It's Good to be King - Fred Nelson is an award-winning editor for a Washington D.C. video firm by day and an actor by night. Actually nights and weekends. He has appeared in nearly 90 community theatre productions (on both sides of the world) in the past 20 years, including such diverse roles as Captain von Trapp in "The Sound of Music", Oscar in "The Odd Couple", and the title role in "Dracula", for which he won a Best Dramatic Acting award in 1999. His highest profile role is annually portraying King Henry VIII at The Maryland Renaissance Festival. In the festival's off season, Fred participates in many of the productions at The Virginia Shakespeare Company, including appearing in their annual production of "A Christmas Carol" as the Ghost of Christmas Present.   In his spare time Fred assists his wife, Kris, with theatrical productions at the local high school at which she teaches. Fred & Kris have two daughters, to whom he is completely devoted. The family has hosted exchange students in their home as well.   Fred was raised in Cuba, Spain, Korea, and Guam. He has been appointed by the Governor as Cultural Ambassador to Guam. Due to the environment in which he was raised, Fred loves SPICY foods. He has been known to happily snack on peppers so hot most people would break out in a sweat just being in the same room.   As busy as he is, Fred always makes time for his friends. An example is last year when he broke from his Kingly duties at the Maryland Renaissance Festival to help a good friend propose to his girlfriend ... making the moment very special and memorable for everyone involved.   Ever one for self-improvement, Fred has joined the legions of folks on the South Beach Diet. In the past five months, he has lost over 35 lbs. At 6'2 and 195 lbs, Fred is physically impressive. He is a kind and wonderful man and has a terrific sense of humor. There is almost always a smile on his face and a twinkle of mischief in his eye.   Fiery Fred's Guam Barbecued Ribs!* Here's what Michele (Fred's friend) has to say about this Renaissance Fred:   Fred is one of the most genuine and charming men I have met. His innate grace has manifest itself in a calm, powerful, and even funny King Henry VIII. Fred has a trickster side to himself as well, never passing up a chance to startle a co-worker in good humor. He appreciates being the recipient of similarly well meant humor.  He is sometimes forgetful and relies on Kris, his wife to remind him where his keys are, etc. Fred makes a mean Guam barbecued rib* and can eat food hotter in spices than anything I can even dream of. Habanera Hal could have been his name as king, but I will stick with Fiery Fred! *How about sending the recipe? We're putting together a cookbook called "What's Cooking Fred?" and Fred's Ribs would make a great addition to the book.   Thanks to Debbi (great copy!), Steve and Michele for letting us know about this most impressive Fred. Back to Featured Freds