An open letter to Jim Carrey
Dear Jim,
I had a role in The Truman Show as the bus conductor, who shouts out "All aboard for Chicago" and when the driver can't get the bus to move I shout, "OK,...everybody out!"
I'm not nearly as famous as you, so you may not remember me for the lines I spoke, but I'm sure you remember we sat together during a break in the movie. I noticed you were sitting alone while director Peter Weir went off to have a break alone somewhere. The director Peter Weir introduced us at my arrival on the set. Not knowing anyone else on the set I noticed you were sitting alone and might like to have some company.
As I approached you, I could hear the boom box you had next to you between the two directors' chairs. One was empty and you occupied the other. You appeared to be a rather friendly guy when we were introduced by Peter and so I approached you. With the usual smile on your face, you welcomed me to sit with you and so I took the other chair, "Come sit with me".
An Elvis Presley song was playing on the disk player and as I had approached, I couldn't help but notice it was Elvis singing "Heartbreak Hotel". He was a favorite of mine and I said so.
You replied, with your smile widening, "He was my favorite too."
When the song ended, we began to make small talk that somehow drifted to the art work I do and sell in my spare time. "You do artwork?"
"Yes, right now I'm doing some pallet knife with oils."
"Wow, I do pallet knife in my spare time too."
"My son Michael is attending of the Rhode Island School of Art in Providence, Rhode Island." I added.
All to soon Peter Weir shouted, "Alright people the break is over and we have to get back to work."
I had worked with Peter Wier on a previous film a few years before as a foreign diplomat in a movie named "Dogs of War", and knew him to be a perfectionist.
Being a "born again" I owe you an apology for not sharing my faith with you. But with the short time allotted us I never would have been able to get into all the particulars with you anyway.
After working on The Truman Show, I went on to other things, while you kept doing your thing (making hit movies).
A sage once said, "there are no coincidences in this world." God arranges circumstances, places and people in power to work out his long-range plans. As time goes on. I'm convinced that is true.
Incidentally, you can find this little story of our meeting in my book "Visions, Miracles Peace and Power." It is about the vision I had in Hollywood after first seeking answers to life in the books Psycho Cybernetics, Think and Grow Rich, and The Power of Positive Thinking. I was desperately seeking answers to this thing called life.
As it is, I knew the answer. But in my desperation, had ventured into fallible man-made philosophies and ideas. It was then, that God had to personally intervene.
I had become a "born again" Christian late one night in the middle of a wooded area across from where I was living at the time in Michigan. That was six years before I became a full-fledged professional actor. By then I should have known better than to seek answers from writers other than the writers of Holy Scripture, since I now believed in the God of the Bible. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as well as the God of Moses and David plus a host of other godly men.
After we met and after I had viewed most of you films, I also read about your upbringing which was similar to mine as well in that we both grew up in unusual circumstances but we both kept our heads above water with a positive attitude.
Lately, I heard you were living in Hawaii and were dabbling in philosophies much like I was years ago. I thought what a shame that such a talented person should rely on such baloney and psychobabble.
Please bear with me as I explain what I know to be truth. First you should know that Christ Jesus was "The truth, the Way and the Life". Next you should know that Jesus said, "No one comes to the Father but by me."
Although you may be the decent man you appear to be, the Bible says that we are all sinners and that "all of our righteousness are as filthy rags." The good news is that "God has laid on him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all." The Father and Son have colluded to make it simple to establish a relationship with them through faith. Faith is found in the Holy Bible, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God."
Dear friend and fellow artist, today, I would urge you to consider the God of the Bible for peace of mind and an awareness of His love for you through Christ Jesus our Savior. John 3:16 says it all, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Ask God to forgive you for ignoring Him and receive Christ as your savior and learn of Him and the God the Father in the Bible.
If you ever happen to visit Naples, Florida please feel free to stop by and visit. It would be good to see you again. We could talk about art, music and about spiritual things as well. I've been an evangelical Christian for over forty years and know the Bible intimately. I'm also a contributing writer at raptureready.com and have this Christian website (propheticsignsandwonders.com) for several years now.
P.S. I have written of our encounter on the set of "The Truman Show" (nothing bad!) in my soon-to-be-released book, which also has many other worldly happenings in it as well. It is a book I know you will like and would be enlightening to you as well.
Your brother in Christ
Jim Towers
An open letter to Johnny Depp
Dear Johnny,
Years ago on 21 Jump Street, I portrayed the talkative cab driver who drove you and your partner Penhall around La Biscaya. Baseball was my thing, and I talked about Jose Canseco the whole time. Incidentally I met his twin brother at a gas station whom I thought was him, since they looked so much alike.
I had photos taken of you and I together on the set. You were reserved and didn't have much to say to anyone at the time. Being a few years older than you I thought you were just a quiet person and didn't bother you about it. Later however as I got to know more about you, I realized that you had grown up in a harsh environment, and that your dad was just like mine had been in my formative years. I could sympathize with you and liked the way you portrayed Donny Brasco in the early film by the same name - as I watched you grow as an actor.
I was crestfallen when it became obvious that your life was headed in the wrong direction after a taste of fame. We both know what fools some people can become when they are put on a pedestal and achieve fame and fortune. I've seen it all my life - people believing they can get away with anything, thinking they are invincible. But this is a trick of the devil. Such adulation can corrupt anyone. All you have to do is look at our politicians, lawyers and judges these days. Thank God I had repented of my sins, received Christ and was able to avoid all the pitfalls in our community of creative people.
I had been a "born again" Christian for about eight years. Realizing that there were a lot of hurting people in our society, I began to see what I could do to help them. It all began in Hollywood at a time when drugs, sex and rock and roll had taken over that city and was beginning to spread like wildfire throughout the country. God had been kicked to the curb and the cover of Time Magazine asked the question, "IS GOD DEAD?" I knew He wasn't because He had spoken to me, saying, "Get these manmade ideas and philosophies out of your life and plant your feet firmly on the foundation Jesus has already set." God is a jealous God and once you commit to Him, by receiving Christ and His forgiveness, He expects your fealty.
Being an avid reader of non–fiction books, I had gone to the library and had gotten three books, "Psycho Cybernetics", "Think and grow rich", and "The Power of Positive Thinking." I was desperately seeking God's face and praying earnestly for work and as you well know the competition is stiff in the movie industry. I never stopped to think that because of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays (when I arrived) Hollywood had shut down completely in anticipation of traveling and celebrating those events.
It was then that everything changed for me - God provided everything my new wife and I needed, and I began to see His provision more often. Until then, although I was a Bible believing Christian, I had relied on my own mental acuity to see me through but was finally growing desperate.
Recently, I thought of you again as I read about you being an artist (painter) because I too have always done artwork in my spare time, and like you have sold many of my works – albeit, for far less than you.
After reading the article about your other talent, I thought how tragic it would be for you to not know the God who gifted you with these talents (acting and artwork.) We of all people should be grateful to Almighty God for blessing us with creative gifts. Surely God has smiled down on you with these talents of creativity, not to mention the opportunity to achieve your goals.
When I read the scandalous court proceedings you went through recently, I felt even more pity for you especially as I realized that you had no-one to go to for forgiveness and redemption and peace of mind.
I'm writing this so that you may know that God loves His Creation (you) and is not willing that you should perish but have everlasting life with Him. All you need to do is to repent - receive Christ's forgiveness and study the Bible to show yourself approved. And for you to gain knowledge you must read it diligently: "The beginning of wisdom is the knowledge of God."
Today, I am committed to praying for you and for your salvation.
May God give you the peace of mind you desire and currently seek through drug use. The load you carry is too much for any person to endure. We all have a degree of guilt and shame, but God will lift the load of sin from off your shoulders if you ask Him to.
Jesus said in the Bible:
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His Glory with exceeding joy, to God our savior, who alone is wise be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever, Amen."
P.S. I've written a book ("Visions, Miracles, Peace and Power", found on Amazon) about my travails and the many, many miracles that God has wrought in my own life while in the movie business. During these times I've also found the peace that surpasses all understanding and I'm able to sleep like a baby.
If you ever find yourself in Naples, Florida, please stop by and see me. Perhaps we can pray together, and you can find strength and direction for your life?
Your friend and fellow artist,
Jim Towers
An open letter to Kim Kardashian
Dear Kim,
I was at Wal Mart yesterday and saw the article on the cover page of The Globe. Since I've known a good number of people that have appeared there in the past and know the pitfalls of the entertainment industry, and many people in it; I couldn't help but notice - your cry for help resonated with me. I can imagine the inner turmoil you must be going through.
I am a "born again" Christian on who has studied scripture and for over forty years. What I know of you is that you are a good person who is trying to do right on all fronts.
Let me encourage you with these promises of God which are found in the Bible.
"But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wing as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall run and not faint."
"Call out to me in the day of your distress and I will answer you." - God
"Casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you."
Jesus said, "Peace I give, not as the world gives -give I unto you."
After repenting of ignoring God (something we all do), I suggest you try daily prayer and Bible study for strength and hope.
Sincerely,
Jim Towers
An open letter to Amber Heard
Dear Amber,
Years ago, we met in a bank in Austin Texas where I stopped to ask directions. You were there with a Spanish speaking girlfriend. I was looking for a certain address where an audition was taking place. You hooked your arm in mine me and said, "Come on I'll show you exactly where the address is. My name is Amber Heard, what is yours?" I answered, "Jim Towers is mine."
The auditions were taking place about two blocks away from the bank. I remember us talking about the acting profession as we walked. We found the auditions right away. I left my headshot and if I remember rightly, you had a photo taken too. This must have been your first attempt at auditioning.
As I perused the internet last night looking for something about Johnny there you were – speaking perfect Spanish. I'll never forget the beautiful young lady who spoke Spanish. Your bio said something about you doing work with displaced children and right now I'm looking for a cause to become involved in. Maybe yours is it.
Years later I became a screen writer, and a would-be director with one film that was shown on cable TV. I also wrote a screenplay that went on to become a blockbuster.
Maybe we can salvage your career with something worthwhile. I have a few screenplays to exploit or maybe I could even write a screenplay specifically for you. I am also a contributing writer for two Christian websites and urge you to seek God's face in your time of trouble.
If I can be of help in any way, please let me know. I shall be praying for you.
Incidentally, I just wrote an open letter to Johnny, out of concern for his well-being. I appeared as a cab driver in one of his last 21 Jump Street TV shows. Johnny was shy then, so we didn't talk much. You can find the letter on this very webpage, further up.
Please write me, we appear to have many things in common. You must have been going through hell lately with the divorce proceedings. I feel so bad for both of you.
I have a book on eBooks titled "Visions, Miracles, Peace and Power". It's a deeply spiritual book about my life in the movie business after my second divorce.
For whatever reason God has seen fit to re-acquaint us once again.
May the God of peace heal you and keep you forever.
Sincerely,
Jim Towers
An open letter to Jordan Peterson
Dear Jordan,
I have the deepest respect for what you are doing in tackling the deep and troublesome ideologies that are despoiling our country, especially the young.
I am a little older than you, but spiritually speaking I am far more so - and I don’t say that to be mean. I was "born again" nearly fifty years ago and I know the metamorphosis you are going through right now. I am, like you, an avid reader. The difference is that I never got into the great thinkers and philosophers, but when I attempted to do so, God stopped me in my tracks saying to me audibly from somewhere above my head, "Get these man-made ideas and philosophies out of your life and plant your feet firmly on the foundation Christ has already set". He said it in a serious but non-threatening tone. At that time, I had only been a Christian for six years and like you, I was very serious about my commitment and was studying the Bible ardently.
The time came when I grew impatient with God to work out a plan for me, and in desperation I got three books at the public library thinking they would help me cope with the issues I was experiencing at the time. God was displeased with my lack of faith, and He set out to correct me in no uncertain terms. "God chastises those He loves."
I thought I'd lost my mind. I mean, has anyone heard of such a thing?
I see that the problem you are having is one of indecision and the answer is right in front of you - in the Bible. The Holy Spirit is with you in making your determinations and assumptions, but you must step out in faith by asking the Holy Spirit to indwell you through the reading of God's word. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." That doesn't mean having an existential experience, but you will know it when it happens. You will begin to experience miracles, a peace that surpasses all understanding, and the power to carry out God's mandate for your life. I sense a slight reticence in you. You will be more dogmatic in what you know to be true. People are seeking concrete answers to life and not just man-made theories based on human thought.
The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. I don’t fully understand it, but it works. It also casts out fear - in its many forms - some being Satanic in origin.
As time goes on, you will become a bold warrior for God through Christ Jesus – our savior. You are well on your way already.
I just finished writing a book titled "Visions, Miracles, Peace and Power" and have yet to find an honest publisher (everyone is out to make a fast buck). I can remember a time when a writer would get an advance – such as Neale Donald Walsch did for his book “Conversations with God”. I saw the movie back in the early 20s. which was small potatoes. Recently I found a book titled “God’s Message to Mankind.” Which was also written by the clever madman, who used delusional but persuasive thought and speculation throughout. My book encompasses my forty-five years of being an evangelical Christian and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ openly with all comers, young and old.
Incidentally, I am a contributing writer for the website http://raptureready.com/, and have my own Christian website https://propheticsignsandwonders.com/. Recently, I joined you on YouTube. I love what you have to say about Woke people, Catholics and atheists. I like honest people of intelligence and conviction. I believe we are kindred spirits.
Jim Carrie, the comedian (who is a friend of mine) recently received Christ after exploring Buddhism and other mystical religions. I invited him to my home to be baptized in my swimming pool.
A thought just occurred to me that maybe I should offer to baptize you too (if you haven’t been) in my swimming pool or the Gulf of Mexico and we could talk for a while afterward. I swear - you have the makings of a good preacher without all the theatrics. Just what we need in our ever-darkening world.
Below are some Bible verses for you to explore:
"Seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be given unto you."
"The Word of God is powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, able to pierce to the asunder between bone and marrow and the ……… and to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart."
"There is a way that seems right unto man, but the end thereof is the way of death."
You're my kind of guy. Keep up the good work and may God continue to guard your heart and mind in our quest to save the world.
P.S. After reading my book, it would be my wish to appear with you on a web platform of yours for an interview and a back-and-forth conversation with you.
Your friend, and co-worker
Jim Towers
An open letter to Kurt Russell
Dear Kurt,
It's been a long while since I talked to you last.
It was on the set of some movie where you played a newspaper reporter. We were shooting on the third floor of a building, and we took a break taking the elevator down to the main floor together.
I had just seen a film where you had played a trumpet and knowing the fingerings for trumpet, I stated that you had done a pretty good job of it. You replied, "I was second chair trumpet player in high school." I was taken aback and responded, "I was second chair trumpet play in my high school too!"" It's a small world after all.
This was during a time when I was downcast after my divorce, so much so that I was batting zero during auditions, something I had always excelled in and looked forward to.
After returning to the set on the third floor you threw me a line when filming resumed. Your gesture of kindness was unprecedented in a world of aloofness. Thanks buddy.
Incidentally, your portrayal of Wyatt Earp in the movie "Tombstone" is my all-time favorite.
I hope to see you again someday to thank you for being such a decent person, In fact, if you ever find yourself in Naples, Florida, give me a call and we can reminisce over some grilled steak on my Lani by the pool. By the way, I hear that you and Goldie are finally tying the knot which is good to hear.
I attempted to make a movie I wrote about the End Times, but it just wasn't on the cards. I only managed directing a small film for cable television. After which I started writing for two Christian websites as a contributing writer, and have been writing now for over twenty years. In fact I've had my own website, named propheticsignsandwonders.com for over ten years as well. It deals with the End Times, and that is what I'm writing to you about.
Since I liked you right off, I think of you once in a while and have decided to write this little note to you.
I don't know if you are a Christian believer or not but I am reaching out to you and Goldie in the hope of conveying the Good News of the Gospel to you in preparation for the judgement coming to our beloved country.
I know you to be a good man.
Your friend, and co-worker
Jim Towers