The lovely 62nd Marilyn Monroe Memorial was held Monday August 5th at Pierce Brothers Westwood followed by a reception outside the chapel. The service began at 5:30 pm & was streamed.
It was well hosted by Greg Schreiner president of the MarilynRemembered Fan Club which produces the annual event with Scott Fortner. The club was formed in 1982. I often volunteer to book guests and read greetings from Celebrities & VIP's that cannot appear.
This year's speakers were actress Alisha Soper, film maker Tony Villani, Harold Lloyd's granddaughter Suzanne Lloyd , Wilfred Hyde-White's daughter Juliet Hyde-White, Grandson of Songwriter Jimmy McHugh, Lee Newman, MM Author/ Historian Elisa Jordan , Director Kamran Pasha, actress Terry Moore 's best friend Lee Benton, Evelyn Moriarty's niece Claudia Moriarty, Former President International MM Fan Club Jane Guy , Eileen Heckart's son writer/director Luke Yankee and Sid Luft & Judy Garland 's son Joseph Luft. It was a great service! I was honored to read the greetings from Mickey Rooney's daughter Kelly Rooney, actress Elaine DuPont, actress Constance Forslund who portrayed MM in 1980's Movieola , MM friend Mamie Van Doren & actor Dimitri Merritt. It was a beautiful event honoring the great star who died in 1962 at the age of 36.
We mourn the loss of one of our favorite speakers MM Pal & Producer Daniel Selznick , 88, who sadly passed away August 1st. His book will be released posthumously and Classic Hollywood lovers will enjoy it immensely. Louis B Mayer's Grandson lived the life of a Hollywood Prince!
The very uplifting wedding party for tv host Dee Dee Sorvino & Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider was hosted by Donelle Dadigan at the beautiful Hollywood Museum in the former Max Factor Building. "God sent a widow and a widower to each other" said John who lost his wife 18 months ago. Dee Dee 's husband Paul Sorvino died 2 years ago. We are glad the couple found happiness. Rex Smith MC'd & sang and we were also entertained by Jesse & Jess Money who sang their late father Eddie Money's hit "Two Tickets to Paradise".for the happy couple. We wish them all the best! Dukes Star Catherine Bach also attended.
Be sure to go see the very talented Bob Anderson do his great tribute show Frank Sinatra and Friends on August 15th at the Catalina Jazz Club on Sunset Blvd. He's amazing! He's seen here in a picture with actress Kelley Carrey who recently dazzled audiences as the alcoholic mom Sandra in the Fringe production of John Merrick's Occurences. Sounds like a part the late Shelley Winters was well known for... Is Kelly Carrey the new Shelley Winters? The late Martin Landau thought so comparing her to the late great actress at The Actors Studio. Kelley has appeared opposite legends like her good friend and mentor l Terry Moore as well as Dyan Cannon.
Honorable Mentions... Kat Kramer's Films That Change The World presented the premiere of the great documentary Celebrate Laughter about the late great very talented Collin Higgins the genius behind 9 to 5, Harold & Maude, Foul Play, Out on a Limb, Silver Streak & many others. It is directed by his close friend /colleague Nicholas Eliopouolos & is Oscar quality. Dolly Parton is the Honorary Executive Producer.
Congrats to Dina Morrone on her great new one woman show "My Uterus--Womb with a View" recently rebooted at Theater West.I saw performance #1 months ago & it was great.
Richard Skipper's show about the history of Hello Dolly is really terrific too.
Congratulations to Carol Burnett on her hands and feet ceremony (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G1KQOLmATk) and to her friend and fellow funny lady Geri Jewell & 2 time Oscar nominee Carol Connors on their new books Geri's Jewels & Gems & Elvis, Rocky & Me. Geri's book launch took place at Barnes & Noble at The Grove and was hosted by BJ Korros.
Carol's book launch was at Book Soup on Sunset followed a few weeks later by a private party at B. David Levine on LaCienega. Thank you Anolan Dragitsch for the invite.
Cindy Marinangel soared as screen legend Marlene Dietrich in the reboot of her one woman show Dietrich!
Next on tap: 50s Legend Mamie Van Doren's new book Secrets of The Goddess will be available soon. Newcomer Dimitri Merritt is being eyed as a possible candidate for the new James Baldwin biopic to be written & produced by actor Billy Porter. Porter announced casting as Baldwin has been greeted by some controversy.
Enjoy life and Stay Safe...
HH