Posted on February 20, 2010 - by Morgan Howard
Mike Rowe says goodbye to Capt. Phil
Capt. Phil and Mike Rowe
(The following is an excerpt from mikeroweworks.com) A few years ago I was in Seattle, preparing to film the first round of After the Catch. For those of you unfamiliar with the program, After the Catch is a talk show in a bar, where The Captains and crew from Deadliest Catch gather to chat about this and that. I impersonate a moderator, and do my best to keep things on the rails. (Think Charlie Rose with cigarettes and whiskey.)
Anyway, on that first day of shooting, I arrived a few hours before filming began, and observed the kind of chaos that one can only find around a TV production. We were going to be shooting in a style called “Live to Tape,” which means we’d record the show in real time, as though it were a live production, but edit later for content. (Can you imagine filming the Captains with no time delay?) Consequently, there were at least 7 cameras positioned around the big table, and all kinds of lights hanging from the ceiling and poking through the windows. The plan was to record two shows in one afternoon. Producers and directors and cameramen and all manner of production personnel were milling about, and there was a real sense that no one actually knew what the hell was going on. Which was indeed the case.
As the Captains took their places around the table, it was clear they were not entirely sure what to expect. I can’t say they were nervous, but I can assure you that ambiguity does not sit well with men who are accustomed to being in charge. This kind of filming is the opposite of what goes on aboard their boats, and they had lots of questions about how the day would unfold. Unfortunately, I had no answers for them. (Unlike Captains, I actually prefer confusion and ambiguity – especially in television – and I told them as much. I also suggested that, being in a bar, there were any number of remedies nearby capable of taking the edge off – a completely unnecessary piece of advice, given my audience and setting.)
The only one who appeared completely at ease was Phil. He arrived at the last minute, and did so in style – cruising into the parking lot aboard a brand new motorcycle. He walked into the bar with a big smile, said hello to the gang, and then glanced at me with an amused expression. We then had the following exchange. (Please click here to finish reading the article on Mike’s personal website. Thanks Mike, great job)
293 Comments
We'd love to hear yours!
Leave a Reply
Here's your chance to speak.
Visit My Website
July 24, 2010
Permalink
carrie said:
I think just by watching the show for so many years it was like they were part of our own family.I feel all Captains should be like Phil.He treated his crew with soooo much respect.We will always love you Phil and miss you.We know you will be watching from above taking care of all the ships and their crew.Of course you will always look out for your boys.Godspeed Phil…..
Visit My Website
July 24, 2010
Permalink
Joyce said:
8 minutes well spent!!! Bravo:)
Visit My Website
July 24, 2010
Permalink
Steve Kelly said:
Said so well by Mike Rowe, it’s hard to add anything. While doing physical therapy, rehabbing a bad knee due to construction related injury, therapist said I reminded him of Phil. It could not have been a nicer compliment. I hope Joshua & Jacob live up to what their dad would have wanted.
Visit My Website
July 25, 2010
Permalink
Staci R. said:
Well said Mike. I have watched the show for a few seasons and what I sensed about Phil is that what you see is “what you get”. I liked that about him. He will be missed. God Bless his sons and those who loved him. The can certainly take comfort in the knowledge that he left a positive legacy.
Visit My Website
July 25, 2010
Permalink
Terri said:
Well done Mike…We will all miss you CAPT. PHIL HARRIS….RIP
Visit My Website
July 25, 2010
Permalink
Pam Chambers said:
Mike, you have outdone yourself with this beautiful article. You captured the essence of Capt Phil and why we all loved to watch him along with his boys and crew. He was like a friend you would love to have because of his honest and huge heart. He can never be replaced and your words will not be forgotten. Capt Phil will always remain Capt of the Cornellia Marie in sprit and will be truly missed in real time!
Captain Phil….RIP
Visit My Website
July 25, 2010
Permalink
Sharon said:
Since Phil’s stroke, I have heard more tributes and comments about him than I can count, but none stand out in my mind like this one will. Mike this was the best tribute to Phil that I have heard. Very well spoken. It touched on things that I had never known. Phil will definitely be missed my many, especially those who knew him personally.
Visit My Website
July 25, 2010
Permalink
BOB said:
I JUST TURNED 74 YEARS YOUNG AND HAVE YET TO MEET A GOOD MAN SUCH AS PHIL. I MISSED OUT, WHAT A SHAME. I SURE WOULD HAVE LIKED TO BE HIS FRIEND. HIS BOYS WERE SURE LUCKY. I’M SURE THEY’LL TURN OUT TO BE NICE MEN LIKE THEIR DAD TOO. I WATCH EVERY SHOW WITH WIFE. I ALWAYS WAITED FOR THE CAMERA TO BRING PHIL ON. I HOPE THEY NEVER STOP SHOWING THIS LIKEABLE MAN. HE’S UP THERE WATCHING HIS BOYS NOW AND BECAUSE OF THIS THE BOYS WILL BE ALRIGHT. MAY PHIL R.I.P.
Visit My Website
July 25, 2010
Permalink
james e destefano said:
to the family of phil harris my thoughs are with you and i am sad that you lost a good person he was a cool guy and he will never be for gotten he was a father and brother to all and he is in heaven looking down on us all god bless you all in this time of sadness
Visit My Website
July 26, 2010
Permalink
Jacquie said:
Capt. Phil remineded me alot of my dad, who passed away 13yrs ago, watching the show they all become part of your life your family so losing Phil… Josh and Jake I am so sorry for the loss of your dad of your friend.
Visit My Website
July 26, 2010
Permalink
Robert Wade said:
Phil Harris was one great dude and will be sadly missed by me and my family…God bless you phil wish I could have drank a beer with ya! And i,m sure your son,s will do one great job for ya!
Visit My Website
July 27, 2010
Permalink
Heather said:
I have watched Deadliest Catch for several years now, and I love it. Always enjoyed watching Mike Rowe talk with the captains at the end of a season. It was fun and interesting to get their perspectives on different things that occurred during the season.
Mike Rowe did a great job at making me feel as though I got to know and love the guys. My favorite Captain was Phil. He was intense ~ emotionally charged, but a good decision-maker for his boat and crew. Thank you for covering this season so well, Mike. You, the cameramen/women and directors have been great!
Visit My Website
July 27, 2010
Permalink
andjohnwood said:
i bet there was a line at the pearly gate, truley a mans man
Visit My Website
July 27, 2010
Permalink
Ulu Kahalehoe said:
Ty mike Rowe for sharing such a tribune to Capt. Phil he will be truly missed. I humbly pray for his family and his two son’s and for his crew, they are truly humble men and for ALL the Captain’s and Crew men of Deadliest catch Thank you for allowing Us into your Lives.. Gods Blessing upon you ALL.. ALOHA all the way from Hilo, Hawaii..Ulu
Visit My Website
July 27, 2010
Permalink
sunshine said:
mike rowe i have been watching you on dirty jobs and then i started watching deadlest catch and the was you narrorate is so perfect i watched the show and fell in love with it all the auguments the family the love i wish the best for captian phils family and all the rest of the captians the hard working men out there and to you god bless
Visit My Website
July 27, 2010
Permalink
Larry Davis said:
Well said Mike. Thank you. Fair winds, calm seas, RIP Phil Harris.
Visit My Website
July 28, 2010
Permalink
Wendy said:
And i just stopped crying after the season finale…
Beautiful words.
Beautifully articulated.
God Bless you Mike.
And God Bless the Harris family, and friends.
Visit My Website
July 28, 2010
Permalink
Sherry MacDonald said:
THERE ARE KNOW WORDS TO SAY HOW I FELT WATCHING LAST NIGHT SHOW,THE WORLD HAS LOST A GREAT MAN A FATHER AND A SKIPPER,WELL SAID MIKE,I THINK YOU SPEAK FOR US ALL.RIP CAPT PHIL.
Visit My Website
July 28, 2010
Permalink
Rick said:
I’m sure Capt. Phil made enough of a impression on his Boy’a so they will be great men and fisherman just like Phil, I know Phil was concerned if he had taught them enough, Phil I think you did just fine in that area.
You will be missed, but never forgot
Rick
Visit My Website
July 28, 2010
Permalink
Nancy Brown said:
I watched the season finale last nite…my hero for the day is both the boys…the youngest manned up to rehab! And (bless him for he is a fine son) the oldest jumped back on the Cornelia Marie. I will miss Phil Harris and that’s a fact. Hope they never take the show off t.v.
Visit My Website
July 30, 2010
Permalink
Dona VanVoorst said:
To Mike Rowe: You gave a voice to the entire “Catch Nation” – Capt.Phil would have been proud and for that I am forever grateful! Phil was always a commercial fisherman first and foremost. He was always true to himself and his Pacific Northwest roots. I credit my recovery from a significant stroke at the end of ’08 opies to Phil and the boys. Since there was never an opportunity to thank him – I’m doing so now. Phil left this world doing what he loved – in the company of the people that he loved most. What are rare and special gift. Many thanks to Freddie and to Todd Stanley for being true friends during Phil’s last days. So, when the wind blows like Hell on Puget Sound and the white caps are beating on the shore . . . it’s only Phil kicking up his heels. And the sign on the bird house says, “Gone fishin”
Visit My Website
July 30, 2010
Permalink
Jackie said:
Deadliest Catch is my favorite show. I watched every episode and many reruns. Captain Phil was my favorite! He was real, honest and caring. I am so sorry to see him leave us and hope for the best for his family. I know all of his friends and people he worked with will miss him greatly. It is a loss for us all. God Bless him and all the men who risk their lives on the Bering Sea!
Visit My Website
July 31, 2010
Permalink
Donna said:
I’ve been addicted to D.Catch since day 1. And since day 1, Phil was my favorite Captain/person. I felt a kindred spirit with him and I am so sad for his leaving this world. I pray for the best for Josh & Jake. Their dad was a very special unique man. D. Catch will not be the same w/o Phil being their physically, but I know he will be their in spirit with all the crews and especially his boys.God Bless you Phil.
Visit My Website
July 31, 2010
Permalink
Teresa White said:
I simply would have loved to have known Capt.Phil…But I have to say that I have been blessd with seeing the show and getting to know him and his family this way.(and the rest of the crazies!!) I’ve never been attracted to Reality TV, but The Catch caught me up from day one. Capt Phil is indeed a American icon and a hero,to us, and most suredly to all those who actually got to know the man. Thanks
Visit My Website
July 31, 2010
Permalink
Deitra said:
I lost my grandmother on Jan 25 2010 to colon cancer and I can relate to the grief and pain that all of you men are going through! Every episode after Phil passed I have cried for him and the men on the CM! I hope to see all of you back next year!!!! *big hugs to all the couragous men of the Bering Sea*
Visit My Website
August 1, 2010
Permalink
Rick said:
Nice tribute Mike. You really put Phil in the good light he really was. You will be missed Phil RIP
Visit My Website
August 3, 2010
Permalink
Cat Flora said:
i have listened to this several times makes me chuckle every time i ordered a coffee mug for the deadliest catch drank my first cup of coffee from it this morning my hats off to the men looking forward to the next season
Visit My Website
August 3, 2010
Permalink
Debra Ann Freeman said:
Well said.
Visit My Website
August 4, 2010
Permalink
linda said:
Well said Mike RIP Capt.Phil you will be missed Josh and Jake sorry for your lose. Good luck in the future We love you all
Visit My Website
August 4, 2010
Permalink
cheryl said:
Well said Mike. Just wanted to let Josh and Jake know they are in my thoughts and prays. You guys had a great dad. Even though I did not know him personally I feel like watching the show lets you in and makes you feel like you know each other. I started watching the show because I have an Uncle that used to fish for herring in Alaska and my dad and brother would go out and fish as well not in Bering Sea of course but still a dangerous job. Keep your chins up Jake and Josh and see you next seaon on the show…
Visit My Website
August 13, 2010
Permalink
Mouse said:
WELL SPOKEN MIKE…PHIL HARRIS WAS THE KIND OF MAN THAT EVERY MAN SHOULD USE AS A ROLE MODEL..AS A FEMALE THAT LOVES FISHING…PHIL WAS AN INSPIRATION FOR ALL THOSE DAYS OF NEVER CATCHING ANYTHING…JOSH & JAKE SHOULD BE PROUD OF THIER DAD..HE WAS FULL OF LIFE AND NEVER GAVEUP….I HOPE TO SEE THE BOYS BACK ON THE MOST LOVED DEADLIEST CATCH…I WATCHED IT EVERY WEEK….WILL MISS YOU CPT.PHIL…XXXXXXXX
Visit My Website
August 16, 2010
Permalink
Corey Capwell said:
Wow! Mike nailed the message. After all the shows and FB and other messages and personal apperances, I can only humble myself to want to be as genuine and caring as Captain Phil Harris (RIP). Absolutely superb Mike Rowe, well done good and faithful servant! Thanks you to all the fans who have contributed to this and many other pages.
Visit My Website
August 18, 2010
Permalink
Jimmy said:
Capt. Phil was a genuine human being. He will be missed on the show. He will not be forgotten.
Mike I enjoyed hearing you talk about Capt. Phil. May God Bless you and yours and Capt. Phil, and his family.
I enjoy watching Dirty Jobs too. Wish my dad was raising tobacco next year, would invite you down to get dirty, lol. Keep up the good work!!
Visit My Website
August 20, 2010
Permalink
Vickie Beedham said:
You gave Capt Phil his just and well deserved honor. He will be missed by so many..thank you for honoring him as a true MAN!!!
Visit My Website
August 25, 2010
Permalink
Jill Wiley said:
What a wonderful job done by Mike Rowe! I am addicted to Deadliest Catch…Captain Phil was my favorite! He always made the show interesting and at some times even funny!
May God bless you and your family at your time of great loss.
Visit My Website
August 25, 2010
Permalink
Tony Carr said:
There are all kinds of captains in this world and all kinds that has gone on before us. I never knew capt. Phil but I will never forget the first time I watched him, He was a hard worker and really cared for his crew as all the great captains did and still do. I have and always will have the upmost respect for captain Phil for being not only a capt. but a single dad. I watched the way he was with his boys and he turned them boys into hard workers. He had little patientce with people but he was firm and fair. He made mistakes with his boys raising them but what single dad doesnt? The thing is look how they have turned out and the love that was shown to each other in capt. Phils final days. By him laying his life down may have just saved Jakes life by the promise Jake made to his dad that he would get cleaned up. I love you Jake and Josh and respect you Josh for stepping up like your dad expected you to do. I know Capt Phil is sailing the skies watching over you all waiting to guide the corneila Marie to the crab. Much love and respect to the fishermen and all you do so the richman can eat the finest of foods. Former able body seaman. Tony C.
Visit My Website
August 27, 2010
Permalink
carol vance said:
he was the best mike i love him and the boys and i dont miss your show i love it tooo
Visit My Website
September 16, 2010
Permalink
Diesel said:
free dating web site single site
free adult sex dating devon photos
totally free dating sites
african agency dating on line
sex dating in hornsby tennessee
who is simon cowell dating now
7th grade hookup personals dating
dating guitars by serial number
adult singles dating gholson mississippi
sex dating in anton colorado
free teenage dating service
dating agency for russian woman
new updated dating in usa
speed dating services east midlands
dating recourse suggest url
center city dating service philadelphia
dating rock 26 roll sites
christian dating uk free
dates friendship dating soul mate
adult singles dating clearfield south dakota
Visit My Website
September 17, 2010
Permalink
Kir said:
quincy steele single dating
jewish singles jewish personals jewish dating
respectable free adult online dating
local teen dating service
top new dating sites
sex dating in chicago heights illinois
catholic single dating free
dating model 120 winchester shotguns
one and only free dating
dating service for professionals
free dating sites christians
free dating site trail
fat girls and cleveland and dating
updating linked database c#
dating men introducing children early
dating service for big girls
online teen dating canada
dating furniture 20th century
nellydating powered by vbulletin
bennington vt gay male dating
Visit My Website
September 17, 2010
Permalink
Aron said:
top 10 donts of dating
free online multiplayer games dating
sex dating in humboldt nebraska
sexy dating in memphis
sex dating in salus arkansas
parent advice teen dating
ivy league dating service
filipino dating websites reviews
sex dating in sawyerville alabama
online role playing dating
sex dating in brevort michigan
dating tips parent approval
dating free site uk web
adult sex dating in minden nevada
melanie troxel dating tommy
personal ads interraical dating
sex dating in dakota city nebraska
south american dating agencies
gay dating chicago ticklish
100 free dating match
Visit My Website
November 17, 2010
Permalink
mike said:
Phil was the man ,thats all i need to say,im a fisherman myself,i really wish i have known phil,hes the guy that was at the bottom and came out on top..you will be missed my friend,,hope to meet you in heven !!