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A fun way to spend an afternoon, but we think it's just a tad bit easier our way. Homes.com. We've done your homework. Good morning. Welcome to Today.
From back to school to tackling your to-do list, the Today Show is your best start to the day. It's a new season, and every morning, we're here to help you take it all along. as the forecast calls for football all across the country. Blockbuster stars, live concerts, and so much more. Wake up to where it's all happening.
We're getting back to all of it, and the best way to start is together. Watch The Today Show, weekday mornings at 7 a.m. on NBC. This is Lee Habib, and this is Our American Stories. In the glitch and glamour of 1960s Hollywood, Jay Sebring began what is now a hundred billion dollar a year industry.
the men's hair care industry. Most people think of hair care is something just for women. She brings revolutionary techniques and signature charm Drew male legends like Frank Sinatra, Steve McQueen, and Paul Newman to his chair. The glamorous of the glamorous. Yet his extraordinary legacy was overshadowed by the horrifying Manson family murders.
Here to tell the story is J. Sebring's nephew, Anthony DiMaria. He, along with Marshal Terrell, called Co-author Jay Sebring. Cutting to the truth. He's also the producer of the documentary by the same name.
Jay is an actor who's appeared on shows like Deadwood. The Sopranos, and CSI. Let's take a listen.
Well, first, Greg, thanks for having me. You do a great job. I'm a big fan of your podcast. And so, my name is Anthony DiMaria. I'm Jay Sebring's nephew.
I was very young. When Jay was killed and my parents, we lived in Las Vegas, Nevada. And Jay would visit us from time to time because he actually did Jack and Trotter's hair, the head of entertainment at the Sands Hotel. and also did the entire Rat Pax hair, with the exception of Dean Martin.
So Jay when he would visit us. He had an indelible impression on me. Because anyone who does know Jay or did know Jay will regard the dynamic charisma. and persona. that he exuded.
He was truly a one of a kind. My mom said whenever he would walk into a room, people would look around and go, who is that? That's the kind of presence that he commanded. One afternoon, it was on the weekend, and I was looking at a family photo album, and I was looking at a black and white picture of Jay, 8x10, and he's staring right into the camera. He's looking at me.
And I was so excited. I said, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, when can I see him again? And she said, Well, honey, you can't see him, he's in heaven. And she walked down the hall. and I was left staring at that picture.
And it made it even more indelible because I'm looking at him going, why can't I see you again? What do you mean here? You're in hea he's in heaven. Why is he in heaven? We have a weird homicide.
The case has since become a bizarre national and international sensation. Why is this case more complicated than other cases? What's the difference?
Well, how many cases and how many times do you have five persons that are found murdered at the same time? The wandering band of members of a so-called religious cult with a leader they call Jesus. Has had three of its followers arrested in the investigation of the murder of Sharon Tate and six others. The family's leader, Charles Nansen, is jailed guilt. It is expected that he will be charged in the Tate murders.
I was astonished at the people. Who were inspirations for me creatively growing up and currently with Garantino? The Mass and Murderers. For All intents and purposes ended the 60s. How free and easy it was.
It changed. overnight. Especially if you're an LA native like I am. It is truly. died in the wool as part of California culture and I was seven years old in 1969.
I also had this sentiment of like, I want to know everything about this guy. And so, once I was old enough to read or to do any of these different things. I started reading things and one of the most seminal moments was when I read Vince Bugliosi's book, Helter Skelter. And I was dumbfounded. And I'm reading this almost like this psychiatric evaluation, a character study.
of my uncle. who frankly wasn't apparently any of the things that I thought he was. Evidently, according to the author Bugliosi, Jay was troubled, he was insecure, he had dart issues, and he was almost like pretentious and a fox trying to keep up with the Hollywood Joneses.
So I thought, where did this come from? Maybe he's not the man that I remember that I was so proud of. I mean, why would he write this stuff if there wasn't some semblance of truth in it? One night I was with my friends at a slumber party. You were watching Saturday Night Lives.
We're in Jay's salon. Jay wants to succeed in Hollywood. I looked at the screen. Was shocked. I wanna go out.
Where all the lights are bright, I wanna go out and do it. They did a whole skit that really wasn't very funny. I need to party with people I think. Important people! I gotta think big.
But I was embarrassed about it. Got to go disco, bye-bye. Jay's Life and Death Or a joke on my favorite TV show. I had to know the truth. And so, anytime a book came out, or whatever, or news reports, and I would consume everything I could.
And then there was a hard copy of Time magazine. And it came out less than two weeks after the murders. And the article was titled A Night of Horror. And in it, They describe Jay as being a health nut with violent convictions.
Okay, is it health nut? with violent con convictions. And apparently. in parentheses, especially anti-Negro. Then I thought to myself, Now my uncle is a racist.
Where are they getting this from? And then I started doing more research and I'm thinking, wait a minute, Jay's shop. is completely integrated. with Hispanics, Asians, Jews, Italians, African Americans, homosexuals, women, and his friends, Quincy Jones. Didn't even see a sniff of that man.
Looked away. I'm not even close. Sam Cook, Calvin Lockhart. Sammy Davis were dear friends. Bill Cosby got his hair cut there.
Well, I reached out to Time magazine years later. And Lo and behold, there's no byline, there's no credited author. The victims They were put on the stand. They were tried in the court of public opinion. Probably Jay more than any of them, actually.
Through salacious magazine articles and newspapers. And by the way, the most reptile magazines and the most reptible newspapers. But then when the Manson family Are discovered, all the magazines and all the journalists who had practically vilified the victims for a whole year. Just turned around, never apologized for anything they did, never said they were wrong, never went out of their way. to return the victims to their proper place and their proper status.
and just enjoy the monkey show. When we come back. More of the story of Jay Sebring as told by his nephew Anthony DiMaria here. and our American stories. Lee Habib here again, and I'd like to encourage you to subscribe to our podcast.
On Apple Podcasts, the iHeartRadio app. Or wherever you get your podcasts. Every story we air here is uploaded there daily. And your support goes a long way to keeping the great stories you love from this show. coming again Please subscribe to the Our American Stories podcast.
When you're a pro, you need a project partner who delivers results. Ferguson Home understands that selection and availability are critical to transforming visions into realities. That's why they offer the best selection of home improvement products, spanning the latest trends, traditional styles, unique finishes, and smart technologies. From coordinated job site delivery to online project management tools, they tailor their services to support your goals. Their experienced associates know construction inside and out, helping you find exactly what you need to exceed your expectations.
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Now through Labor Day, get up to 60% off site-wide at washablesofas.com. Every order comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not in love, send it back for a full refund. No return shipping, no restocking fees, every penny back. Shop now at washablesofas.com.
Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply. Take a deep dive into the stories making the news headlines across the world. The News Agents. We're not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. From me, Emily Maitless.
And me, John Sopol. With Global's award-winning podcast, the News Agents dropping daily, covering everything you need to know about politics and current affairs. And the News Agents USA. Listen to the news agents on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Open your free iHeart app and search The News Agents to start listening.
Homes.com has collaboration tools to help home shoppers search, share, and discuss home shopping with family, friends, and their agent directly through the site. Though it was fun to get that email from your husband about that three bedroom in the hills, to which you replied via text that you would never live in the hills and you'd like to find a three bedroom closer to the beach. To which he replied, why are you so uncompromising? A fun way to spend an afternoon, but we think it's just a tad bit easier our way. Homes.com.
We've done your homework. As America's most trusted movers, Mayflower has seen it all. From big dreams and new beginnings. All right, here we are. Oh, it's perfect.
To first steps and fixer-uppers. From starter homes.
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Yes, Mayflower has been there for it all and will always have your back. Every moment, every move, every step of the way. Schedule your move now by going to Mayflower.com. And we continue with our American stories and the story of Jay Sebring as told by his nephew, Anthony DiMaria. Let's pick up.
where we last left off. Our family has been involved in parole hearings since 2004 to keep the Manson killers behind bars. And we have developed a good rapport with former LADAs Donna Leibowitz, Patrick Sakira, and Stephen Kaye. And I asked them in my research for Jay's story: I need to know what Jay did in the last moments of his life because there's no mention of him. And I was fortunate to go to the DA's office and go through the testimonies of the only three people on the planet.
Who actually knows what happened in that living room on that night on Cielo Drive? Charles, as they referred to him, Tex Watson, Susan Atkins, and Patricia Crenwinkle. and they corroborated each other. They revealed that Jay definitively, aggressively attacked And charged Charles Watson at a momentary lapse when Watson had his back turned to Jay. But it was Atkins who yelled out, watch out, and alerted.
Watson, and he turned. And as he said, I emptied the gun on that man coming after me. And what I learned was not only did Jay attempt to fight back. or stop these murders. Not once, but twice.
I would hand Friends of J the autopsy reports and the forensic findings. I'm going to read from the Reporter's Daily Transcript. regarding the trial of Charles Watson. Question. What happened when the group was in the room?
Answer. A guy started toward me and questioned Was this the man that had been on the couch? Answer No, it was another person. Question What happened then? Answer.
I remember I was kind of running or jumping back and forth behind the couch and making funny noises. And Sadie said, Watch out or something like that. And I turned around and I emptied the gun on this man. Oh my gosh, so wait, oh my gosh. What's your thoughts on?
Unbelievable. It's just what you said. It's just what you've always said. Shea went after him. And then I was asking, why in the hell didn't Bugliosi put that in his book?
If you're going to do the so-called what's considered the Bible of these events, you're going to omit that from a book? And as far as the book goes, it kind of like he just says, Can't you see she's pregnant? And they all get killed. Can't you see she's pregnant? Can't you see that she's cracking?
Now Why Did you not put that in your book? Because Jay's the hero. But In Vincent Bugliosi's true crime novel, as it's described on the cover, the world's best-selling true crime novel. Vince is the hero of his own novel. Twenty to five here in LA.
I got your your uh your message. about a JC green documentary. There's nothing I know about him that is not in the books. But I wish you the best on whatever project you're on. Take care, sir.
Thank you. Bye. End of message. Mr. Demaria, my name is Gail Beliosi.
I'm Ginson's wife. And he asked me to call you. I guess you're doing a documentary on J.C. Bring. He never really met J.C.
Bring and really doesn't know anything about him.
So it wouldn't be a good idea to interview him on J.C. Bring. But thank you for thinking of him. Bye. So then I knew, I said, this is a story much larger than my quest to know the truth.
This is a story that people need to know. To learn, no one was doing what he ultimately cultivated and introduced to the world that today is a $100 billion industry. globally. annually. I dream that someday any man will be able to go anywhere in the world and get the right kind of a haircut.
Even as a child growing up in Michigan, his father was a disciplinarian. You know, he was very rigid after the Depression and such. But Jay was a dreamer and he kind of did whatever he wanted to do. and they clashed quite a bit. But as a child, he was very creative.
He was a very gifted artist. He would draw pictures of pin-up girls and ships. Like he had a fascination with the Mayflower and things like that. And also Hollywood actors, you know, WC Fields and Western sets and cars. He loved cars.
And he just he would not apply himself in the school. And this really became kind of a heated issue with he and his father, who was, you know, academic and everything.
So on Jay's 17th birthday, It was during the Korean War. He forged his father's name to enlist into the Navy. Jay was thinking, Man, I'm getting out of the house. I'm going to go see the world. I'm going to be my own adult.
And man, he had a whole nother thing in store for him because he thought his father was tough.
So Jay, once, you know, he went through the horrors of a Navy haircut, a military haircut. Jay started cutting his own hair. But within the regiment of military, you can't just do whatever the hell you want. It's gotta be.
So he was able to start cutting his own hair within the regiment and looking the best he could look. In a military situation. And then Larry Longlot, and one of his dearest friends said he cut my hair. And so, what he would do is, he would charge his guys cigarettes or whatever he would. and he started cutting the other guys, his navy mates.
So, this way, Jay could express himself, but also bring out the most attractive features of his face and bone structure. but also diminished the more distracting or unattractive features of a man's face.
So if he had a huge nose, The profile, you want to keep it a little fuller in the back because now. As Jay said, the man's not all up front. Everyone is basically looking for the same shape even though they're not aware of it.
Now the most important thing is the outline. We're not so much concerned with detail because it doesn't matter that much. The hair is the frame for the face. And later, this would prove to be very important in film and TV because from profile, If they clipped it way too tight in the back, that nose is going to look like a huge beak. The first time you see your customer, it's good if he's sitting in the chair with his head wet after the shampoo.
That way you won't be influenced by the way his hair was styled before. It is very important that he has a confidence that you know what you're doing. In other words, you want to be able to dive right in there and start working on him.
Now, there are three things that you watch for. Number one, the shape of his face. Number two, the structure of his hair. And number three, his position in life, which means that there's a few questions that you'll have to ask him. And as you get friendly with the man, you're looking at his hair.
So you're right in there and you're starting to make some moves and you know what you're doing.
So, this is where Jay actually said that, you know, he commented that he was smoking a cigarette on the deck, a destroyer deck. Thinking about what I can contribute that doesn't exist. And that's when he started thinking about cultivating a style and men's hair care and design to men's haircutting.
So at that time, when Jay was considering all these things, Men went to barbers. There was no such thing as men getting their hair cut by a beautician or a cosmetologist, God forbid. Men went to barbershops. Women went to beauty salons, and nowhere in the two did they mix.
Now you have unisex salons all throughout the country. Jay made that happen.
So when he moved to LA and became a cosmetologist, and started applying that to men's hair cutting. And he always was kind of firm to say, men's hair designing. Because at that time A man getting his hair cut. by a cosmetologist or getting hairstyled. That would be considered exclusively feminine.
So, Jay was really articulate in what he wanted to do, and he knew how difficult it would be for him to educate the masses. With men getting their hair shampooed and conditioned. Men never had their hair shampooed. But what he would do is go, hey, how you doing? Nice to meet you.
And he would feel the skull and run his hands through the hair. I'm sure the guy's thinking, what the hell is this guy doing?
Okay, let's go to the shampoo bowl. I'm going to shampoo and massage your scout. Uh, no, that's okay. Why don't you just put the clippers in there? That's what I'm used to.
That's what I'm comfortable with. You know what I mean? And you've been listening to Anthony DiMaria tell one heck of a story, not just about his uncle, and my goodness, what a pioneer! but about Vincent Beliosi and about writers in general. The real hero of the story, we learn very clearly, is his uncle.
And that's Jay, Chay Sebring. He makes the charge after the actual murderers. Vincent Bugliosi wants himself. To be the real hero. Of what is hands down, still to this day, the biggest selling crime book of all time: Helter Skelter.
Heck, the Beatles recorded a song based on that title. But we also learned that Jay was a pioneer. But in the end, Jay turned men from going to barbers. and getting their hair cut. To getting their hair designed and going to salons.
A major cultural shift for men in this country and started a hundred billion dollar a year industry. When we come back, more of the story of Jay Sebring here. and our American story. When you're a pro, you need a project partner who delivers results. Ferguson Home understands that selection and availability are critical to transforming visions into realities.
That's why they offer the best selection of home improvement products, spanning the latest trends, traditional styles, unique finishes, and smart technologies. From coordinated job site delivery to online project management tools, they tailor their services to support your goals. Their experienced associates know construction inside and out, helping you find exactly what you need to exceed your expectations. And I can tell you personally that my contractor used Ferguson Homes and exceeded our expectations and his. With more than 250 showrooms nationwide, Ferguson Home is your trusted partner from concept to completion.
Whether you're managing large-scale projects or perfecting a single detail, they have the expertise and selection to help you succeed. Visit your local Ferguson Home showroom or go to FergusonHome.com to discover kitchen, bath, and lighting solutions that set your projects apart. Ferguson Home, where it all comes together. Explore top brands like Kohler at FergusonHome.com or visit your local showroom. This Labor Day, say goodbye to spills, stains, and overpriced furniture with washable sofas.com, featuring Anibay, the only machine washable sofa inside and out, where designer quality meets budget-friendly pricing.
Sofas start at just $6.99, making it the perfect time to upgrade your space. Anibay's pet-friendly, stain-resistant, and interchangeable slip covers are made with high-performance fabric built for real life. You'll love the cloud-like comfort of hypoallergenic, high-resilience foam that never needs fluffing and a durable steel frame that stands the test of time. With modular pieces, you can rearrange any time. It's a sofa that adapts to your life.
Now through Labor Day, get up to 60% off site-wide at washablesofas.com. Every order comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not in love, send it back for a full refund. No return shipping, no restocking fees, every penny back. Shop now at washablesofas.com.
Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply. Take a deep dive into the stories making the news headlines across the world. The News Agents. We're not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. From me, Emily Maitless.
And me, John Sopol. With Global's award-winning podcast, the News Agents dropping daily, covering everything you need to know about politics and current affairs. And the News Agents USA. Listening to the news agents on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Open your free iHeart app and search the news agents to start listening.
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Oh, it's perfect! To first steps and fixer-uppers. From starter homes.
So guess what? Having another. Another? We definitely need more space. To more practical homes.
Yes, Mayflower has been there for it all and will always have your back. Every moment, every move, every step of the way. Schedule your move now by going to Mayflower.com. And we continue with our American stories and Anthony DiMaria. J.
Sebring's nephew, Telling the story of not just the Manson murders and not just the nature of writers, some writers, to distort truths to make themselves look better. But this is a story about the uncle that no one knew but for Vincent Bugliosi's caricature of the man in his hipbook helter skelter. And now we return to the story and Anthony DiMaria. He struggled quite a bit. His parents, they helped him financially.
But finally he was able to open his own shop. And then he got his big break from Barbaluna. who was a stunning actress and they were dating. But she brought Vic Damone in. Vic DeMone was a crooner and he was a great singer and he would uh perform at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas along with, you know, the Rat Pack and the really the top-notch entertainment.
And as she said, Jay was on his last dime.
So Victor Moan said When he gave me a haircut, it was like I've never had a haircut before. Never took a chunk out. You know, it was always he just carved it. It was like a work of art.
Someone had to open the door for him.
Someone had to introduce him. And that was me. I brought him to Jack, Jack and Trotter, head of entertainment. He was one of the owners of the Sands Hotel in Vegas. And as Barbara Luda said, Vic gave Jay a $100 bill.
Now, $100 in 1959, I think, is the equivalent of like $1,200 now. And she says that was the beginning of the monster because Jay. Another thing that he did that people don't realize is he exploded the pay paradigm for barbers. Barbers were getting 75 cents to $1.50. Jay said, No, I'm going to charge $10.
I'm going to charge $20. I'm going to charge $50. I'll charge $100. And then I'm going to charge thousands of dollars. You know, when he was flown on set and on site.
And so when Vic went to The Sands, Jack and Trotter, the head of entertainment at The Sands, he saw Vic and he said, What did you do? And he said, This guy in West Hollywood just cut my hair. And it was that transformative that Jack and Trotter said, I want this guy to cut my hair.
So he flew Jay to cut his hair. And it was a similar transformative result.
So then the entire rat pack. With the exception of Dean Martin, and I don't know why, but. From that moment on, Jade became the personal stylist. of the entire rap pack. Jay was different.
He created a market where there really wasn't one. Not just a Heraclit. but men's hair fashion. Barbers didn't have visions like that.
So that was the beginning of a big break. And then also, Kirk Douglas had hired Jay to do the Spartacus cut.
So now J had taken off. And at this point, everyone in Hollywood wanted their hair cut by Jay, and everyone. He would have a client waiting like Henry Fonda.
Now J started at Three. I would hear his car dry up and the building would shape. I look at my watch. And it's 315. I hear him slam the door and go upstairs.
I'd look at Mr. Fonda. And I would say, Jay will be right here with you. You know, he's probably stuck at the studio, but he knows he has. the three o'clock and he says okay So all of a sudden around 320 I could whirled when Jay would come down, open the door, where's my list?
Um can you give me some coffee? And I look at Mr. Fonda. And smile. Everything was okay now.
Jay was there. But with that success, came a lot of adversity. and particularly from the field itself. The barbers. In the barber's union.
When I first started the hair designing business a few years back, I was considered to be a bizarre or some kind of a freak. But as time went on, I made up my mind that I was going to do all that I could to elevate the profession. Strangely enough, my biggest stumbling blocks have come from the profession itself. At first they tried to shut him down. by saying it wasn't his right to cut men's hair because he's a cosmetologist.
And then they try to shake them down with restrictions and rules.
So they would have board of barbering come into the shop and say, your sink is not the same proximity. And Jay said, I'm not a barber. You are a designer of hairstyles for men, right? Yes, right.
Now, this is not to say a barber. No. As a matter of fact, I don't have a barber license at all. Shaving. Uh mm-hmm.
You don't do any of that? No, I'm not allowed to by law, and if I was, I wouldn't care to anyway. And then ultimately, the barbers' union, which was there was a lot of mob influence. They tried to shake him down Through physical threats. And Jay, of course, Jack and Trotter and some of the guys in Vegas, they had some friends too.
So, what they did is they tried to figure out a way to work with Jay.
So He says, Okay, we'll have barbers on one half. But you all have to know my technique. You have to learn the See Bring method and technique.
So it was a win-win for Jay.
So He's cutting Brando and Robert Wagner and Sinatra and Steve McQueen and Paul Newman. on movie sets. But he's not a member of the hair and makeup union. of the guilt.
So they had them kicked off the film lots and they literally had them banned.
Well, you're not going to tell Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, or Steve McQueen who's going to cut their hair. And so they started pulling their own weight, and they would go to Jay's, or Jay would do it at their house, or what have you. and then they would show up when they showed up. Since I've had my hair designing center here in Hollywood, I've cut almost every major television and motion picture star, yet I have only received one film credit. I'm a member of the International Hair Designers Guild that's been set up to protect the new breed of hair designers for men.
and make sure that credit is given where credit is due. If any of you are interested in finding out more about this guild, please don't hesitate to contact my representative or write me personally. One of the greatest examples, certainly Steve McQueen and Bullitt and Thomas Crown Affair. But Electra Records in 1967 hired Jay. To cut and style Jim Morrison's haircut from The Doors, the lead singer of The Doors.
So He literally single-handedly. Transformed Jim Morrison of the Doors from a Roadhouse rocker into a rock and roll sex symbol. That look is just as pervasive and iconic today as it was then. You'll see people wearing a shirt with that picture of Jim Morrison. There's murals painted on Laurel Canyon.
There's a restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in which it has the picture, because it's a rock and roll Thai place. It's ubiquitous, it's it's it's in graffiti. what his work has been and no one pre-Seedbringer since Not just because he broke the mold and created the industry in which afforded this type of expression. But You know I don't know of any male hair designer. that that has a cut.
That is as definitive as Steve McQueen in Bullet or Thomas Grant or Jim Morrison. Or the Rat Pack or Spartacus. I mean, these are very definitive, timeless. Examples of the ultimate Mayo Hollywood Cool. And some people refer to Steve McQueen as the king of cool, and if that be the case, then Jay Sebring is the architect of cool.
Quentin Tarantino very astutely acknowledged that these were people who gravitated towards Jay Sebring the man. Jay's story has never been told. And it's I was always curious, what made Jay so different? Why was Jay? The man who would be king.
What was it made of now? People liked him. It was that simple. Yes, he gave a great haircut, right? And yes, he did a good job.
But Part of the reason Steve McQueen and Paul Newman out is they dug him. They just don't check. And you've been listening to Anthony Damaria tell the story of Jay Sebring, and what a story it is. In that moment, Vic Damone came in, and Vic Damone was. The singer of singers, the singer's singer, along with Sinatra and Tony Bennett.
In his day, and when Damon said, When he gave me a haircut, It was like I never had a haircut before. Damon would then refer Jay to countless famous clients, and the next thing you know, he's working on the hair. of Brando, Newman, McQueen, and Wagner, the biggest stars in Hollywood. And he wasn't trying to compete with the barbarous mother. Barbers didn't like what he was up to.
They used rules, regulations, came after him in every way. But an industry was being created. And in the end, men too. wanted their hair to look good. It wasn't just a woman thing.
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With Anthony DiMaria, J. Sebring's nephew. What I really appreciate what Quentin learned because he did extensive research for his film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He learned, and I certainly observed with Dennis Hopper and Quincy Jones and Bidal Sassoon and Nancy Sinatra firsthand. The J was the star among the stars.
He literally yielded power and influence. With that. Again, very few people notice. But Jay single-handedly launched Bruce Lee's entire film career. When he was cutting, now see he used to train with Ed Parker who was a great martial artist, who later became Elvis Presley's personal bodyguard and his martial arts mentor.
So Jay and Ed trained extensively. And Ed Parker had said to Jay, you gotta see this guy at the Ed Parker International Invitational in 1964.
So Jay saw a young man from Oakland named Bruce Lee. And In that, they became trends. Linda Lee describes this awesome Moment. William Dosher was looking for an actor who was preferably. Asian who could fight and was fit and good looking and could speak English.
Well, Jay. got the footage of the demonstration to William Doesher. And so You know, Bruce went down to Hollywood and did a Screen task. Test X2, take one.
Now, Bruce, just look right into the camera lens right here and tell us your name, your age, and where you were born. My last name is Lee, Bruce Lee. I was born in San Francisco in 1940. I'm 24 right now. and all the rest is history, but Getting the part as Cato in The Green Hornet led to Bruce's entire career after that.
Jay and Bruce had a relationship then that went on for years. and they would trade professions.
So Jay would cut Bruce's hair. and Bruce would teach Jay. Confluorescence. What happened was Jay was cutting a producer. Named William Dozier, who was the producer of Batman and ultimately The Green Hornet.
And he had shared with Jay that, you know, I got to hire an Asian guy who actually can act and actually knows how to fight.
Now, it's important to note that this was a time when many Hollywood executives didn't think that Asian actors. could play Asian characters. I mean, it's laughable now. But, you know, you had John Wayne playing Genghis Khan. You had Mickey Rooney playing that horrible.
cartoonish character in breakfast at symphonies. But J exploded that myth. And so when he said, I know your guy. And he said, What's his name? He said, Bruce Lee.
He said, What's he done? Um, nothing. Cut it. It's down.
Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Then he did his screen test and of course the rest is history.
So, if you look at Bruce Lee before Sebring, he kind of looks like a Dowie college kid. But his hair is real short.
So, what Jay did is he made it to where Bruce's hair was shaggier. And extended sideburns because what that would do is slim his face down a little bit and also bring your attention to Bruce's eyes. And that was really enhancing the attractive features to Bruce's film presence. And Linda said, not only was that haircut for Bruce definitive. She says that I credit Jay with being Bruce's Hollywood style mentor.
So if you look at Bruce Lee preceibring, And then you juxtapose it with Enter the Dragon in that very famous clip where Bruce is wearing the leather, he's got the sunglasses, his hair is longer, shaggier, and he says, Be like water. Be water, my friend. That's the Sebring imprint. If you look at Steve McQueen, who is often referred to, as I just said, the king of cool. They're not talking about his early Western TV show and the blob, okay?
That haircut was not thick. They're talking about bullets. They're talking about the Thomas Crown affair. The Great Escape. By the way, The Great Escape, Jay pretty much cut the entire lead cast of The Great Escape, all the way from Attenborough to James Gardner, Jimmy Coburn.
All of them. And Jay would introduce Bruce to all his personal friends like James Coburn, Steve McQueen, and Jay was facilitating Bruce Lee's entire A-list private lesson clients. You know Just another definitive documentation is that on Steve's deathbed, he said Jay Sebring was my best friend. And when I heard the tape, JC Rainer is my best friend. At that time in the 60s, It didn't get any bigger than Steve McQueen or Paul Newman.
Everyone wanted a piece of them or to be a part of them. They wanted to be their best friends. But Steve wanted to be Jay Sebrink's best friend. At the time when Jay Sebring was murdered, He hadn't even reached the pinnacle. of his success yet.
In 1966 he launched the first pH balanced Organic Shampoo Conditioner Hairspray product line. in his own name, eight years before VL Sassoon did. No one talked about organic in 1966. He was passing legislation that would allow cosmetologists to cut men's hair and barbers to cut women's hair. He just opened his shop in San Francisco.
He was going to expand to New York City with plans to go to Paris, France, and London, England. And when he was murdered, so was his reputation and his legacy.
So News coverage gave way to speculation. Speculation gave way to titillation and what is now the industrial complex of the Manson murders.
Now part of the interest In the public, in this horrible crime, was the overstating of the nature of the injuries, saying that Sharon Tate was nude and Jay Sebring had only torn boxer shorts on. Just not true. He was fully clothed. She wasn't nude. That Sebring had been drinking, no evidence for that at all.
The toxicology was completely negative for alcohol. handle all drugs. They were sexually mutilated. Her left breast being cut off. No, absolutely not.
No evidence of sexual mutilation on on anybody. You know, it was really. Astounding. The discovery. The Reveals First to see how much Quincy Jones loved Jay.
But then for him to read and be God smacked, that He's reading the autopsy reports and the forensic findings. In real time he says wait wait wait but They didn't take out the baby.
Well they didn't take the baby out of him. Rally? But these are wow, you have done your homework, man. This all does Time. Wow, this is incredible.
This is a public records, aren't they? Yeah.
It really shows that even it's so extensive, the distortion. the dramatic narratives and the the sensational narratives. That even people that are very in the know and very intelligent. They still believe some of these things. And it's not a comment on them, it's just how extensive the distortion really is.
in how entrenched these narratives are. And when Quincy had that revelation, He had it as a friend. He had it as the relief that Jay wasn't sexually mutilated. You know, Dennis Hopper. To see, first of all, How he revered and respected Jay.
I just felt great love from him and I felt the same for him. I do remember him taking me to the house often. Tony, you keep the face. It was really important to do with that talent because I didn't really have anybody like that in my life. And I know he helped a lot of people are quiet and too.
Jeff and I'm getting when they're having a hard time. are not charging for bigger code. And I asked Dennis. What is your last memory of Jay? If I could say this would be easier.
It seems so impossible. I don't think I ever let him down. He loved Jay. His life is actually a very inspiring positive. Glorious life.
Hi, my name is Jay Sebring and I'm 35 years old.
Now we have basically covered everything possible. And I would like to leave you with this closing thought.
Sometimes when I feel glum and things look pretty dim, I remember it myself and that is for every positive action There's an equal and positive reaction. and doing everything your best and then to God leave the rest. And a terrific job on the production, editing, and storytelling by our own Greg Hengler. And a special thanks to Jay Sebring's nephew, Anthony DiMaria. He along with Marshall Terrell, co-authored Jay Sebring Cutting to the Truth.
He is also the producer of the documentary by the same name. And Anthony is an actor who's appeared on shows like Deadwood, the Sopranos, and CSI, but this by far, and I know I'm speaking for you, Anthony. But I think I'm right. No, I know I'm right. This is the most important thing you've done in film.
By far. And thank you for sharing it with us. It's a story about so many things, about a pioneer, an innovator. A man who challenged the status quo and took his lumps for it. And also a guy who, well, he had other people love him.
Because he loved them. And he was an artist and took men's hair care. To another level. He gave men permission. to care about how they looked.
And boy, do we ever. And again, the stars he helped, Bruce Lee. I mean, he made his career for all intents and purposes. And then the style of, my goodness, Steve McQueen, and of course, Jim Morrison. And most importantly, he restored the legacy and reputation of his uncle, smeared.
by Vincent Bigliose, the author. Of Helter Skelter. The story. OJ Sebring here. on our American stories.
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