Amidst the looping music videos, celebrity remembrances, and fan farewells celebrating the too-short life of Michael Jackson, an interesting side note came to light. The King of Pop had commissioned magician Ed Alonzo to work on his upcoming "This Is It" 50-show run in London. Don't worry if the name Ed Alonzo doesn't immediately ring a "bell," it didn't with me either. After several "that guy looks so familiar" moments it finally hit me: The illusionist played Max — as in the owner of the Bayside gang's favorite hangout, The Max — on "Saved by the Bell"! How did Ryan Seacrest get through an entire interview without mentioning this pertinent detail?
As it turns out, the former "Bell" actor has been keeping busy with his magic trade. We even caught up with him earlier this year while working on Britney Spears' "Circus" tour. Since the sudden and untimely death of the '80s icon, Alonzo has been making the rounds describing his final rehearsal with Michael and the over-the-top illusions, including a floating orb and burning bed, that were to be part of The King of Pop's final curtain call.
To be honest, I probably hadn't thought of Ed since the early '90s, but I'm glad to see another "Bell" alum make good. Is it just me, or does nostalgia for the '90s series seem to be at a fever pitch? First, Mark-Paul Gosselaar made a hilarious guest appearance in character as Zack Morris on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," then Dustin Diamond (a.k.a. Screech) gets cast in the upcoming Facebook movie (er, just kidding: that was our own wishful thinking!), and now we find out Ed has been hobnobbing with the talented artists. Perhaps Jimmy should make more room on his couch so Ed can join the proposed "Saved by the Bell" reunion, too?
Have you noticed any other "Saved by the Bell" alumni popping up in unusual places?
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