working.

What is your dream vacation? To see New Zealand or Australia, something warm.