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Balloon-Boy Stunt Not So Strange for Wacky Dad

Unsurprisingly, Richard Heene is a shameless self-promoter

By Kate Schwartz,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 19, 2009 9:24 AM CDT
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(Newser) – With the balloon-boy debacle now exposed as a hoax, the spotlight has turned on Richard Heene's wacky and not-so-camera-shy behavior. The 48-year-old amateur scientist/wannabe reality TV star tried his hand at acting and standup comedy in the early '90s in Hollywood. And though that ended up being a "total bomb," says an associate, Heene was still constantly trying to get people to invest in his storm-chasing exploits—like riding a motorcycle into the middle of a tornado.

Heene was fixated on tornado-related inventions—an obsession that developed in the 1970s after a storm ripped off the roof of a building he was working on—and fame, calling his two Wife Swap appearances "the best thing that's ever happened in our life. Seriously." Not-so-best things included getting an eviction notice from the house they were renting in June 2007; the owner says they split, and still owe her $6,000 in damages.

Richard Heene's balloon is held for evidence in the Larimer County Sheriff's evidence area in Fort Collins, Colo., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.
Richard Heene's balloon is held for evidence in the Larimer County Sheriff's evidence area in Fort Collins, Colo., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/Will Powers)
Richard Heene, left, leads his sons Ryo, center, and Falcon out of their home in Fort Collins, Colo., early on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.
Richard Heene, left, leads his sons Ryo, center, and Falcon out of their home in Fort Collins, Colo., early on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Richard Heene, center, returns to the family's home in Fort Collins, Colo., late on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.
Richard Heene, center, returns to the family's home in Fort Collins, Colo., late on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Mayumi Heene and son Ryo, 9, return to the family's home in Fort Collins, Colo., late on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.
Mayumi Heene and son Ryo, 9, return to the family's home in Fort Collins, Colo., late on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Richard Heene follows his son, Falcon, as Mayumi Heene locks the door as they leave their home in Fort Collins, Colo., early on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.
Richard Heene follows his son, Falcon, as Mayumi Heene locks the door as they leave their home in Fort Collins, Colo., early on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
So_Cal_Larry
Oct 20, 2009 6:42 AM CDT
Richard Heene has definitely had his 15-minutes of fame. And, it turned out to be infamous. Fame is elusive for those who seek it, and can be destructive as well. Things seldom turn out the way you plan. I feel sorry for the family. The children will likely be the biggest victims of the hoax.
NxBigmouthery
Oct 19, 2009 8:32 AM CDT
He's caught. He's facing charges. Time for media to end and juducial system to take over. Let us know when they convict or acquit. Other than that, don't need to know.
BleeBloo
Oct 19, 2009 4:38 AM CDT
Moreover, great example to set for the rest of the country. He wanted media attention, and now he's got it! Just like a little kid who misbehaves just so mom & dad will pay attention. Very sad.

 
reality TV • tornado • Falcon Heene • Richard Heene • balloon boy hoax • Falcon Heene hoax • Wife Swap • balloon boy

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