Former National Enquirer reporter William Keck recounts his moral bankruptcy in reporting on Dack Rambo's tragic final months, expressing deep remorse for exploiting the late actor's health struggles for a sensational story.
Dack Rambo, the charismatic actor known for his roles in "Dallas" and "Another World," died in 1994 at the age of 52 after disclosing his AIDS diagnosis. However, his final months were marred by a deeply disturbing incident involving former National Enquirer reporter William Keck.
A Reporter's Regret: Unveiling the Fabricated Final Moments of Dack Rambo
In his new memoir, "When You Step Upon a Star: Cringeworthy Confessions of a Tabloid Bad Boy," Keck pens a haunting account of his role in exploiting Rambo's health struggles for sensationalistic headlines.
According to Keck, he received an anonymous call from a woman claiming to have access to patient records at a California medical center. One of the records belonged to a "TV star from a long-running, successful primetime soap opera" who was in the final stages of AIDS.
A Reporter's Regret: Unveiling the Fabricated Final Moments of Dack Rambo
With memories of the Enquirer's previous coverage of Rock Hudson's death from the same disease fresh in his mind, Keck recognized the potential for a big story. And he was certain he knew the identity of the mystery actor.
Keck's suspicions were confirmed when he realized that Rambo, who had publicly come out as bisexual and HIV positive in 1991, was the only actor who fit the profile.
A Reporter's Regret: Unveiling the Fabricated Final Moments of Dack Rambo
The assignment weighed heavily on Keck's conscience. Not only did he greatly admire Rambo, but the subject matter struck close to his own hidden secret life. Nonetheless, he pressed on, motivated by his desire to land the exclusive story.
Keck's source provided him with Rambo's room number at the hospital. However, upon arriving, he found the bed empty. Despite not meeting face-to-face with Rambo, the National Enquirer published a "last interview" with the ailing star bearing Keck's byline.
A Reporter's Regret: Unveiling the Fabricated Final Moments of Dack Rambo
In his book, Keck claims the story was "poorly written" and "completely fabricated." He alleges he played no role in its creation and unsuccessfully attempted to halt its publication.
The article painted Rambo as a proud and dignified figure, but Keck knew it was a far cry from the reality of his suffering. The actor's mother and siblings, already grieving the loss of his twin brother, were devastated by the intrusion.
A Reporter's Regret: Unveiling the Fabricated Final Moments of Dack Rambo
Keck's regret over his actions has haunted him for years. He notes that while he never heard from the Rambo family after the story went to print, they likely buried their heads or were unaware of its existence.
In an effort to set the record straight, Keck has reached out to actress Sheree J. Wilson, who played Rambo's ex-wife in "Dallas." Wilson recalls Rambo as a charming and supportive colleague who was heartbroken by his diagnosis but determined to use his fame to raise awareness about AIDS.
A Reporter's Regret: Unveiling the Fabricated Final Moments of Dack Rambo
Keck's memoir is a candid admission of his past transgressions and a plea for forgiveness. By owning up to his mistakes, he hopes to inspire others to change their ways and embrace the power of honesty.
