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Actor Lee Paul's career record reads: "Bad guys, 117; good guys, 3, with one of those in question."
Predominantly "bad guy" Paul is something of a rarity among the 80,000 card-carrying actors and actresses in America today. Indeed, Lee Paul is an even greater rarity among the 2,000 or so who do manage to get performing jobs during the year.
Whereas the bulk of those working-89%-draw mean annual wages of $2,900, well below the poverty level, Paul says proudly that theatrical work has provided the major part of his total family income in the last 10 years.
Paul, whose face is seen regularly in television film reruns during any given week, has been much like others in the entertainment business who acknowledge that, without a "day job," survival would be much more difficult.
Worked Odd Jobs
In years long gone, day or odd jobs have included working in a classical sheet music store, taking pictures of actors and actresses for their commercial and theatrical composites and selling insurance.
But today the residuals and regular acting assignments have lifted him out of that other cycle-working at the other job and not having time to polish the acting craft.
With roles of various sorts in well over 100 television productions-primarily the heavy-the residuals show up regularly in the Paul mailbox. They range from an occasional hefty sum to a career low of $2.67. Thirty or more television commercials have added to Paul's credits, and income, including a "good guy" part in an inspirational commercial for the Mormon Church.
Among his many guest star and co-star television appearances are roles in "Falcon Crest," "Simon & Simon," "Fall Guy," "Matlock," "Herbie the Love Bug" and "Underground Man."
Paul, a Chatsworth resident, feels that he is at the cusp of a welcome change in his image, from "bad guy to good guy."
Losing a Part Hurts
At "5 feet, 17 1/2 inches,"...