From Zero To Hero

by Jon Logos

It was a long road to the penthouse in Santa Monica Canyon from Rockaway, Long Island, where Joe Richards was abandoned as a baby into St. John's Home, an orphanage, where he grew up never knowing a family. Joe craved love and approval, but could only get it from strangers. So he began entertaining people. For most of his life, Joe struggled with extraordinary obstacles. He finally hit bottom in the early 80's, fighting addictions and torn apart by internal conflict and loneliness. His outlook was very bleak.

Then, in 1985, Joe was touched by grace when, with the help of a private investigator, he found his mother that he had never known. He overcame his anger and resentment and forgave her. Unexpectedly, he also discovered that this forgiveness brought healing throughout his own life and he found a deeper love within himself.

Soon new opportunities opened and Joe found himself working as a celebrity double for Jack Nicholson. Their resemblance is amazing and still increasing. Joe also met Jack Nicholson in 1985 at a VA hospital where Joe ran the grounds. Jack was filming "Crossing Guard" Coincidentaly, at that time, Joe was performing the lead in the play "Cookoos Nest." Jack autographed a photo for Joe Richards. Since then, Joe has appeared in film and video and been hired to attend many events as Jack. He recently acted in the film, Velocity, playing the older version of a wild nineteen year old race car driver, played by Jack in 1964. Wonderful adventures are unfolding as Joe's sense of purpose grows and his warmth embraces life more fully.

Inspired to express the mysteries of life, Joe joined forces with the writer and filmmaker, John Schindler, to develop a movie entitled "Jack's Are Wild." The story dramatises Joe's journey towards completion. Joe's greatest dream for the film is to appear opposite Jack Nicholson as one of two twins brothers separated at birth. Could he be so lucky? Joe's philosophy in life is simply this, "your success in life is demonstrated by your ability to serve your fellow man." Joe's long and winding path shows that miracles can happen and it's never too late for dreams to come true.