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RIP Gene, Gene, The Dancing Machine
&t=14Gene Patton best known as Gene Gene the Dancing Machine From 'The Gong Show' has died at the age of 82 in Pasadena after suffering from complications of diabetes according to a Yahoo report on Saturday, March 14. A spokeswoman from the Woods-Valentine Mortuary confirmed Patton's death on Monday. Best known for his dancing finesse on the Chuck Barry produced talent show that aired back in 1976-78. The show featured three celebrity judges who sat through some of the most horrendous audition acts, would Gong the ones that were just too terrible to bear.
Gene Patton worked on the show as a stagehand on the NBC set in Burbank began stealing the spotlight as Gene Gene the Dancing Machine becoming a show favorite. During the show at random spots Barris would save the celebrity a moment or two of torture by introducing Patton, who would come through the curtains busting a move to the sounds of "Jumpin at the Woodside" by Count Basie. Gene Gen's moves got the entire set and audience dancing along with him.
In 1984 Barris wrote his memoir, "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" revealing how Gene Gene the Dancing Machine was born.“One day, during rehearsal, I saw Gene dancing by himself in a dark corner. The huge stagehand never moved his feet; just his body from the waist up. He was terrific." “[Barris] said I was such a good dancer he had to name me twice,” Patton once said.
Patton also appeared as Gene Gene in the 1980 Gong Show Movie, and also as himself in the film, "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind."Gene Patton is survived by his children Bonnie, Carol, Sidney and Courtney, his sister Henrietta, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Rest In Peace Gene Gene. You will forever remain a "Gong Show" legend.
Gene Patton worked on the show as a stagehand on the NBC set in Burbank began stealing the spotlight as Gene Gene the Dancing Machine becoming a show favorite. During the show at random spots Barris would save the celebrity a moment or two of torture by introducing Patton, who would come through the curtains busting a move to the sounds of "Jumpin at the Woodside" by Count Basie. Gene Gen's moves got the entire set and audience dancing along with him.
In 1984 Barris wrote his memoir, "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" revealing how Gene Gene the Dancing Machine was born.“One day, during rehearsal, I saw Gene dancing by himself in a dark corner. The huge stagehand never moved his feet; just his body from the waist up. He was terrific." “[Barris] said I was such a good dancer he had to name me twice,” Patton once said.
Patton also appeared as Gene Gene in the 1980 Gong Show Movie, and also as himself in the film, "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind."Gene Patton is survived by his children Bonnie, Carol, Sidney and Courtney, his sister Henrietta, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Rest In Peace Gene Gene. You will forever remain a "Gong Show" legend.
I was abroad while this show aired, and wasn't able to see it on TV except for an occasion or two when I came back this way, but I have seen clips and old episodes. The story of how this guy got his job is fascinating!
