David grew up in his earlier years on the Skymont
Subud Commune with his mother Mardi, father Lewis and
siblings Roseanna, Richmond, Patricia and
Robert/Alexis. He is the baby of the bunch. *S* The
commune was in many ways a self running and
maintained entity with a restaurant and other
facillites within to help support the members
although many held and did work outside the camp.
Davids mom Mardi taught acting classes and ran a
storytime theater there.
About the time Davids family left the commune Dad Lewis became a featured regular on the 70's hit tv series 'The Waltons' He played the cantankerous J.D.Pickett (Erins boss) during the war time era part of the series.....'The Waltons' is still in re-runs in many parts of the U.S.
The commune went the way of dust in the later 70'
s as did other social experiments. There are many
former member(see links above) who remember David and his dear family
fondly. I have only heard the sweetest things from
them about the 'Arquettes'. One member remembers him
as the cutest little guy with the sweetest demeanor.
Another remembers him as kind of shy and
quiet.....definitely the opposite of the public
personna he has created as a celebrity.
His family moved out to L.A. (Hollywood) closer to where work could be had for Lewis and because of Roseannas career pursuits. Having been born and raised in So Calif LA myself I know that the area in which they lived was just a couple of streets away from the red light district where many of what society considers the 'dregs' of humanity hung out. I can relate well. I come from the same backround and my upbringing involved having the priviledge of rubbing elbows with the rich and famous as well as mingling among the drug addicted and impoverished. This has a great deal to do with my pursuits in a career in Psychology as much as this upbringing would have effected Davids grasp of humanity in tapping into the character of each of the many roles he has taken. Quite frankly I have not seen Davids movie 'Johns', in particular, because I know it would just hit home too hard with me and I'd end up upset and in tears throughout the movie. I'm grateful for the experience and the compassion for all people it has taught me....and it has obviously served Mr. Arquette well in his acting pursuits.