Glampingwith Grandpa

We packed up our lives, took a leap of faith, and relocated to Myrtle Beach — and it didn’t take long before we knew we had found our new home. What started as a dream quickly turned into something even more meaningful: a place where our entire family could come together and truly enjoy life.

Just four months after our move, our oldest son followed, making Myrtle Beach not just our escape, but a growing family hub. Then, in 2014, Elizabeth’s parents made the move as well, wanting to be closer and share in this beautiful new chapter with us.

Those years became some of the most treasured of our lives. We filled our days with laughter, adventure, and togetherness — taking cruises, planning spontaneous day trips, flying off to Las Vegas, and spending countless evenings around the table playing cards and sharing stories. It was everything you imagine retirement should be… relaxed, joyful, and surrounded by the people you love most.

But more than the trips or the destinations, it was the time together that meant everything. We weren’t just slowing down — we were finally able to live, to create memories, and to enjoy the moments that had once passed us by during our busy years in show business. It was simple. It was full. And it was exactly what we needed.

The Moment Everything Changed

Our world was turned upside down in July of 2015. Elizabeth’s mother was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer and given less than a week to live. In the midst of that unimaginable shock, we were given something priceless — a few final days together. Looking back, those moments mean everything to us.

In true fashion of our family, even in her final hours, she found a way to make us laugh. One of the last things she said was, “Live your dream before it’s too late.” Then, with a mischievous smile, she lifted her middle finger and joked, “I did it for 48 years… HAHA, he’s your problem now.”

We laughed through the tears… not fully understanding what she meant. Elizabeth is the only child of two extraordinary people. On July 16, 2015, we welcomed her father, John, into our daily lives. He was 68 at the time, with the energy of a 13-year-old — and honestly, now at 79, not much has changed! While Dad does have some health challenges these days, he still carries that same youthful spirit, humor, and zest for life that keeps all of us on our toes.

Sadly, a little over a year later, we lost Elizabeth’s mother unexpectedly. Her final words to Elizabeth echoed once again: “Live your dream before it’s too late.” And this time… we listened.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

Just two weeks after her passing, we took a leap of faith and signed the lease on a small, intimate space. That leap became GTS Theatre. But the seeds for that dream were planted long before. Back in 1988, Elizabeth had produced her very first Motown Tribute show at Great Lakes Naval Base — an experience she never forgot. Her mother absolutely loved watching Elizabeth’s creative visions come to life on stage.

So in 2016, in her honor, we brought that dream back with the Original Motown Tribute Show. Today, GTS Theatre has grown into something we are incredibly proud of — currently ranked #2 of all things to do in Myrtle Beach — but its foundation was built on love, loss, and a promise to live fully.

Those early days weren’t easy. Elizabeth’s parents had lived just five doors down, and after her mother’s passing, John was understandably lost and lonely. He would ride his bike to our house — sometimes what felt like 20 times a day — just needing connection, conversation, and family.

Celebrity Connections

Eddie Floyd

Joan Rivers

Leo Gallagher

Gary Coleman

Bill Medley

Paul Revere

Walt Willey

Greg Wilson

Kevin Downey Jr

Bob Anderson

Rufus Taylor

Wild Bill Bauer

Mom's Cousin - Judy Tyler

Dad's Cousin's - Fontaine Sisters

Louis Anderson

Shirley Ceasar

Gabriel Iglesias

Martin Moren

While we loved him deeply, adjusting to this new dynamic wasn’t always smooth. There were moments of tension. Moments where I struggled sharing Elizabeth’s time. Moments where she found herself caught in the middle between her husband and her father. We were grieving. We were adjusting. And yes… we made mistakes. But we also grew. Together, as a family, we found our way forward.

Where It All Began

Elizabeth’s roots in entertainment run deep. Her great-great-grandparents were Vaudevillians, her great-grandfather a respected jazz musician, and her grandfather could play nearly any instrument. She has been on stage since the age of three, thriving as a dancer and choreographer. Her path shifted at 17 after a car accident, leading her to work behind the scenes at the Great Lakes Naval Base theater — unknowingly preparing her for the future.

Rich’s story couldn’t have been more different. Raised on a dairy farm, he later became a farmer in Charlevoix, Michigan — even working as a bovine practitioner (yes, a cow foot doctor!). Our worlds collided in 1998 in an mIRC chat room while playing a game called Acrophobia — proof that sometimes the most unexpected connections lead to the greatest stories. At the time, Elizabeth was in nursing school and DJing, while Rich was deeply rooted in agriculture. Blending our families was both challenging and rewarding, but together, we built something special.

The Break That Changed Everything

At a corporate event, we met comedian Wild Bill Bauer — one of the writers for Roseanne. He saw something in us, believed in what we were doing, and helped open doors we never imagined. His mentorship elevated our careers and proved that sometimes, the right connection can change everything. In 2006, we opened the Dells Comedy Club in Wisconsin Dells. And in 2016, we opened GTS Theatre.

Still Living the Dream

Two chapters. One journey. From the spotlight… to stepping away… to building something even more meaningful. And through it all, one message continues to guide us: Live your dream before it’s too late.

First a Dad – Then a Grandpa

Dad became a father at just 20 years old, and while he’s never been much of an “outdoors” kind of guy, put him in an RV and he’s ready to go!

When it comes to packing, let’s just say… he brings more than the two of us combined — and that’s including our two dogs. If there’s room, he’ll fill it.

Music is his constant companion. He never travels without his CD player, and as we roll down the highway, you can count on him singing along to his favorite tunes like he’s headlining his own concert tour.

The Non-Negotiables

He does not do well without FOX News, and if a campground doesn’t have reliable WiFi, things can get a little… interesting. No internet means no games, which means he’s suddenly forced to do something truly radical — like play cards or actually engage with us!

And then there’s food. Dad has a deep love for eating, which somehow always leads us to casinos along the way. After all, who can resist a good buffet?

To keep things running smoothly (and peacefully), we made sure to install WiFi in the RV — though it’s safe to say he uses more than his fair share of bandwidth every single day.

Family will always be the destination

But truthfully, all jokes aside, these are the moments we cherish. Because no matter the quirks, the snacks, the singing, or the WiFi struggles… having Dad along for the ride has made every journey more meaningful.

In 2026, Dad decided that traveling had simply become too difficult for him. So now, instead of long trips on the road, we fly him out to meet us at different destinations along the way — making sure we still share holidays, special moments, and time together as a family.

Because no matter where the journey takes us… family will always be the destination.