Lawrence Welks Family Reveals the Beloved Hollywood Star Didnt Care About Fame (Exclusiv

Lawrence became famous for his catchphrases — “A-one and a-two” and “wunnerful, wunnerful” — as well as gimmicks like his trademark bubble machine. A passionate golfer, he tooled around courses in a cart that blew bubbles. “He had an extraordinary passion for golf and swimming,” Larry stated.

Although he lived in sunny Pacific Palisades, California, “he had an indoor pool, and he swam every day. When you’re from North Dakota, you keep it indoors.” He lived on the same street as Ronald Reagan’s and Henry Fonda’s families, but Lawrence “wasn’t famous to me,” said Larry. “He was just my grandfather with a really cool house.”

His dedication to his fans was unwavering. “He would wait after the end of every show and talk to everyone who wanted to see him,” Larry recalled. “He would just sit there and talk to people for five hours.” A teetotaler, Lawrence ate ice and cornflakes after every show. He was raised Roman Catholic and remained devout throughout his life. “He went to church every single day before he went to work,” marveled Tanya. “Lawrence was a really nice guy.”

Before he died at age 89 in 1992, he instilled his most deeply held beliefs in his children and grandchildren. “He was most proud of being an American who was successful,” said Larry. “There’s not a child or a grandchild in my family who believes they’re something special because they’re a Welk. They believe they have the ability to go out and chase the American dream because my grandfather did.”

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