Article originally appeared in CityAZ magazine, Phoenix
TAMMY TRIUMPHANT
Interview with Tammy Fae Bakker Copyright 2000 Jim Cherry
Tammy Fae Bakker knows her weeping, mascara-smudged image is firmly fixed in people’s minds but she’s hopeful that image is about to change. Radically.
Many wrote Bakker off as a clown after her fall from grace in one of the eighties’ most spectacular crack-ups. It took her down along with a vast empire she'd built alongside ever-smiling husband, Jim. Their PTL television ministry was a money-generating colossus centered on a wild, unscripted talk show with ratings higher than Johnny Carson's. But a virtual community wasn't enough for this duo - they'd gone on to build a brick and mortar town and name it Heritage, U.S.A.
Then, suddenly, it all imploded in a trial for misappropriation of funds, a sex scandal and a prison sentence for Jim Bakker. Their faith-based dream world was shattered like the broken windows of Heritage U.S.A., now facing an uncertain future as a ghost down.
I asked Bakker what Beatles song she favored. She cited A Hard Day's Night. Seems safe to assume that Bakker suffered many trying days and nights when the spotlight's intoxicating glare became a withering x-ray. The stress must have been intense. A few years after PTL’s meltdown, she was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery to have a large section of her colon removed. While recovering, Bakker was approached by filmmakers wishing to lens a documentary. After some hesitation, she agreed. They followed Bakker for two years, gathering on-the-fly material later combined with archival footage to make an eye-opening documentary.
The Eyes of Tammy Fae premiered at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Jaded media mavens who'd come to laugh found that the Tammy Fae they thought they knew was a caricature of the real thing. The woman they saw on screen is a complex, driven survivor, still standing and ready to start over. Defying F. Scott Fitzgerald's decree that "there are no second acts in American lives," Tammy Fae Bakker is backstage preparing for her second act. The film's timing is perfect for Bakker's new start. She's fired up for the challenge of reinventing herself. I sat down with her to talk about it.
How tall are you?
"I'm 4' 11", but that's because I'm from Minnesota . . . we have a real short growing season up there."
How did it feel seeing your life on screen?
"I didn't even know what Sundance Film Festival was - that it was such a prestigious thing. But once I got there, it was one of the most exciting moments of my life," she replied without hesitation, "It was so vindicating to me. I've waited so long to tell our side of the story, but the media wasn't interested."
Why was Rupaul chosen to narrate the film?
"I guest starred on his show and we became really good friends, because of his love for me, he asked if he could narrate it. Every showing at Sundance was sold out. People said so many kind things to me, I cried like a baby. Roger Ebert was there and told me, 'Tammy, that should be the pilot for your new TV show."
Was it under your control?
"I had no say over anything in it. It's not all positive, but at least people get a chance to make up their own minds and not allow the liberal press to make up their mind for them. They saw me as a real person who loves people and who cleans her own commodes - a down to earth, plain old gal."
Do you believe in UFOs?
"My husband's father saw one come down on his farm in Kansas. I think there's probably such a thing. Why would we be the only ones?"
Do you think they would have the same God we do?
"I would definitely think it'd be the same God, but I don't think they're funny looking people, I think they probably look different, but not like the cartoons they do of me!" She laughs.
Do you think Jesus went there to save them?
"Well, I know he died once, I hope he didn't' have to die any more times. That would be kinda cruel, wouldn't it?"
What's next for you?
"Well, we have a line of aroma therapy products coming out soon and we're starting with the men's line. Everybody wants to buy a guy a tie or socks, but we've got something else."
But most guys shower, don’t they?
"My husband's a macho guy and he loves to take bubble baths." She counters. Her business manager sprays some scent on my hand. "It's called 'Catch' and its designed to bring out male qualities like hunting and cooperation." Tammy explains.
Have you ever tried this on your husband?
"Oh, yeah, he's been very cooperative lately and wants to go hunting."
How will you market your line?
"We'll be selling our aroma products through infomercials. We're going to do something different, we'll have a talk show format, and be earthy. I can't pretend, I gotta be me! Also, I'll be doing a classic country album of secular country classics, the really old stuff, like Patsy Kline's Crazy."
What’s been the biggest surprise in your long, strange journey?
"The thing that startles me the most is that anyone gives a heck about me. I just can't even believe it."
What's your philosophy?
"My theme in my life is: you can make it, just hang in there. I think it's a good thing God doesn't let us see around corners . . . if we could I don't think we could take it."
What motivates you to continue as a minister?
"I want to help kids out of their messes. I want my life to be a hospital, not a courtroom. I've been misjudged by so many people that I will never judge another human being. My son has tattoos down to here, his lips and nose pierced; his wife has her tongue pierced, but that's just outside stuff - inside they're good people. The kids love me 'cause they know I've been there. They know I'm not going to judge them, but I'm not going to feed them a lie."
Who’s your favorite singer?
"Wait a minute, I'm having a senior moment here. I loved Bing Crosby. I think we don't have quality anymore. I get really sick about this, that these days you've gotta have a face lift, you've gotta have 38DD breasts, to be beautiful."
Where does this come from?
"The devil . . . the media devil." She roars with laughter.
How did you beat cancer?
"Lots of laughter, lots of positive thinking. . . the bible says laughter doeth good like a medicine, I truly believe I have laughed my way to health."
Tammy Fae Bakker's healthy now and ready for another go at life, "I say, don't retire, re-fire." she chirps enthusiastically, "I love working, I'll keep working 'til the day I die. I hope I die on stage, singing."
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