Bobby Fischer's Shocking Phone Call: A Story of Friendship and MS
It's one of those stories that sticks with you, man. Bobby Fischer, chess legend, a guy who practically lived in his own world, makes a call out of the blue. Not to a chess grandmaster, not to a political figure, but to his old pal, actor Robert Applegate. And the reason? He had just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Fischer, known for his intense focus and reclusiveness, had always been a bit of a mystery. But his call to Applegate, someone he hadn't spoken to in years, showed a different side of him. It was like a glimpse into the human behind the legend, a guy who needed someone to talk to, someone to lean on.
So, what was the deal? Well, Fischer and Applegate actually had a pretty unique friendship. They met on the set of the 1978 film "The Great Chess Game" (which, by the way, was terrible – but that's a story for another time). Applegate played a young chess prodigy, and Fischer was himself, acting as a consultant and giving some tips to the kid. They weren't close friends, but they did share a connection through the game they both loved.
When Fischer made that call, Applegate was taken aback, but he listened. He listened to his friend, the brilliant chess mind, talk about the fear and uncertainty that came with the diagnosis. He listened to Fischer talk about his hopes and his dreams, about wanting to fight the disease.
While the details of their conversation were kept private, one thing is clear: Applegate became a support system for Fischer in his darkest hour. He offered a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. He reminded Fischer that he wasn't alone in this battle.
The story of Fischer's call to Applegate is a powerful reminder that even the most enigmatic figures can be deeply touched by human connection. It's a story about friendship, about finding comfort in unexpected places, and about the power of empathy in the face of adversity.
And it's a story that highlights the human side of a legend, showing us that Bobby Fischer, the brilliant chess player, was also just a man facing a tough challenge.