In 1992, I received devasting news. Another cancer had formed, this time in my other lung. The only hope was more surgery, which was accomplished with major complications. A nerve leading to my vocal cords was cut, causing it to be almost impossible to speak normally. This is a crushing blow to an actor, I survived the second and am hoping for the best, although there are no guarantees. I am extremely short winded because sections of both lungs have been removed, and I am told that I have an additional emphysema from cigarette smoking. Scars from the surgery wrap around my back permanently disfiguring me, but I feel lucky to be alive. In October of 1996, I had open heart surgery and a double bypass operation also from the residual effect of smoking.

I have learned a great deal since the surgery for lung cancer, about the true dangers of cigarettes and the deceit of the industry that sold them. I never understood how lethal the product really is. Looking back, I recall smoking on the eve of my first surgery. I was a strong willed person but the addictive power of nicotine is real and that my frustration of being unable to quit is shared with many, if not most, regular smokers.

I have also become aware of the industry's deceitful attitude toward its customers. My attorney, Mr. Norwood S. Wilner of Jacksonville, has filed a case on my behalf seeking compensation from R.J. Reynolds and others.

I was delighted to see that Mr. Wilner was successful in August of '99 in obtaining a verdict on behalf of one of his other clients against the cigarette industry. The landmark case Carter v. Brown and Williamson Tobacco Company, tried in Jacsonville, Florida, showed that juries will not forgive the cigarette industry for its carelessness and deception in refusing to warn its customers or to develop safer alternative products.

I have donated my time to the fight against tobacco and to protect children from becoming involved in this dangerous drug. Lawton Chiles, Florida's courageous Governor, has asked me to address the Florida Legislature (See Letter). I have appeared numerous times for the American Cancer Society, the Tobacco Free Coalition, Citizens Against Tobacco, the Duval County Public Schools SIP Program, the Monroe County (Key West) School System, the Cancer Survivors for Life, and many other fine organizations. I have, at my expense, appeared on national and local television and radio shows.

I now understand some of the shocking facts that the Carter jury saw, which reveal how the industry put profits over people, stonewalled its criticism and concealed scientific evidence from the public and its customers.

I call upon the lawmakers of this country to protect our children from this dangerous substance. Tobacco products should be regulated as the addictive drugs tehy are. Tobacco advertising should be eliminated or strictly curtailed. And finally, I call upon the tobacco industry to compensate its victims, its former customers, who are suffering and dying from its products.