I called the show's producer Rob, introduced myself and we talked awhile... it turned out he was from [and still lived in Tampa Florida] which is where I happen to be from also! We got along well! Rob mentioned the Taping would be the week-end of March 31st 2001 on a Saturday at NBC-TV Studio's in Burbank! I informed him; I would be available that week-end. We made my flight arrangements and ended the conversation with Rob saying I would be getting a Fed-X package with all the details in a couple of days!

I flew out of Jacksonville, Florida. Friday morning at 6am. first stop was Atlanta Ga. which turned out to be a disaster because of an unexpected 5 hour delay!!! Well the heartbreaking delay caused my arrival to be 7:30 pm as opposed to the 2:30pm arrival it was suppose to be! The reason this is so heartbreaking is that I had missed the opportunity to be on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, because I was too late for the taping at 5:30pm... I took it well, went over to the Tonight Show Studio looked around and on the way out stood in Jay Leno's parking space holding a sign that read; "Late Again" while having my photograph taken... then went over to the Hilton where they put me up in a very nice suite! I unpacked, got everything prepared for the next days taping. Went downstairs, had a very nice dinner in the restaurant and relaxed while I adjusted to the 3 hour time change and exhausting long day of traveling.

The next morning about 9am I got a call from the shows associate producer [Anne] asking me if everything was alright and letting me know that they would be calling me in an hour or so instructing me to get everything together and ready, adding that they would be sending a Limo over, to be in the lobby or out front when they called! I received the call shortly after 10:30am.

So: here we go... I got there and was greeted by both Rob and Anne, given a brief tour of the set and offices while being led to my dressing room where I was introduced to my {two imposters} and given all this paperwork to fill out! I was asked if I was hungry and offered something to eat or drink... I declined, sat down, thanked them for everything. As they walked out, I looked up and saw my name on the door to my dressing room [which I later took for a souvenir] smiled and began to look over the mountain of paperwork!

This is where my story gets interesting: The first thing I would like to share is that this paperwork as I said before was a very serious thing, stating that if anything was falsely answered by me on the program. I would be subject to a lawsuit and imprisonment! My two imposters could lie or say anything they wished while answering the questions, but I had to be 100% honest about ANYTHING they asked me.... They took this very serious! Now this made me a little uneasy, because what if one of these panelist asked me something personal I didn't feel comfortable answering? I was told, I could respond in a situation like that with; I don't know or I can't remember or give some cute response that misdirects them... I said; I understood and thanked them for this information, in closing however they stressed the seriousness of being Truthful and Honest at all times! I again said I understand and had no problem complying... In the paperwork was also information for me to answer, for the host to give the monologue about me at the beginning of the show! Rick Marino this and Rick Marino that, it was nice for the ego, to be honest... I then spent a little time getting to know my two imposters and fielding their questions while giving them some pointers from my book which much too my surprise they had both read! Remember these guys have to be imposters, meaning that they could be lawyers or lifeguards but could not or ever have been Elvis impersonators or in the entertainment business or have ever written a book etc. Just good liars.... One of the guys wore a wig, it was fun watching as they tried to convert him into Elvis. The other oddly enough really looked like me and happened to have real sideburns! They were both nice guys, we were all having a blast! One by one we went to make-up which was fun to watch, the girl was real good as was everyone in the production crew! Rob [the shows producer] stopped by to ask how it was going? Looked at me and said; listen we need you to tone it down a little! I said: What? Rob said; Rick, the object is too fool them.. too be honest I was more concerned with looking good on TV, that was till Rob reminded me of the MONEY! I said; OK! When I sat in the Make-up chair, very little was applied! On the show you will also notice I'm a little timid and slouching for this reason until the end of the show when my true identity is announced! Then I step into character... Thank you Thank you Very Much! You know

All in all it was a Great experience and something positive for the public to see, concerning Elvis Tribute Artist! They were very kind and even plugged my book "Be Elvis!' as promised! For more information please go to www.totellthetruth.tv check your local listings on the site and tune in January the 7th on Monday 2002! Hope you enjoy the show! Love to hear what everyone thought... Happy New Year on this "The 25th Anniversary of Remembering Elvis"!!!

When I started doing Elvis Presley shows professionally in 1973, little did I know all the crazy and absolutely bizarre stuff that would take place in my life over the next 28+ years! I have seen the world and gotten paid for it, met and performed with most of Elvis's closest friends, even having a few of them as overnight guest at my home! I have made many friends and helped many worthy causes and even written a book, making me a published author... Unbelievable!!! Yeah that's what I say, but hey that's not even the tip of the iceberg as they say... I have appeared in several feature films, making me a member of the Screen Actors Guild... Even more unbelievable!!! Your right... But listen to this. I was, now get this; The Technical Advisor and Special Consultant for the feature film "Finding Graceland" and was directly involved from start to finish in the whole process of putting together and making a film, crazy huh? During this process, I was even allowed to drive up the driveway at Graceland and pull around back where Elvis used to park and go into Graceland from the back where the offices used to be and also used to be Elvis's Dad's Apartment in the early 60's! Met the most of the staff at Graceland and walked through the house like we owned it, [no boundaries except of course for Elvis's bedroom]... We even shot a scene that is in the film from upstairs, Oh and by the way I was with a movie star [Harvey Keitel] through this whole process! I could go on, but I think you get the picture, which leads us to the purpose I am writing this article?

To share my latest adventure that the wonderful world of Elvis has brought to me and delivered at my doorstep from nowhere...... On January 7th I will be the featured Guest on the legendary Game Show that was resurrected a few years ago; "To Tell The Truth!" on National TV. I grew up watching this show along with "What's My Line!" and "This is Your Life!" at the time these shows were much like the show "Who wants to be a Millionaire!" is today, where it features a regular person in the spotlight as the featured guest! A short biography of the guest is shared by the host about the Featured guest at the beginning of the program! continuing; The formula for To Tell The Truth! is; there are 3 people claiming to be who ever the Guest is, which in this case happens to be ME!!! They are asked questions by a panel of 4 well known celebrities one at a time! The two imposters can lie, while I am sworn To Tell The Truth! They are very serious about this.... You have to sign all these affidavits swearing To Tell The Truth! Or face the very real possibility of being prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and or possibly even facing a lawsuit!!! ***So lets begin our adventure....

Ladies and Gentleman! Will The Real Rick Marino Please Stand up???

This all started in February of 2001 when I recieved a call from my publisher Sourcebooks Inc. my publicist left a message on my answering service informing me that the TV Show To Tell The Truth! wanted me on the program! She was very excited, she said they would promote and publisise our book, that all my expenses would be taken care of and that I would have the opportunity of winning some money in the process! She left the contact details and wished me luck....