The Abbey & Me: Renegades, Rednecks, Real Estate & Religion
While converting a successful career in medical imaging equipment sales, J. Patrick Rick enjoyed an encounter with serendipity in 1992. “Has anybody ever said you look like Bill Clinton?” He would be asked that question and respond with “Who?” Initially, he may have resented suggestions he had a semi-pudgy and liberal appearance. Unsolicited encouragement from family, friends, business associates and strangers on the street caused him to consider. It came as no surprise Tinseltown had a supportive and active cottage industry thriving in his own backyard. Rick thought it was unlikely Bill Clinton would win but rolled the dice anyway. Jumping in feet first, he produced 8x10 glossies and hit the Hollywood streets looking for agent representation with success. Patrick learned television and film credits were great for bragging rights but not nearly as lucrative as corporate appearances as the Counterfeit-Bill. Rick's sardonic sense of humor has been a lifelong boon and occasional bane. As a presidential impersonator, it was looking as if he had discovered a way to harness his talent while writing political humor. This was coming at a time his 30-year career in medicine was waning. Surprise, Bill Clinton did win the presidency and again for a second term along with the “Counterfeit-Bill”—Rick. Alas, this serendipitous adventure would have a limited lifespan. Patrick differentiated himself from his theatrical competition by writing and honing his own act as the Faux-President. He says "For eight years, I felt people's pain and bit my lower lip so much, I'm surprised there's any lip left." Wisely, he took the Hollywood advice “Don't quit your day job.” Truth would prove stranger than fiction. During any given week, Patrick could find himself one day in surgery wearing scrubs and a mask and the next behind a podium in Puerto Rico, for instance, delivering a mock State of the Union Address. One of his clients, in his medical consulting business, was a manufacturer of breast and penile implants. You guessed it! His diverse duties had successfully created the perfect dichotomy. With a hint of humor, Patrick Rick tells this sober story, The Abbey and Me.