"Actress Jan Smithers, a star of beloved U.S. TV sitcom WKRP In Cincinnati, was driving naked when she stopped for help after her car broke down on a remote California highway in the middle of the night. She was hit by a truck after the driver caught sight of the 58-year-old waving him down too late. She has been recovering from her injuries ever since the September (07) accident, but family members fear her health issues might be more than a few broken bones. A family friend tells U.S. tabloid the National Enquirer she fears Smithers suffered a mental breakdown following the death of her father. The pal says, 'Everyone thinks Jan felt abandoned and snapped - a complete meltdown.' Ironically, police called to the scene of the accident found nothing wrong with her car and are puzzled as to why the actress stopped for help. Smithers can't remember anything about the accident or why she was driving naked in the middle of the night."I sniff some bullshit here. Frankly, this story has no credible source, not even one as dubious as National Enquirer, at least as far as I can trace. Wikipedia also lists the same story in Jan's bio, using this same story as a reference, but there is no sign of this item on the National Enquirer's website and a search for "Smithers" on the Enquirer site produces no results.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Remember Bailey from WKRP? If this supposed National Enquirer story is true, she's fallen on bad times.
I have quite a bit of trouble believing the more sensational parts of this story, namely that she snapped, was driving naked, had imaginary car problems and was flagging down strange men. I do believe she may have been injured in a MVA, which would explain why she hasn't made a statement setting the record straight. She seems to have been very stable the entire rest of her life. She seemed very sweet; I hope she is doing well regardless of how much of the story is true.
ReplyDeleteTo bloggers, writers and friends...
ReplyDeleteI recently became aware of misleading articles written about me, and I wanted to correct false statements and address the details about a car accident that occurred last year. The articles and blogs report that I was “driving naked” and that the police drove my car to my house, entered my house, and found that I owned no clothing.
Here are the facts: I was neither driving nor was I naked when the accident occurred. I was fully clothed and was walking away from my car when I was accidentally hit by a small pickup truck. My car was then taken to a police destination, and I paid to have it released.
You may be relieved to learn that I have plenty of clothes in my closet.
Miraculously – by the grace of God, wonderful surgeons and nurses, my friends and family, and all your prayers – I have recovered.
I want to thank you for your concern. I am well, and my family is well. Kindest regards, Jan Smithers