Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe LOS ANGELES, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Some actors wait tables to keep body and soul together. Bob Pranga decorates the homes of Hollywood's elite at Christmastime. Debbie Reynolds, Whoopi Goldberg, Shirley MacLaine and Jaclyn Smith are some of the clients who have helped elevate Pranga -- also known as Dr. Christmas -- to his exalted position as Christmas decoration consultant to the stars. Pranga has also worked for Candice Bergen, Carrie Fisher, Teri Garr, Diedre Hall and Leeza Gibbons since launching his business in 1984. Advertisement "All my clients are really cool," said Pranga. "My clients love me and they trust me. We're left alone in these million-billion dollar homes. I've always made it a point to take good care of everything." Advertisement But don't ask Pranga to dish dirt on the stars he gets to know. "What ever goes on stays inside," he said. "I never speak ill of anyone. If I tell a story on anyone it's funny." For example, he told of the night he was working at Jaclyn Smith's home. It was late and very quiet and she asked him if he wanted anything from the kitchen. Pranga told the former "Charlie's Angels" star she shouldn't wake her staff on his account. "Honey, they won't get up for me," said Smith, offering to fix a snack for him herself. By the way, Pranga said he does Smith's home but not her tree. "She likes to still decorate it herself," he said." Pranga developed his visual style decorating the Macy's Herald Square store. He picked up a partner in 1989, Debi Staron, a fellow actor. Last week, Pranga worked at the home of a new client, Los Angeles Lakers superstar center Shaquille O'Neal. "It was great," he said. "They decided to do a very traditional theme. We're going to do gold, silver and light next year. Lovely people." Another new celebrity client this year is "The Anna Nicole Smith Show" on E! Entertainment. Advertisement "A new career high," said Pranga. "We already decorated the tree. We're going to do the Christmas special." Not surprisingly, his business has attracted a considerable amount of press attention over the years -- particularly from TV and magazines, given the visual aspect of his work. "I recognize the fact that we're a good fluff piece for the holidays," he said. He also knows that kind of coverage has been great for business. "What generally happens is I don't have to do any advertising," he said. "It's all word of mouth." But Pranga does offer his expertise to non-celebrities, using his Web site (drchristmas.com) to offer a video featuring techniques on the right way to hang Christmas lights and handle other holiday decorating chores. He also plans to introduce his own line of Christmas decorations next year. He won't say who, but Pranga acknowledged that he has dropped clients -- but only those who are "unpleasant" to be around. "I tell all new clients we're going to have a great time -- otherwise stay out of my way and sign the check," he joked. Pranga doesn't get to relax by the pool all summer long -- he's too busy getting ready for Christmas all year long and operating a business he owns with a friend, renting Christmas props to movie and TV productions. Advertisement And yes, he decorates his own home -- and he doesn't wait until everyone else is taken care of before he gets around to it. "I have to do it the day after Thanksgiving or I don't do it," he said. "I'm swamped from Halloween on." Speaking of Halloween, Pranga said he gets requests to decorate homes for that holiday, but he always says no. "I am Dr. Christmas," he said.
