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Show Feature SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 6, 2000 HI By Barbara Pyles Tourists across the world and all parts of America have seen Doc Holliday the cool in front and fearless poised, of Dennys Wigwam. Tony Gonzales, also known to some as Doc Holliday, is a familiar figure on the streets of Kanab. He takes playing the role of Doc Holliday seriously, achieving high standard of accuracy while masquerading as the fearless gunfighter. He is true-blu- e about preservold west. One of the a ing part man reported that it was like seeing the ghost of Doc Holliday. However, there is one difference. History tells us that Holliday wras ruthless and disagreeable while Gonzales is friendly, caring and gentle. When a bus stops at Dennys Wigwam, he takes a pose. Most travelers think that Gonzales e is a replica of Doc he until speaks. I let Holliday them hold the gun on me and I put my hands up. We might not know what each other are saying but were laughing anywell-know- n life-siz- way. While playing Holliday, a man from Spain asked him to appear in a commercial. He posed for a French tourist magazine as well. He has also started a tradition, playing Doc Holliday at the Western Legends Round-uin Kanab. Doc Yes, Holliday is a legendary figure in the history of the American West, but Tony Gonzales, alias Doc Holliday, p is fast becoming a legendary figure in the town of Kanab. I think he is one of the colorful characters of Kanab, says Mayor Karen Alvey. While Holliday wras born in Griffin, Georgia, Gonzales was born in San F rancisco. Holliday arrived in Tombstone around September of 1880 and took part in the worlds most famous gunfight at O.K. Corral. Gonzales arrived in Kanab in the summer of 1979. During the spring of 1983, he was one of the bad guys who bites the dust during a shootout in front of Dennys Wigwam. By 1880, Holliday had killed perhaps a dozen men. In 1984, as part of the Border Guns, Gonzales rode into town and caused a fracas at the Wigwam, gun-fight- C. n s. rs re-e- Tony Gonzales, alias Doc Holliday, is a familiar figure on the streets of Kanab. He is a member of the National Association of OJd West Gunfighter Teams. At one time, he took part in of authentic gunfights. Photo by Troy Snow. - We Have Moved WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY UNTIL JAN. 1ST! 1452 South Heaton Drive - $143,900 YOUR S. act the gunfight at O.K. Corral That is the first time I played Doc Holliday, he says. The group also put on shows at the Territorial (Wok Inn location) and Crazy Horse Campground. Gonzales is a member of the National Association of Old West Gunfighter Teams. At one time, he took part in re enactments of authentic The reenactors had one in thing common: an undying love of the old west. A younger Gonzales excelled in acting during his high school days in Baldwin Park California. He got his first professional part at the Glendale Circle Theater. Whenever I go to some cattle call (casting call), I usually get the part. I know about acting. You have to be willing to forget what you have learned or experienced and listen to the director, especially if he but the straight shootinsheriff took care of the troublemakers. Remember that Holliday was living in the real world while Gonzales played a char- wrote the screen play, acter in the wonderful world of Gonzales said with a twinkle fun and fantasy. in his eye. Bill This Doc Holliday fan spoke Jack Gonzales, Hodges, Btes, Cherokee and others about a small part he had in a staged gunfights several times movie. I had lines and got each week in front of Dennys called back for closeups. I was Wigwam. They left spectators really excited. Later he found gasping in amazement on the out it was an Italian movie. sidewalks and streets ofKanab. About being the ghost of Doc Just how authentic were they? Holliday: Its fun, he says. Once a nurse stopped right in Years ago, Gonzales was inthe middle of the road and tried volved in an accident. The docto revive a fallen cowboy. tors thought that he might die. We all dressed up as "This town . . . they were wonand showed off our derful. They came out of the guns, says Gonzales. As the woodwork and really supported group grew in number, they me, he says. If I can help had enough people to n Kanab, I will. gun-fighte- C & MY to 75 East 200 South KALIJA'S 50 Off All Nationwide service network Service all makes of hearing aids Digital technology New equipment will actually allow spouse to hear what you hear Year leasing options available 12 Months same as cash Listen to life! 1- -4 Model featured in 1994 St. George Parade of Homes 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Jetted Tub 34 Acre with Small Lawns and much Natural Vegetation 2 Car Garage with Well Lighted Workbench Approx. 1500 sq. ft. of Living Space Central Vacuum, Heat Pump & Central Air Wheelchair Accessible . 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