I can't remember how we met. I was probably around 20-21 at the time. It just seemed like he was suddenly part of my life and we were friends. We spent a lot of time talking at the bars around Madison, WI. Sometimes we would do crazy, spur-of-of-the-moment things. One snowy morning he knocked on my door and when I sleepily opened it he said, "Get up, get dressed! We're going on an adventure!" I had no idea what he meant but I was game for it. His idea of an "adventure" that day was driving to Chicago and spending the day wandering around the museum of the Art Institute. We ate in the dining room and had the good fortune to meet Myrna Loy, who was dining at the next table and was most gracious. For awhile we did have a liaison but it didn't last, however we remained friends and I was happy for him when he eventually met his wife. I knew he was an amazing actor when I watched him in a Madison Theater Guild production of "The Crucible" as Deputy Governor Danforth and he scared the bejesus out of me. I didn't know he was on Twin Peaks until I heard his voice and came running into the room where my daughter was watching it.
One thing about the article though--when I knew him, he still had both arms, although one (the left) was paralyzed. He told me that had happened in a motorcycle (not auto) accident when he was 17. He may have had it amputated later.
Ave atque vale, Al. I'll see you again one day.