'Dack Rambo's 'deathbed interview' was the biggest regret for the author: 'Moral bankruptcy''

One of William Keck's greatest regrets was covering Dack Rambo's final tragic months.

In 1994, the TV heartthrob, who starred on "Dallas" and "Another World," died at the age of 52 after revealing that he had tested positive for AIDS.

"The former National Enquirer reporter told Planet Chronicle Digital that there were numerous stories he was not proud to have his byline associated with, particularly "Chapter 11" in his book, which he referred to as his moral bankruptcy."

Keck's new memoir, "When You Step Upon a Star: Cringeworthy Confessions of a Tabloid Bad Boy," recounts his decades-long career and the celebrities he befriended, protected, and wronged.

"Keck confessed that he was mortified when reporting on Rambo's final months, admitting that it was a shameful indoctrination into the Enquirer."

A TV star from a long-running, successful primetime soap opera was in the final stages of AIDS, according to a medical center employee who claimed to have access to patient records and received an anonymous phone call from a woman.

The National Enquirer obtained several cover stories on Rock Hudson prior to his death from the same disease, as described by Keck.

""I knew this could potentially be another big tabloid story, and I was fairly certain I knew the secret identity of the dying actor," Keck wrote."

In 1991, Rambo, who portrayed J.R. Ewing's cousin Jack Ewing in "Dallas," publicly announced that he was both bisexual and HIV positive. Keck was confident that the enigmatic actor was Rambo, and his prediction was accurate.

Quickly, Keck's story received approval.

Rambo was admitted to the hospital by a male friend the night before, as his condition had weakened. Due to his illness, he was unable to sign the forms and could only mark an X. Despite being aware, he seemed confused and hid his cancer-covered face behind a sheet.

"The caller would receive a guaranteed payment of $860 and a $400 bonus if the story was featured on our cover, which was almost certain to happen if we were successful in our mission to obtain Dack Rambo's exclusive deathbed interview."

"Keck stated that the assignment was as bad as it could get, and it was even worse because it revolved around a man he greatly admired. Additionally, the topic was almost too similar to his own secret life, which he had been trying to keep hidden from his mother, friends, co-workers, and the rest of the world."

In the book, Keck stated that he had obtained Rambo's hospital room number from his source. However, upon arrival, he discovered that the bed was vacant.

Keck stated that although he did not meet Rambo personally, the publication still published a "last interview" with the ailing star that had his name attached to it. In his book, Keck criticized the story as being "poorly written" and "completely fabricated." A representative for the outlet did not respond to Planet Chronicle Digital's request for comment.

"Dack's valiant battle ended in March 1994 at age 52 in his hometown of Delano, CA. The last words spoken by the once gorgeous silver fox with a perfectly placed mole on his left cheek are unknown. Since then, Dack's mother, Bea, and his siblings, Bill and Beatrice, have all passed away."

Keck claimed in the book that even though the article portrayed Rambo as a brave, grateful, and benevolent soul who died with dignity, those words were not his own and should not have been printed.

After the story was published, Keck never received any communication from Rambo's family.

"If the family was furious about the fabricated story, I'm sure I would have heard from them. However, this was a rural family that had already experienced the loss of Dack's twin brother in a motorcycle accident at a young age. As a result, they were likely grieving and may have chosen to bury their heads, unaware of the article. It's possible that they weren't even alerted to its existence."

"Keck confessed that he was very sad after researching and discovering that Dack's mother and two surviving siblings had passed away. He wished he could apologize to them for what he had witnessed."

Keck asserted that he did not write any of the story, even though it was credited to him publicly. Despite his attempts to intervene, the story was published without his involvement.

"He acknowledged that admitting his part in this unforgivable mistake would not earn him any supporters and might cause some to doubt the accuracy of the other tales in the book. Nonetheless, he chose to be honest and stated that everything in the book was true."

Sheree J. Wilson, who played Rambo's ex-wife in the series, made a statement in Keck's book to correct any misconceptions about Rambo's life and legacy.

"Wilson remembered Dack's infectious smile and charming demeanor, as quoted in the book. "Dack was just as sweet as the day is long. My first scene was with him, and I was nervous about joining the long-running show I'd watched since high school. Despite playing adversaries, Dack made me feel comfortable. He told me, 'Just relax. We're all friends here and you'll find that to be true.'""

Wilson was taken aback upon discovering Rambo's passing.

"Wilson wrote that Dack's fitness, good looks, and health made him seem like the epitome of wellness. However, Dack's decision to use his celebrity to educate people about AIDS and reduce stigma, even during the most challenging times, took great courage."

"That is his legacy," Wilson added.

In 1991, Rambo left his role as Congressman Harrison on "Another World" after disclosing his HIV diagnosis, stating that it was a matter of freedom for him.

Keck told Planet Chronicle Digital he was eager to finally tell the truth.

Keck stated, "I shared the stories from the past, and this is what happened behind the scenes." "The only secrets I'm revealing are my own, the things I regret, and the things I did to get the story. I'm apologizing. In some cases, I was able to reach out to those people and apologize. It's all about the power of change. . . . Many celebrities have praised me for having the courage to do this."

"This book stands out because it's written by a celebrity who shares their personal experiences and takes ownership of their mistakes. I hope it inspires others to take responsibility for their actions and learn from them."