Kent Bernhardt in Talladega Nights

The following story was written by Kent Bernhardt for the Salisbury Post and since he published it for all to read I'm trusting he won't mind if we share it with the family.  Of course, if we have to pay him scale, we're deep into the family treasury.  Kent is the son of Clifford Jr. and Marion Bernhardt, grandson of Clifford and Allieree Bernhardt, and great grandson of George and Ida Bernhardt.

Each of us has a story to tell.  Somewhere in our past is an adventure or maybe just a single moment that stands above the rest and will define how we will be remembered.  I’m sort of hoping mine hasn’t happened yet, but should I appear in tomorrow’s obituaries, the moment that will have to suffice for now is the day I appeared in “Talladega Nights” with Will Ferrell.  While the words “lackluster” and “pathetic” race through your mind, let me also add that you never actually see my face in the movie, but on several occasions you do hear my voice. As a matter of fact, I deliver one of the funniest lines in the movie.

It was late 2005, and there was a buzz in the area that Ferrell was making a movie about NASCAR, and some scenes were being shot in the Charlotte area. I hadn’t given it much thought until one day when my phone rang.  It was someone upstairs in the management tier of Charlotte Motor Speedway telling me that the movie’s producers were looking for a track announcer to do a line or two for the movie. They wanted to know if I would be interested.  That’s a little like asking a dog if he would be interested in having his stomach scratched.
“Well, unless there is a love scene with Sandra Bullock involved, I don’t think so”, I joked.

No response.

“No, of course I’d be interested. What do I have to do?”

I was told someone would e-mail a script. All I had to do was be at a movie studio in downtown Charlotte — I didn’t know there was one — the following Wednesday morning at 9:30. The deal was done.

It began to sink in that this was one of those chance things they could’ve asked a thousand other people to do.  I kept telling myself I was qualified for the task. You see, I have one of those “announcer” voices, so when people need “announcery” things done, I sometimes get a call.  My parents tell me that my first words weren’t “mommy” or “daddy.” I reportedly did the weather and headed straight for a commercial break.

Wednesday rolled around, and to make sure I wouldn’t be late for my 9:30 appointment with destiny, I left Salisbury at around 8:15, stopping only briefly to fill the car with gas.  I met my first obstacle at the local BP. 
I’m not sure what happened, but somewhere in the process of attempting to insert the gas pump hose in the gas spout of my car, all hell broke loose.  Gas shot out of the hose as soon as I selected the grade, dousing the pump, my car, and my clothes with regular unleaded before I could even begin to think about how to shut it off. I had gone from future movie star to potential human torch in a matter of seconds.

I was panicked but determined to make it to the studio on time. I quickly raced home, deposited my gas-soaked clothes in the washer and ran water to soak them (bad idea….don’t ever do that, by the way), took a quick shower, put on fresh clothes, and darted to Charlotte, still smelling faintly of petroleum.

As I recall, I was only 10 minutes late. Not bad for a man lucky to be alive. As for the my gasoline scent, I figured they’d think everyone associated with NASCAR must smell this way. Sort of a NASCAR cologne.

I assumed I would be ushered to an office or private area where I would record my lines, sign a few papers, and head back to work. Instead, there was a pleasant surprise in store for me.  I was ushered to the set of a scene being shot that day involving Will Ferrell and co-star Jane Lynch, now famous as Sue Sylvester on “Glee.”

The scene was one of the few that didn’t make it into the final movie. It involved Ferrell’s character Ricky Bobby attempting to impress his mother with his newfound talent of passing gas in complete sentences like “I love you”, and “Merry Christmas”.  OK, it wasn’t exactly Gone With the Wind, but it was as close as I was going to get. If you Google “Talladega Nights Deleted Scenes” you can watch it.

After seven or eight takes of this piece of classic cinema, I was taken to the set and seated on the couch where Ferrell had just….uh, spoken his lines.  They handed me a fresh copy of the script with a few changes. A sound technician appeared in front of me with a special microphone. I looked to my left on the couch, and there was a script girl. I looked to my right, and there was Will Ferrell.  He politely said hi, and asked if I minded if he listened to me do the lines.  I of course said no and odered him off the set. No, of course he could stay! He’s asking me?

I did three takes of the original line they hired me to do. They then handed me an additional page of track announcer lines to be used throughout the movie, and asked if I would mind cutting those “just in case they needed them.” The plan was to have ESPN announcers recut them later.  I’m proud to say they used some of my versions in the final cut.

The entire session lasted less than five minutes. I was hoping it would go on forever.

I chatted a little with both Lynch and Ferrell. Lynch kidded me a little about picking that particular day to visit the set — the day of the big fart scene — and I assured her it would live in cinematic history, second only to the campfire scene in “Blazing Saddles.”

I found Will Farrell somewhat reserved but very polite. He was very interested in my profession, and asked me how long I had been at it. When someone else on the set was recording a phone line to be used in the movie, they asked for my input on how a true NASCAR fan would say the line. Having grown up here, I proudly obliged.

Later, I was taken to an adjoining office to complete some paperwork. I was told I would be paid scale for my services, which came to slightly over 700 dollars.  Seven hundred dollars for three or four lines.  Not bad.  What I didn’t know was, according to my contract, I would be paid in future profits as well. I received a check for over two hundred dollars when it was sold to TV, and the checks have kept rolling in each quarter. The last one was for a whopping twenty-three dollars. Hey, it’s money. It spends.

I was invited back to the set two weeks later in my capacity as a reporter to do a quick interview with Ferrell. We talked about NASCAR and why he wanted to do a movie about it, and his upcoming appearance in “The Producers,” playing the crazed Nazi author. I personally think that is one of his funniest performances.

He was even kind enough to record a special greeting to my then 13-year-old daughter, pledging his undying love to her, and promising to marry her one day even though he was already married, so their union would “only be recognized in Utah.”

I didn’t really like “Talladega Nights” when it finally opened in August of 2006, but like a lot of movies, it plays much better on TV. TBS runs it regularly, and I actually find myself laughing out loud at some of the better known scenes, like Ricky Bobby saying grace before a feast of Taco Bell and KFC. 

It’s reaching “Animal House” status these days.

As for my “funny line” in the movie, I won’t reveal what it was. It wouldn’t make a lot of sense out of context, but suffice to say it has to do with the French driver occupying the pole position in the race. I’ll leave it at that.

As popular as “Talladega Nights” is today, surely someone must be thinking of a sequel. And surely, they’re going to need a track announcer….

Kent Bernhardt lives in Salisbury.

From the Salisbury Post, November 29, 2010

Luther Paul Canup 1920 - 2010

Luther Paul “Luke” Canup, age 90, died on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at The Lutheran Home at Trinity Oaks in Salisbury. Luke was the youngest of five children born to Ida Bell Julian and David Lee Canup. Except for his years of military service, he was a lifelong resident of Rowan County. Luke graduated from Granite Quarry High School in 1938. He attended North Carolina State College for three years prior to enlisting in the military to serve in World War II. He completed Army Air Corp basic and advanced flight training in Texas and began active duty as a fighter pilot in 1942. He flew a P-47 Thunderbolt in forty-one missions over Germany before his aircraft was shot down on July 8, 1944. He parachuted to safety moments before his plane exploded. Luke was a prisoner of war encamped for eight months at Stalag Luft III. His POW unit was in Moosburg on April 29, 1945, when the 14th Armored Division of Gen. Patton's 3rd Army overtook the camp, an event leading to the end of World War II. He returned to the USA on May 28, his 25th birthday. Among the medals he received are a Presidential Unit Citation, the Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters, and the EAME Theatre Ribbon with three bronze stars. After an honorable discharge, Luke returned to Salisbury where he worked with the postal service until his retirement in 1980. He was a charter member of the American Legion Post 41 and held nearly every office in the Post including commander. His love and respect for his country were demonstrated daily as he raised and lowered an American flag from his front porch. In 1942, Luke married his high school sweetheart, Hazel Lingle Canup, with whom he celebrated 67 years of marriage prior to her death in Nov. 2009. Together they had three sons. He was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where he served many years as a choir member, councilman, member of the Men's Brotherhood and chairman of the cemetery committee. During the Memorial Day weekend last May, Luke enjoyed the company of 85 friends and family members as he celebrated his 90th birthday. A reporter captured his love for family and country in pictures and an article which appeared in the May 30 edition of The Salisbury Post. Among those joining him in the celebration were his older siblings, Harley Canup (and wife Mae), Ruth Bernhardt, and Carl Canup, all of Salisbury. Luke is survived by sons, Johnny and wife, Brenda of Kinston, Dale and wife, Jan of Fayetteville and Danny and wife, Elaine of Salisbury; five grandchildren, Laura Canup Hughes and husband, Steve of Charlotte, Lesley Canup Corbin and husband, Brian of Fort Polk, La., Travis Canup and wife, Laura of Pinehurst, Christa Canup and Renee Canup of Salisbury. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Kate, Isaac, Tristan, Robbie, Alex, Mason and Olivia. In addition to his siblings, Luke is survived by his brothersin- law, Howard Bernhardt of Granite Quarry, Hoover Lingle of The Lutheran Home in Salisbury and Claude Hampton of Salisbury; sister-in-law, Kate Lingle of Granite Quarry; and many nephews and nieces with whom he enjoyed annual family reunions and celebrations. He was predeceased by his brother, Arnold Canup in 1996 and his sister, Ruth Canup Bernhardt who died two days ago. Visitation: The family will receive friends on Sunday from 4-6 p.m. at Powles Funeral Home in Rockwell. Service: The funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Salisbury with Rev. William Ketchie officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Luke's memory be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, 205 St. Paul's Church Road, Salisbury, NC 28146. The family wishes to thank the healthcare professionals at The Lutheran Home at Trinity Oaks and Rowan Regional Medical Center who delivered excellent medical care with compassion and commitment. A very special thank you is extended to Mary Dunaway, who provided daily care with skill, love and a wonderful sense of humor. Powles Funeral Home in Rockwell is assisting the Canup Family.

Ruth Canup Bernhardt 1914 - 2010

SALISBURY - Mrs. Ruth Canup Bernhardt, 96, of Salisbury, passed away Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010, at The Lutheran Home at Trinity Oaks.


She was born Aug. 28, 1914, in Rowan County to the late Ida Julian Canup and David Lee Canup. Ruth was educated at Salisbury High School and Catawba College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education. She then went on to be a teacher at East Rowan High School, where she retired in 1976.

Ruth was very active in the community and belonged to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where she was a lifetime member. She also taught Sunday School and was a member of the Woman's Circle. She was on the fellowship Committee and church history committee.

Ruth also taught in the Laubach Reading Program and was a member of the South Salisbury Fire Department Auxiliary and Board of Directors. She was a volunteer at the Lutheran Home for 32 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Bernhardt, in 1981; a son, Phil Bernhardt; brother Arnold Canup; and daughter-in-law Donna Bernhardt.

Those left behind to cherish Ruth's memories include four sons, Gilbert Bernhardt, J.C. Bernhardt Jr. and wife Brenda, Vernon Bernhardt his wife Cheryl and Claude Bernhardt and wife Debbie; three daughters, Barbara Deese and husband David, Judy Bernhardt and Bonnie Lawlor; daughter-in-law Brenda Bernhardt; three brothers, Harley Canup and wife Mae, Carl Ray Canup and Luther Paul Canup; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Service: Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday Nov. 15 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with the Rev. William S. Ketchie officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Visitation: Will be held 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Summersett Funeral Home.

Memorials: May be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 205 St. Paul's Church Road, Salisbury, NC 28146.


Obituary from the Salisbury Post

Ruth Canup Bernhardt

Ruth Canup Bernhardt passed away Thursday, November 11, at the Lutheran Home in Salisbury, NC.  The family will be at Summersett Funeral Home for visitation Sunday night, November 14, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.  The funeral service will be held Monday, November 15, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Salisbury.  Interment will follow in the Cemetery.

Parking in the Garage

I always liked the story of how Maggie with her five children in the 1930s car, drove into the old garage and the brakes failed. Here goes the car and all of it occupants through the back wall in the garage out into the pasture. I had such a vivid image. I could just imaging all the expressions, Maggie and Ruth with looks of surprise and terror, and the boys thinking it was all just too, too exciting and "way cool".

Set Back

Mother was very fond of playing cards and learned as a child playing with her brothers.  The Leo Bernhardt clan was always been fond of playing the card game, Set Back.  With much work to be done on the farm, there was little time to enjoy such a passive past time, except for Sunday afternoons.  Of course, Sunday mornings were spent at St Paul’s since the Bernhardts were loyal Lutherans, however, on Sunday afternoon, which is traditionally a day of rest with no working, dancing, or card playing, Leo let the rules slip a little, and the boys and Ruth would sit down with their Father for a rousing game of Set Back.  Leo was known for his skill at bluffing.  His style of play belied the southern gentleman that he was.  The children vied to be his partner since he was seldom bested.  One child, however, was excluded from the game, for their chore was to sit on the porch to look out for the preacher lest the family be caught enjoying the Sabbath a little too vigorously.  The preacher was known to drop in unannounced at one of his parishioner’s homes for Sunday supper each week.  At first signs of dust from any vehicle cresting the hill, the cards would be swept away, hidden in the desk drawer, and an innocent discussion of the weather would ensue.

Memories of Ruth Brown Bernhardt Miller

As remembered by Elizabeth Gail Miller and Karen Miller McConnell