How so very sad to open my email today to find the news on Monti’s passing. Monti and I hadn’t crossed paths or spoken in more than a decade, but I wasn’t surprised to see that he still had my information on his devices, as I still have his information on mine. Even though we had not kept in touch, I’d like to think that I still carried a little bit of Monti with me everywhere I went.
Monti and I met while working together on a long-forgotten TV show called “Mad Movies”. This was in 1985, before Monti got into the union and was just starting his career. Those were silly days and the show’s crew and staff had silly nicknames for each other: I was the 'Randster', there was a 'Kentster' and a 'Tomster', and I called Monti the 'Montster'. I thought it was clever but he never liked it.
We bonded for several reasons: His sense of humor, his laugh, his eccentricities, and his sincerity. I lived in the South Bay at the time, and Monti had grown up not too far from my place. We hung out a lot that summer, and he took me by his old house during one of his visits, recounting some fond memories. Monti gave more than he got from me. When we spoke of our dreams and wishes, I could see that Monti was not complacent with the status quo. I could also see that he was a restless spirit who was wise beyond his years. I think part of me wished that I could be as special as he.
The show ended and we drifted apart. Monti pursued his goals, his dreams and his ambitions, becoming a valued and respected crafts person in the business. I took another path and moved away from the L.A. area for a period. But we managed to speak once or twice over the years. I talked to him after his father Bill had passed, and I was aware of his marriage to Traci and that he was starting a family. He came by the apartment in Hollywood that I shared with my wife-to-be Susan.
I wish that I had done a better job of keeping in touch with Monti. It is heartwarming and comforting to see the pictures of Monti and his family, and to read the tributes. He became the person whose potential I saw and knew so many years ago. And, so much more.
I am grateful that I had a brief moment in time with Monti, and I am saddened by his passing. But I am also a better person for having known Monti. RIP my friend. My wife Susan and I send our thoughts and prayers to Traci, Arthur, Theo, Shaynee and all of Monti's extended family.