Ted Neeley, Superstar

For Almost Four Decades The Actor Has Played Jesus Christ In The Landmark Musical

(CBS)  Talk about a starring role! A certain actor we know of has devoted much of his life to one show that has particular resonance this season. Tracy Smith takes us backstage:

---

"He's just awesome!" one woman told us.

He'd be the first to tell you that he's not who you think he is.

Oh, he looks the part: the beard, the robe, the air of infinite wisdom. But Ted Neeley, best known for his work in the title role of "Jesus Christ Superstar," knows that his success is a blessing.

"It's something I always wanted to do, and I have the opportunity to still be doing it, it's absolutely remarkable," he said.

After playing the lead in the stage production and in the 1973 movie, Neeley has taken the stage as Jesus more times than he can count. At age 65 he can still - somehow - hit the high notes.

"Jesus was 33 when he died," Smith said.

"And I'm 32 now, for the 33rd time!" Neely laughed.

"You're almost double the age he was when he died. Is age an issue when you play this part?"

"Not with me, and apparently not with the audience," said Neely.

To a multitude of fans, Neeley has become an icon of, shall we say, biblical proportions.

"Big fan," one woman said, "and I can't imagine anyone but Ted Neeley singing those lyrics," another woman said.

"He's as good as he was 30 years ago, I mean he's phenomenal," another fan said.

"I'm sold," one man said.

A native of Ranger, Texas, Ted Neeley grew up singing in church, and signed his first record deal at the age of 22.

By 1969, Neeley was the lead in the musical "Hair." When casting began for the stage production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," Neeley wowed the director with his portrayal of ... Judas.

"And he ran upon stage and threw his arms around me and said, 'That was wonderful!'" neeley recalled. "'But I want you to come back tomorrow and sing the other guy.'"

"The other guy? Jesus?" Smith asked.

"Been doing the other guy ever since!" neeley said.

Still, he wasn't the first choice for the film: the part had already been cast. So Neeley, who was clean shaven at the time, arranged a meeting with director Norman Jewison and showed up wearing a fake beard, a story Jewison told in a 1996 documentary:

"Here he was sitting there with the glue and the fake beard, it was hysterical," Jewison said. "But the eyes were like burning, burning, just burned right through you."

Did he show up in a robe and sandals as well?

"I should have," Neeley said, then added, "If I'd done that I probably wouldn't have gotten the part!"

On the list of 1973's top grossing movies, "Jesus Christ Superstar" was a respectable 13, and you could argue that so many people saw Neeley as Jesus it was difficult for them to see him as anyone else.

He followed the film with a series of TV roles and musical projects, none as celebrated.

In 1992 Neeley was persuaded to tour with a new production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," and has played the role off and on ever since.

"I just put on a robe, I put on the sandals, I walk stage right, the music starts, and it carries me into this magnificent space," Neeley said.

"You can do it just like that?" Smith asked.

"Mmm-hmmm."

It doesn't take long for Neeley to get into character.

"Boom!, you're Jesus? And then when you take that robe off, does he leave you?" Smith asked.

"Oh boy, that's the tough part. It's there, for quite a while. And that's one of the major things that makes it wonderful talking with people after the show - they help me come back to being me."

And he gets a lot of help. After nearly every performance, people really do flock to see him. Most of them are just longtime fans, but to some, meeting Ted Neeley really is a religious experience.

"Oh, they think he's really Jesus," said Tessa Neeley, Ted's daughter. "Pregnant women, they ask him to bless their child. They wait after the show hours and hours. … He's very patient with them and he speaks to every single one of them just as if they're the only people in the room.

"People have tattoos of him!" Tessa said. "One guy had a tattoo of him, his actual face. And someone had a tattoo of his signature on his arm!"

"Is there ever a part of you that wants to say, 'Dad, give the Jesus thing up'?" Smith asked.

"Never, never. If he could do it forever I believe he would."

He's definitely trying: The current national tour of "Jesus Christ Superstar" is scheduled through next spring, starring an ordinary man for whom every performance is a miracle.

"I could not be happier," Neeley said. "And I hope that I can do this for another 2,000 years!"

[rugratsmom]

I, myself am not a particularly religios person, but I am a HUGE, huge fan of Mr. Neeley''s. I had the opportunity to see the show while it was here in Milwaukee last year. I was SO taken by the show, I had to see it again. My daughter and I drove 2 hours to see it 3 days later. We also had the wonderful opportunity to meet Mr. Neeley after the 2nd show. I cannot express what a patient, caring and genuine man he is. Even though I know he was tired, he took the time to see several groups of people after the show and spent almost a half hour with my daughter and I. He is as genuine as he appears in the interview - AND his bear hugs are the best!! He just envelopes you and makes you feel as if your the center of the universe. God bless him for taking on such an enormous role. My entire family is going to see him is February - cant wait!!

[downeyjim]

I have friends and family in theNortheast who missed the CBS Morning News airing on 14 Dec. How can I get them a copy or other access?

Thanks,
jim downey
Thanks

[Mrs_Wilson]

Ted Neely was at best the understudy for Jeff Fenholt...the ORIGINAL Jesus. I have the Playbill to prove it. Ted Neely''s name is not mentioned at all

[millermotors]

Ranger is also my home, "Teddy" was a friend of my older brothers, Gene & Charles. I always had a huge crush on him. I loved it when my mother went to visit his mother - I always went hoping he would be home! He had a band called the Teddy Bears! Linda White Miller

[stephwomn]

I overslept and missed the interview, was hoping it would be posted here. Everyone''s comments says it was short in length, why on earth is it not posted here? I would love to hear from someone at CBS as to where I could see it if it is somewhere else?

[stephwomn]

I overslept and missed the interview, was hoping it would be posted here. Everyone''s comments says it was short in length, why on earth is it not posted here? I would love to hear from someone at CBS as to where I could see it if it is somewhere else?

[stephwomn]

I overslept and missed the interview, was hoping it would be posted here. Why on earth is it not posted here? I would love to hear from someone at CBS as to where I could see it if it is somewhere else?

[patrickvp1]

I missed the story this morning will the video be posted on this website? My family was there for the filming and we would love to see the video.

[gomerswife]

Thank you for interviewing Ted Neeley. I enjoyed this segment of the show however, I wish it had been a longer interview....It''s good to see someone who is such an inspiration to others get the recognition that he deserves. This tour is still going on until approximately July of 2009 and I''m sure if anyone wanted tickets to see Jesus Christ Superstar, they have only to check with their nearest performing arts center or go online to see the schedule at www.jcstour.com Sincerely, Linda Burgoyne

[NMlost]

Loved Ted so much in "Superstar". Although, if he can still hit those high notes, I think he''s getting some help from a higher fan. :)

[element51]

I met Ted in LA back in the 80''s. He''s one of the most down to earth people I have ever had the pleasure to know. I hope he gets to it for another 2000 years too.