Ted Williams, from homeless to famous to rehab: 'Don't give up on me, America'
Ted Williams, "the homeless man with the golden voice," was bound for rehab Thursday on the advice of Dr. Phil McGraw, with a short stop in Ohio first to see his grandchildren.
Cameras from "Entertainment Tonight" followed Williams as he was shuttled to Bob Hope International Airport in Burbank, traveling with a physician he said will act as his chaperon. He's ultimately bound for Origins Recovery Center in South Padre Island, Texas, a treatment facility recommended by the host of the "Dr. Phil" show. McGraw's practice was originally based out of Texas.
"Hey America, I'm going to get well," he told the ET crew Thursday. "All I ask is that you don't forget me, please."
Williams admitted to Dr. Phil in an interview that aired Thursday that despite his claims of more than two years of sobriety, he’d stumbled during that time and consumed alcohol.
"I can say honestly, Dr. Phil, it didn't lead me to my drug of choice, which was crack."
A physical run-in with one of his daughters that resulted in a trip to the Hollywood police station on Monday night was followed by revelations on "Dr. Phil" from Williams' family about his continued drinking and their fears that he wasn't ready to handle the life that had been presented to him.
The well-worn celebrity story arc that has taken people such as Lindsay Lohan and Robert Downey Jr. years to travel was knocked out by Williams in about two weeks: Talent is discovered, fame ensues, which leads to showers of attention, then a run-in with the law and then rehab.
"Don't give up on me America. I'm on my way to get healthier," he said at the airport, switching to that big voice of his to add, "and come back bigger and better than ever."
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-- Christie D'Zurilla
Photo: Ted Williams on NBC's "Today" show on Friday. Credit: Peter Kramer / NBC / Associated Press
Ted,
I am praying for you...Read the Word of God.
A special scripture for you from the book of Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Posted by: Josephine | Jan 13, 2011 at 03:51 PM
Ted, I wish you well in your journey. I hope you realize how blessed you are. There are thousands of sufferers in this world deserving of the second chance at life. Now this is just my stuff, you seem to be, or you are allowing the media to make a public event of your recovery process. Remember the Eleventh Tradition my brother. One Day at a time my friend, I believe in you.
Posted by: Louis Woodyard | Jan 13, 2011 at 03:52 PM
Why Dr, PHil , all the the Dr's why him to help .. Dr, Phil is Really helped Brittany Spears... any publicity is good publicity.... Stay away from Brittany you power freak.... Some people dont need to be controlled...If he wants a drink he will drink regardless of Dr, Phil,,,, Dr Phil a Christian .hmmmmm which crusade....Opportunist Crusade,,,,,
Posted by: LQQKUOVER | Jan 13, 2011 at 03:54 PM
Dr ,Phil an opportunist,,,,, any publicity is good publicity... Like the way you helped Brittany Spears....
Posted by: LQQKUOVER | Jan 13, 2011 at 03:57 PM
Im glad for Ted and hope he puts his sobriety first and formost...
Posted by: emi | Jan 13, 2011 at 04:01 PM
I'VE HEARD OF 15 MINUTES OF FAME BEFORE. BUT THIS IS ABSURD
JACK
Posted by: jack caulfield | Jan 13, 2011 at 04:03 PM
He went from homeless to hollywood to rehab in TWO WEEKS!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jessvj | Jan 13, 2011 at 04:08 PM
He just gets cooler.
What a dude. Good luck Ted.
Posted by: T1Brit | Jan 13, 2011 at 04:15 PM
No worries, Ted. You will not be forgotten. Get well. We'll be waiting.
Posted by: Jude | Jan 13, 2011 at 04:47 PM
you can do it ted we all love you!!
Posted by: bobby | Jan 13, 2011 at 04:57 PM
i am afraid this is not going to work. He is not ready for a better life. I sure hope he proves me wrong!! PLEASE, Ted, make this work.
Posted by: dianna gray | Jan 13, 2011 at 05:03 PM
DEAR TED,
I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU. I CAN TELL THAT YOU ARE TRUELY A HUMBLE MAN.I WISH YOU ALL THE LUCK IN THE WORLD. STAY STRONG AND ALWAYS KEEP GOD FIRST. YOU WILL NEVER GET ANOTHER CHANCE LIKE THIS AGAIN.THIS IS TRUELY A SECOND CHANCE FROM GOD BECAUSE HE LOVES YOU.
Posted by: SHEILA WILSON | Jan 13, 2011 at 05:06 PM
Good luck and God speed. I wish for you a true recovery in all parts of your life. Remember your higher power and that you are here at this time & place for a reason; perhaps to show those afflicted with addiction that THERE is HOPE, not only the endlessness of despair. You have shown to us that all is possible.
Posted by: Vi | Jan 13, 2011 at 05:55 PM
get well soon from philippines
Posted by: gens | Jan 13, 2011 at 06:23 PM
A door is being open to you Ted, get to rehab ! Stop talking so much about what you are going to do, stay humble ! Remember alcohol is a drug also !
Posted by: Richard M | Jan 13, 2011 at 07:02 PM
Dr Phil was totally against Mr. Williams "short stop" in Ohio. He wanted him to go directly to rehab. I hope that visiting this woman will not weaken him into doing something he will regret. An addict cannot think straight. He may want one last high with her. The doctor traveling with him is going to have to watch him like a hawk in Ohio. Users always find a way, and they will lie right to your face, as he did to Phil. I hope I am wrong but I have lost confidence in this man because of all the lies he told and violence he showed on his daughter.
Posted by: JimMcNewman1 | Jan 14, 2011 at 05:15 AM
"...I have lost confidence in this man because of all the lies he told and violence he showed on his daughter."
Violence towards his daughter?!? Oh, please.
FYI-The claw marks on his face weren't self-inflicted.
Posted by: Diane | Jan 14, 2011 at 09:34 AM
It the best for the best he'll get a better understanding to keep vigilant and it can be done one day at a time god bless you and god keep you on the right path. much love and success ted.
Posted by: Mark C. | Jan 14, 2011 at 09:55 AM
I think this guy that is going to rehab, should loose his job and let a real homeless person that is honest take his place. When you lie about yourself that puts everyone in a bad place and makes things not right for the REAL person.
Posted by: Linda | Jan 14, 2011 at 12:55 PM
We are praying for you guy..Hang in there..It is tough, Put every thing in God's hands..We will be watching and praying..We know you can make it..
Posted by: herb oneal | Jan 14, 2011 at 04:50 PM
I know this is late after he is already there, I truly hope he gets the help he needs and support, I did not understand the big deal his mother made out of the sign, or for her to get on national TV and say don't disappoint me again and the comment about where she goes to church, this was not very supportive, the program was for support of her son, not to critize what he had done in the past. He does have a wonderful voice and I hope for him the best in the furture. I do feel he is doing the right thing in seeking help, that would be a major change in life style for anyone.I also hope the family will get consuling so as not to undo everything.
Posted by: shirley | Jan 19, 2011 at 08:31 AM