GREAT FLASHBACK

  When I was a Kid my parents always took us to the city to see plays, museums and concerts and though at the time I was never overly thrilled ,I look back and realize how much it was so important in my learning and know how. I was watching EVERY WHICH WAY BUT LOOSE with Clint Eastwood with RUTH GORDON playing the feisty mother who always made comments by the monkey Clyde. Most of us remember her in the powerful movie ROSEMARYS BABY( She won an Oscar as Best Supporting actress) where is the the kind caring neighbor to Mia Farrow. RUTH GORDON was always one of my top favorite actresses due to her unique style and one I never thought I would meet.

   I was about 12 and My Dad and I went to see a Broadway play and after he took me to a famous restaurant SARDIs where many of the stars would come in and eat and just mingle. On the walls you would see all the caricatures of all the stars that visited this iconic restaurant. As we were sitting there, first TRUMAN CAPOTE walked by, followed by the DICK SHAWN and my eyes were wide open. Then my Father whispered in my ear, " Look there is one of your Favorites" and lo and behold there sat Ruth Gordon. Now it is a unwritten law that you do not go up to a celebrity there and bother them especially for an autograph but this was a once in a life time moment. My Father smiled and gave me a Sardis postcard and I decided to break a rule which was the story of my life. I stood next to her and believe when I say I remember verbatim everything that was said. " MS Gordon , You are my Favorite and I know I should not being do this ,but may I have your autograph' She looked at me and said" ARE YOU AN ACTOR' and I said "sometimes: and She said " Of course. What is Your Name' and I said "Ray" and she said" GRAY" no no I quickly responded " Ray"  She took the card, signed the back  FOR RAY ALL THE BEST RUTH GORDON. The she took my hand and thanked me and then to show the class she had she introduced me to the others at the table. Think About would that happen today. She went on." This is my husband GARSON KANtN and this is Mr. THORNTON WILDER ( who wrote OUR TOWN)' I thanked her again and my Dad looked at me as I had just won the lottery. As you can see I still have the card and she shall always be one of my fondest memories the meeting of a  very special actress and I will always say a great Lady!