Keeping up

June 15/12.

Days racing by faster than a speeding bullet again lately. Bought a Lotto Max ticket for tonight's draw at Luke's, my favourite neighbourhood convenience store on Logan Avenue. (Winning a fortune sure would be fun). I'm wearing a new top I bought a few weeks ago at H & M.

Didn't realize it at the time, but now I'm convinced I fell for the shirt because it reminded me

of this Marilyn Monroe polka dot dress! (only wish I knew how to model the way SHE did!)

When I got home,

discovered my son, Max was practicing a scene from The Odd Couple with his girlfriend, Robyn in the kitchen! (part of a culminating project for school during this last week of grade 11). Max was playing the role of slobby Oscar Madison and Robyn was helping him out by taking on the part of the fastidious Felix Unger.

Since Jack Lemmon has always been my fave actor, I've seen the 1968 movie SOOOOOOOOOOO many times. I knew every word Max and and Robyn were reciting and I even got a chance to take a shot at the scene with Max. - "Let it be on YOUR head!" (the next day, Max's teacher said their performance was "Very strong!" Yay)!

This week, I've bounced back and forth from running the track or walking the trails at Riverdale Park every day,

sometimes doing exercises in the shade of all the trees,

to shopping in the hot summer sun at Gerrard Square for groceries, Father's Day gifts

and a new Jabra bluetooth earpiece for my iPhone, bought for me by Sam. I've run through 5 of these babies (all different makes) over the last 5 or 6 years and every single one of them has given me trouble. They always seem to cut out altogether at the most inconvenient times. Thought this one would operate well, but seems it's actually an iPhone problem, so they have to exchange my phone to allow this thingamajig to work! Getting the new phone tomorrow.

Every week, I also spend some fabulous quality time, compacting garbage or recycling in the massive bins. There's never enough room, so I have to jump on it. Neighbours must think I'm outta my mind, (and they'd be partially right I think).

After all that jumping, was ready to head back to the park to run again.

Still haven't been able to get back up to five laps since my ankle injury. Can only do two (800 metres), but I'll get there one of these days.

Then, it was off to Azure Production on the Danforth,

to pick up my long awaited voice-over demo discs and pics. It's been almost four months since I recorded the demo at the TA2 Studio. Took weeks before I received a finished product and now, they're ready to be sent out. Used a couple of shots taken at the sound board and in the recording booth.

 Who knows? Maybe I can actually get some voice work!

Later, dropped in on my sister, Carrie, to give her a present. A new Prickles the Porcupine puppet!

Of course she's going to keep the original, (but the poor little guy has been through the mill during the Stella the Squirrel escapades). Carrie says the "new guy" can be Prickle's bro! Alrighty then!

 
In case anyone missed out on the Prickles and Stella events, here's one of the many episodes Carrie shot and edited featuring the creatures. In this one, Prickles becomes a babysitter!

 

And if you never saw the "Stella gives birth" episode, here it is. You can hear Carrie's gorgeous singing voice in the background during her original song "Mother Son". The song also features Carrie's nephew, Lief Mosbaugh. GREAT, heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melodies. I am so proud of my sis for everything she does. (Hey PNo! - you sure know what I mean, right)??

Cayr was just back from a long trip to New York State with her son Lee (soon to turn 17). They were off to a weekend baseball tournament. It was a ton 'o driving for her, but she got there safely and Lee's team wrapped up the two days with three WINS and one loss.

They celebrated by taking over a restaurant for dinner. That's Lee, second kid on the left side, in grey. Congrats gang on the well-played games!

And congratulations also to the parents and family members who got the kids there and cheered them on. GREAT job. Carrie is on the right, holding up her celebratory glass of wine! Cheers!

Juliette Lewis & a cast of characters

January 18/12.

All my life, I've found it fascinating talking to celebs - movie & TV stars, directors, producers, writers, singers, composers, you name it. They all have such special talents and to learn how they put those talents to use and entertain us is something I never tire of hearing.

Robin Williams with me during our interview for Hook, (1991)

Robin Williams was ALWAYS my favourite. I don't think he could give a bad interview if he TRIED. During the several times I spoke with him one-on-one over the years, he managed to throw me into fits of laughter (when he told me what to expect in terms of pain in the labour room when giving birth to my first baby - warning me to, "Stockpile your medication NOW!", to tears, when he spoke of the horrifying frustration of trying to boost the spirits of his close friend, Christopher Reeve following his devastating riding accident, and had me in both laughter AND tears as he tried to put into words, the perils of fatherhood. The man is simply a genius. I wish I could talk to him every day.

The late Dudley Moore was another man who made every interview special. This shot was taken during my radio days. (Probably around 1978). His comic brilliance and musical talents were legendary but another of his true talents was to make people feel comfortable in his presence. I remember the day I was asked to write and put together his obit in 2002. Everyone at Global said I had to be the one to do it, since I was such a fan.

While writing it, I recall thinking, despite the humour and immense kindness, there was such a sadness to him. It could zap your soul when he looked into your eyes.

And don't even get me STARTED on Jack Lemmon! (1925-2001). Fell in love with him while watching The April Fools opposite Catherine Deneuve (1969) and loved him the rest of my life. This pic was taken when he was in Toronto promoting Tribute (1979).

Years later, after I finally saw him co-star with Marilyn Monroe (and Tony Curtis) in Some Like It Hot, things got even worse!

I wanted to dress like Marilyn,

Tried to, so I could win Jack's heart!  Didn't exactly work out that way. LOL. (me, circa 1979 in Vegas)

Though I did get to spend some time with him over the years! This shot was taken on board a ship during the junket for Out to Sea (1997) - the last time I met him in person. (Though he died nearly a decade ago, I still think he's the world's greatest actor).

At any rate, last night, my friend, Pam Pickard and I went to see actress Juliette Lewis at the TIFF Lightbox Theatre for her "In Conversation With" show. She was interviewed by Artistic Director Noah Cowan all about her eclectic career.

From our front row seat, she looked fabulous! Her hair was red and she was decked out in black leather pants, low cut white shirt, black leather jacket, high heeled black shoes and silver jewellery.

As soon as she began to talk, she told us, "I didn't get enough sleep tonight. Makes me lose my adjectives. I'm going to be extra-unhinged."

She told the audience all about making Cape Fear with director Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro. (1991)  She was just 18. When it came time to shoot the De Niro kiss scene, man, what a story! She's told it before, but I had never heard it.



"I was all instincts and intuition. Scorsese encouraged me to trust myself. I didn't know what De Niro was going to do. He taught me about professionalism".

Lewis says the scene was supposed to involve De Niro walking over and kissing her, but that Scorsese hinted "Bobby" was going to do something else beforehand. She had no idea what it would be. Turned out, he was going to stick his thumb in her mouth. She went with it and the rest is history. According to Lewis, Scorsese used the first take. Wow.

She later talked about her performance in Natural Born Killers opposite Woody Harrelson -  (1994). After we watched the extremely violent Rodney Dangerfield murder scene,



Juliette explained (director), "Oliver Stone did not put any constraints on us." She went on to say if the actors don't do things quite right, "He'll bust your chops in front of the entire set!"  The actress got so involved in her description of the scene that she turned to us and quipped, "Now do you see why I don't do drugs?"

Lewis was most passionate when talking about her music career. (first with The Licks and then with her new band and the release of their CD, Terra Incognita). The video was directed by her brother, Lightfield Lewis.



"I'm working on a documentary of my concerts, touring, musicians, audiences. This has been a radical journey and I'm in a weird place of transition right now. The live show medium was always in my blood. The exchange of energy is unbelievable. I miss it so much. I can't wait to get back to it. My break from the TV show (The Firm) is in May."

Juliette with co-star Callum Keith Rennie in The Firm.

I even got the chance to ask Juliette a question on mic from the audience. Told her I'd recently had the opportunity to transcribe an interview with Canadian actress

Helen Shaver who is a co-producer on The Firm and also directing some of the episodes. I asked what it's  like being directed by a woman who once played her mother in a small independent film called That Night (1992). Juliette laughed and explained it's been very enjoyable. She loved the experience working with her in that film when she was just 19 and finds it amazing that careers can sometimes change dramatically and an actress can work her way up to directing and producing. Juliette also commented she has no interest in directing, but can't wait to get back to her music.

My favourite part of the interview was when an audience member asked about the risks she takes in life. She responded, "As I'm aging, what I'm holding on to fervently (laughs), feverishly, is, anytime I'm sitting too long and start to get whiney, I have to start generating these opportunities. I get safe and I want things to be cushy, but I try to be open to what the universe opens up to me,

(like Shit Girls Say - above) - being a part of something interesting. Auditioning is really tough for me. It's a real head trip - you're not in a safe place. I'm always chasing the experience."

One more thing. When asked about the cold Toronto weather, she joked, "I LOVE this city, but I'm a wimpy California sunflower!"

Great to "meet" you Juliette!

Big time loser!! - (with a side order of Jack Lemmon)

May 21/11

I'm just SOOOOOOOO sad, upset and mad at myself today. Lost my Canon Elph digital camera, which I just LOVED. It's been such a blast using it to take pictures for the blog. And only a few days ago, I FINALLY learned how to download the pics from it to my site.

Today, went to see my daughter, Kate, perform in a solo show in Kensington Market. Wrote some notes for the blog and took a bunch of great shots. Kate took a few of me in the midst of the crowds out on Augusta Avenue and I took a few of Max and his girlfriend Robyn. Later, after driving Max and Robyn to our place, headed off to The Bay for a few items.

The second I arrived, - just got off the escalator, when suddenly a woman fell on the floor, right in front of me. I raced to help her and then, my cell phone crashed to the ground and broke into bits. The woman was laughing and crying at the same time. She'd hurt her knee, but was sorry my cell phone split apart. I told her it happens all the time! Once a Bay employee and I got her to her feet again, she seemed OK. I asked the Bay guy if he could try to put my cell phone back together, and he DID! But I think it's possible, I lost the camera there in all the commotion. I know there's NO chance of ever getting it back, (OR all the cool pics), but I'm going to try and retrace my steps on Sunday at noon (when they open). I stupidly didn't have any I.D. on it, and I'm sure anyone who finds it will just enjoy a new camera. Sam is not happy (as it was his gift to me for our 25th wedding anniversary a few years ago) - But anything HE's feeling, can't be topped by me, as right about now, I feel like jumping off a bridge. (but since the "Rapture" is supposed to be upon us, might as well wait it out).

***UPDATE: I'm still here as of the morning after Rapture, so, that's a good sign, (I think!)

Sooooooooo.....anyway - to get my mind off all this crap, I am now going to think of someone I really like! Already told you about Dudley Moore a few days ago. Today - Oscar winning actor Jack Lemmon!

A youthful Jack!

Friends have often told me I should write a book about the celebs I've encountered over the decades. I know that'll never happen, so it's fun to have this outlet to talk about a few of my faves!

Anyone who knows me, knows Jack is my all-time favourite actor. It started when I first saw him dance at the bottom of an empty swimming pool with Catherine Deneuve in The April Fools (1969). That was it for me. God he was cute. (and Catherine? - just stunning).

Jack came to Toronto in 1978 to star in the play Tribute at the Royal Alex Theatre. P.R. man extraordinaire, (the late) Gino Empry, arranged a radio interview with Jack for me. I was a nervous wreck, but I met him and I was in love. (ya, I know. I fell in love a lot).

Crazy about Jack Lemmon - 1978
But Jack was different. In MY mind, as a movie fan, NO ONE was better than Jack. You'll never convince me that he wasn't the greatest actor EVER!

Every time I went to Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, I always had to find his hand and footprints.

First time seeing Jack's prints - 1973 - just sat there in awe

Next time, I was able to actually touch the cement! Sigh
I was also crazy about Marilyn Monroe, so when I first saw Jack in Some Like it Hot opposite Marilyn, it started a lifelong love affair with the movie. It's always been in my top 10 list of films and my favourite scene is the one in which Jack (dressed as Daphne), finds himself in bed with Sugar (Marilyn). - Later, ALL the female band members end up crowding into his berth for a party. True confessions here. - I absolutely KNOW this scene is the reason I've always had a fantasy to make love in the upper berth of a moving train! (never happened! In fact, I've never even been ON a train - except the subway, and somehow, that just doesn't do it for me). Youtube won't let me upload the scene, but here's a pic, and you can click here to see the video!

"Daphne" is surprised to find "Sugar" in bed with him!

I was forever trying to copy Marilyn's style - especially that famous white-dress-blowing scene from The Seven Year Itch.

Lain "tries" to copy Marilyn's look - in Vegas - 1979

Dismal attempt (1975) to get my Marilyn dress to "billow"! Boyfriend Bruce was running the fan!
Around the same time Jack did the theatrical run of Tribute at the Royal Alex, he also made the movie version of the play, starring Lee Remick, Robby Benson and Kim Cattrall. Much of the film was shot in Toronto and the cast returned to town for the premiere. I was working at CFTR Radio and had a ticket to cover the big film extravaganza.

Once again, P.R. man Gino Empry was there, "directing media traffic." As I was about to enter the theatre, I heard someone call my name. I immediately recognized the voice. It was Jack. I turned around and he said to me, "Elaine, after we intro the film screening, a bunch of us are going out for dinner. Would you like to cut out and join us?" My brain couldn't even process this question, but all I said was, it wasn't possible, because my news director, Robert Holiday, had arranged to pay a hundred bucks for my preview ticket so I could review the movie. (What the hell? I was turning Jack Lemmon down??? Apparently, I did).

I like to think he looked crestfallen. He and the cast entered the theatre to thunderous applause, I took my seat, watched the movie (which I adored), but never got to slip out for dinner with Jack.

Meanwhile, Gino (a pal for many years), had another trick up his sleeve. At the cast party afterwards, he approached me and promised "an exclusive" in Jack's suite at the Four Seasons Hotel. I was astonished. He didn't let me down. When all the autographs had been signed and media pics taken, Gino escorted a few friends to Jack's presidential suite, and there I was with my stupid little tape recorder and microphone. Gino cleared the room, Jack and I had a brandy together, sitting at the private bar in the room and he sat and talked to me all about Tribute, Some Like it Hot, Marilyn Monroe, his son, Chris (who was involved in drugs at the time), and anything else I cared to ask. It really felt like some kind of dream.

When I turned the tape recorder off, and thanked him, he asked me, "Could I just?....." - and without finishing his sentence, leaned over and kissed me. Oh my Lord. This is JACK LEMMON!! It only lasted a few seconds, but Wow! Gino reappeared, called a cab for me and I headed home, exclusive tape in hand, and (exclusive) kiss on my lips!

Years later, I met Jack one more time. I interviewed him in California onboard a ship (nope, not a train!) - to talk about his movie, Out to Sea, (1997), co-starring his old pal, Walter Matthau. I asked him everything I could in the short time we were given to talk. He was always such a great man to exchange ideas with, so warm, charming and unassuming.

I never mentioned having met him that night all those years ago in Toronto, and I'm sure he didn't remember. But I didn't care. I got to see and talk to him again once more before he passed away in 2001. (and naturally, as the Jack Lemmon fanatic of the world, I was the one to prepare the obit for Global TV). Thanks for everything Jack! You're always in my heart.

Jack and Lain shipboard - 1997 - "Out to Sea"

And just one more thing - click here to see my OTHER favorite Jack Lemmon scene from Some Like It Hot. Daphne dances the tango with Osgoode Fielding the 3rd! Jack told me he never found a better dance partner than Joe E. Brown! Olé!