I met James Garner only once. He was very kind.
I had tried to get on his show Rockford. No go.
At some big event – perhaps the Golden Globes – I had a great project for him and asked him: “Would you ever do a tv series again?”
“Never!” with a smile. I wasn’t surprised – he had had to sue Universal Studios for back pay and profit participation – you know, the funny accounting and all. He had won but it had taken a toll.
He took a few steps, came back to me, smiled handsomely and corrected himself: “Okay. Never say never!”
Before I could tell him about the project, or invite him to lunch, he was gone.
I figure he did mean “Never”.
Until he didn’t 