User:JimDykes

An actor, guide and writer by profession, Jim has led tours of New York since 1984. Although well-versed in the history and architecture of New York, Jim sprinkles his tours with insider stories about the rich and famous, where they live, shop, dine and party! Along with friend and fellow guide Mike Brennan they started "www.Rich and Famous Tours.com" to show people New York through the eyes of the famous. Jim says: "I discovered one day on my tours by accident that you can talk until you're blue in the face about history, art and architecture but when you tell stories and scandals of the rich & famous, everyone is suddenly interested!"

Jim is also a proud member of Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) and has acted in front of the camera as well as worked behind the scenes.He has worked with many celebrities and is the only NYC guide to have been mentioned regularly in gossip columns such as Liz Smith's syndicated column, Page Six in the NY Post, and other columns. When Liz autographed her memoir for him, she inscribed it "For Jim...one of my stars! Liz..." When Jim protested that he wasn't a star, a friend said: "Honey you've been mentioned in Liz Smith's column-- that makes you a star!" Jim is originally from Kentucky but has lived in New York City for many years.

Jim has appeared in many television commercials and ads for products such as Odor Eaters, Kellogg's cereal, GNC, Tiffany's, Milton Bradley games, Sprint, and many others. As a freelance writer, Jim has written numerous features and celebrity interviews for various publications. His tours are considered "tops" in New York and he has done corporate tours for C.E.O.'S, vice-presidents and other employees of companies such as: The American Girl, Rolls-Royce, Mary Kay Cosmetics, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Disney, Time-Warner & more.

Jim's tours have been written about in the New York Times, New York Daily News, & and other publications. Known as a "celebrity expert" Jim has worked as backstage assistant on events such as the Grammys, the Emmys and Night of 100 Stars 1,2 & 3 where he met everyone from legends Ginger Rogers, Lucille Ball, Jimmy Stewart, Lana Turner and Laurence Olivier to a host of contemporary stars. When it comes to celebrities, Jim knows of what he speaks! He is aquainted personally with many well-known folks in the limelight including friends Alison Arngrim, society pianist Peter Mintun, "Eloise" artist Hilary Knight, former neighbor Ashley Judd, The Naked Cowboy and others...Jim has been a guest on Late Night with David Letterman and was a guest twice on Joan Rivers'show in New York, chatting for over an hour about New York history and Celebrity Gossip. Joan began introducing Jim as "the celebrity tourguide...just fabulous!" CELEB STORY: Recently Jim attended his longtime friend Victoria Leacock's wedding where Monica Lewinsky & Molly Ringwald served as bridesmaids. CELEB STORY: Jim recently gave a private tour of NYC to Ashley & Wynonna Judd's grandma, Polly as well as other family members.

WOR Radio's Joan Hamburg routinely recommends Jim Dykes as a tour guide on her morning talkshow in New York.

Jim is President of: RichAndFamousTours.com : a company that provides tours for visitors AND locals to New York City. www.jimdykes.com

Licensed and certified New York Guide, # 0797316; Member of the Guides Association of New York City; The Landmarks Conservancy of New York; MoMa, The Central Park Conservancy; The Museum of the City of New York; Screen Actor's Guild and the New York Historical Society