At almost 92-years-young, Pompano Bill discusses the joys of life, his crushes, and how he made—and continues to make—a unique contribution to South Florida’s LGBT community
Where did you grow up? I’m still working on that. However, I grew up in Norway, Michigan, which is in the upper peninsula of the state. How long have you lived in South Florida? Full-time? Since 1987. Which, at 91 years-of-age, is not long enough. Why did you move here? It was easy to leave La La Land. What part of South Florida do you live in? I live very close to gay Wilton Manors. What do you like most about living here? I like most of the community. I like the weather, too. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? I’m old, you know, so I don’t really go out at night. I used to love the Sunday tea dance at the old Sea Monster. Where do you hang out in South Florida now, and why? I like Rosie’s because the service is consistent. I have lunch there about three or four times a week. What’s your claim-to-fame? I’m not famous, but I do enjoy being “known.” I became adept at “profiling” people. I was the first one around here who took headshots of people, and I named them—with the first name only—in the caption. I also made sure that seniors got published, too. I focused on the entire community, not just the bare-chested crowd.
ADVERSTISMENT
What’s the last thing that you looked at online? I don’t recall. And I don’t have time for Facebook. What’s the last thing that you watched on TV? The Late Show, with Stephen Colbert—he’s “real.” And then I go to bed. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? “Place” has many meanings. However, I enjoyed visiting people along the California coast, my four trips to Italy, and the two gay cruises that I took. How do you most enjoy spending your time? That’s a difficult question. I enjoy spending time with people who I like. What celebrity would you like to sleep with? Only one?! Currently, John Krasinski. What two historical figures would be your ideal parents? I can’t think of any. Most have skeletons in their closets. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? Abraham Lincoln. The “why” is obvious.
Where would you go in a time machine, and why? I’d go forward, to 2020. I’m hoping… really hoping. What would your last meal be? Hopefully, not before an execution. Lasagna and a salad would be nice. What do you worry about? The country… the world… the planet. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? Baaaaaa! Who do you depend on? As few people as possible. But every morning, my good friends John and Michael—who I’ve known for over forty years—call me at 9:30 to make sure that I’m not room temperature. I also don’t drive anymore. If I go somewhere, it has to be Driving Miss Daisy. Who are you closest with? Good friends, first. You can choose your friends. Family is second. What would your autobiography be called? Things in my Head. What’s your greatest regret in life? Not having one lifelong person to love. Tell me something that you’ve never told anyone else. It’s still a secret. You might be a blabbermouth.
Pompano Bill’s weekly column, “Outlook,” can be seen in Hotspots Magazine.
Lovely interview Love Bill to death! A true Professional in every sense!
Thank you for the complement! As far as PB goes, he sure is!!
This is an amazing man. I have often seen him at Rosies and have so wanted to approach him, but was always so hesitant. Don’t want to inteude on his time.
Bill you are a force, a positive force, in our community and bynextension in our world.
God Bless.
Go up and say “hi” to him. I think he’s like it!
Nice interview. Cool website. Plus “blabbermouth” is a great name for a band!
Good article
Truly wonderful guy- if we all have a great life clock like PB The missing question in this interview is how have gotten to this age with such a great cognitive and physical stamina?
Pompano bill is a legend a wonderful individual and a caring person to all that know him. This I admire in a person. And I’ve known him many many years since I was just a baby. Just kidding love but I have known your many years. Love you Cathy Craig
the Best Sense of humor
Love your new digital platform. South Florida sure needs a good one. Pompano Bill is and was one of our favorites. He was one of my first photographers back in the “Buzz” magazine days. Great Q&A with him. Good luck with your venture. Stay focused. People will take notice. The competitors are tough. Beware. All the best. Bobby Blair.
I love you Uncle, you have inspired many. I’m so proud of you
Love our Driving Miss Daisy Sundays together! Also a few Saturdays for breakfasts and just listening to Pompano talk. I could sit for hours, and sometimes did listening to his many adventures, his political views, and listening to old music from the 40’s together. There will be no other! One piece of wisdom that Pompano taught me was that when someone uses one of your photos, you need to ask for photo credit! That beautiful photo at the top of your wonderful interview was taken by yours truly one afternoon at George’s Alibi when Pompano was flirting with one of the waiters…..
oh, he told me it was a self portrait. ok, I’ll fix it.
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