The Unlikely Ascent from Bank Robber to Hollywood Butler
Terry Moogan lived a life of poverty before he encountered Hollywood royalty.
The author is currently writing a follow-up to his memoir, “Liverpool Bank Robber to Hollywood Butler,” which details his journey to becoming a butler for several stars of Hollywood’s golden era.
From the Streets of Liverpool to the Deck of a Luxury Liner
“All the kids are very tough children in the city, and we all hung around gangs,” Moogan explained. “Liverpool’s got a history of gangs, very powerful men. . . . We’d just come out of the war in England, and we had nothing. We didn’t believe in anybody. We had to survive.”
During his childhood, the docks became a playground for Moogan and his ragtag friends, where they swiped whiskey and vodka from warehouses. They faced the perils of life, skipping school and sneaking around in search of what little they could claim as theirs.
By 16, Moogan’s life took a thrilling but perilous turn as he ventured into “snatches from banks” with his companions, testing the limits of survival instincts borne from desperation.
A Fateful Journey to Southampton
“We had no money,” said Moogan. “We had a little bit of food. My father was absent, and I was left to my own devices to do what I wanted.”
In a serendipitous twist of fate in 1975, Moogan’s brother arrived with an unexpected offer–a chance at work aboard the illustrious Queen Elizabeth 2 ocean liner. “I’m absolutely lost,” he recalled. “I didn’t know what to do. The only impulse I had was to go out and steal again. But my brother gives me money and says, ‘I’m taking you to Southampton.’”
The Transformational Role of a Waiter
“Eventually, I was brought in on the Queen Elizabeth 2,” Moogan shared. “I’m on the ship working in the galley with all the chefs, but I couldn’t cook. I was faking it.” After a friend suggested he become a waiter, he worked his way up from busboy to server, finding himself for two transformative years immersed in a culture so drastically different from his own.
Meeting Icons: The Day Everything Changed
His dedication paid off when he received an unexpected promotion to the penthouse where stars mingled. It was in this luxurious environment that he met Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. “I engaged with Elizabeth Taylor when Richard was downstairs in the casino,” he recounted with a hint of nostalgia. “She then looks at me and says, ‘Have you ever thought about being a movie star?’”
Moogan, taken aback, responded, “No. It just didn’t seem like the life I wanted.” The gentle encouragement from an icon planted a seed of possibility. “She didn’t judge me. She genuinely wanted to get to know me,” he reflected, marking that interaction as a pivotal moment of hope.
Choosing Integrity Over Temptation
Temptations lingered, especially when he admired Taylor’s famed jewels. “I couldn’t steal from Elizabeth Taylor,” he stated firmly. “She was so beautiful; I just couldn’t do this to somebody like her.” In that moment, he felt the stirrings of redemption, realizing he had an opportunity for a life he had never imagined. The thought of imprisonment haunted him, emphasizing the gravity of his choices.
At 23, he made the leap to Los Angeles, where he took a role with the International Domestic Agency, marking his official entry into the world of Hollywood.
Building Connections with Hollywood Greats
“My first job was at Jack Benny’s old house next to Lucille Ball,” Moogan revealed. He fondly remembered taking out the trash while sharing light-hearted moments. “I used to tell her, ‘You look like my mother because my mother had red hair, too!
I pretended not to know who she was,” he chuckled. “I think that made her warm up to me.” At that time, the warmth of companionship from someone as significant as Lucille Ball felt special, transcending the glitz of Hollywood.
In 1982, he transitioned to the household of Maggie Eastwood, where he discovered a heartwarming environment filled with genuine care and kindness.
“Clint was getting divorced at the time, but the home felt like an oasis,” Moogan expressed. He admired Clint’s dedication to his children, witnessing a depth of character that kept him grounded amidst the glamour.
Stories from the Glamorous Yet Troubling World of Celebrity
Every encounter shaped him further. While serving Frederick R. Weisman, a jarring experience unfolded as they played Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” “Weisman exploded,” Moogan recounted. The chaos that ensued reminded him of the unpredictable nature of celebrity life. His humor surfaced when he revealed how events turned from laughter to disaster, illustrating the ironic blend of drama and charm that encapsulated Hollywood.
Such moments created a dichotomy, showcasing the often hidden struggles behind the glimmering facades of the rich and famous.
His journey also introduced him to George Segal, whose friendly demeanor mirrored the straightforward nature of the Liverpool men from his youth. “He was charming,” Moogan recalled with warmth. “I loved working for him.” Segal reminded him that, at the core, people remain just that—people.
Reflecting on a Life Transformed
After retiring in 1992, Moogan continues to reside in California with gratitude echoing in his heart. “I’m a great believer in God now,” he stated thoughtfully. Each chapter has shaped him, driving home the realization that a life once mired in darkness can transform into one filled with hope and light.
“My life changed for the better,” he reflected, illustrating how surprising twists can lead to the most unexpected and fulfilling outcomes.
