Happy Birthday Cloris Leachman!

Apr. 30, 2011

Dear Cloris,
You are in one of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite movies—Young Frankenstein:

Frau Blücher:  Would the doctor care for a... brandy before retiring?

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein:   No. Thank you.

Frau Blücher:   Some varm milk... perhaps?

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein:   No... thank you very much. No thanks.

Frau Blücher:  Ovaltine?

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: NOTHING! Thank you! I'm a little - tired!

Frau Blücher: Then I vill say... goodnight, Herr Doctor.

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: Goodnight, Frau Blücher.
[horses whinny]
---------
Happy Birthday Cloris Leachman! You're one of the hardest working women in Hollywood. 245 movies & television work to your credit! Amazing! And at 85, you're still going strong!
Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Jerry Seinfeld!

Apr. 29, 2011

Dear Jerry,

I want you to know I’ve enjoyed your show for so many years. Why? Because:

1) it was funny

2) it was brilliant

3) and it was a show about nothing! It wasn’t a show where you answer the question ‘what happened in that episode?’ It’s just a bunch of stuff that happens every day.

I loved the show with all its sub-plots and how they all tied into the main plot at the end. The comedy was more than just lots of mindless banter that we see so much of today.  (Note: Modern Family is the exception!)  Even many reality shows today are ridiculous.

It was a show that, even today, you can watch in reruns about 4 times a day and each time feel like you’re watching it for the first time.

Many of the episodes put a smile on my face just thinking about them. One of my favorites is The Marine Biologist. I love George’s speech at the end, explaining how he rescued the whale. It is priceless! And then the expression on Kramer’s face when he pulls the golf ball out of his pocket. The best! I am smiling just writing about it!

Something else I loved about your show, Jerry, was that even the peripheral characters were funny. Really funny! In most sitcoms, the regular cast are the funny ones and anyone else who is brought in for the week is just very straight—not funny. But in Seinfeld, even the not-so-regular cast members were hilarious! Who can forget the Soup Nazi? The Bubble Boy? Or the infuriating Bania?  The Close Talker? Or The Library Cop? etc, etc.

And there are so many funny lines that will be quoted until the end of time.

“People love to say salsa!” “Maybe the dingo ate your baby!”  “Gotta love the Drake!”  A Bra is for ladies, meet the Bro.”  “Serenity Now!”  “And you want to be my latex salesman! I don’t think so!”  “Yo yo ma!”  “Are you still the master of your domain?” etc, etc.

Thank you for making me laugh for so many years. You continue to do so in reruns and DVD. You and Larry David were brilliant!  And lastly, Jerry, I hope today, on your 57^th birthday, you enjoyed a chocolate babka!

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Ann-Margret!

April 28, 2011
Dear Ann-Margret Olsson,
This will have to be a quick note but I just wanted to tell you that although you're known for such films as "Bye Bye Birdie," "Viva Las Vegas," "Tommy," "Grumpy Old Men," "Newsies" etc... my favorite will always be when you portrayed Ann-Margrock in "The Flintstones!" You were gorgeous even as a cartoon! Of course there were Rock Hudstone and Perry Masonry too! lol

You've been called a siren, a sex kitten, and vixen. And I must say, Ann, you're still so beautiful.
I also think it's cool that you have a hyphenated name. Once, during my high school years, I considered using a hyphen too. I even practiced my signature over and over again: Vivian-Marie, Vivian-Marie. Who knows? I still might add the hyphen! It would make me unique...like you!

Happy 70th Birthday to you, Ann-Margrock!
Regards, Mrs Love (aka Vivian-Marie)

Happy Birthday Shirley Temple Black!

Apr. 23, 2011

Dear Shirley Temple,

I have been your devout fan for many years. I have enjoyed all your films and I adore you because you remind me of my mother. Yes, that’s right. You see, my mother is just a few years younger than you. When she was a little girl, growing up in the 1930’s, she loved your dolls. However, her family was very poor and so she never had one. Later in life, though, my mother was finally able to get a “Shirley Temple” doll. She was thrilled to find one at an antique store. Today, in her room, in her home in Portland, Oregon, there are many pictures of you hanging on the walls and her Shirley Temple doll, lovingly placed on a stand atop a dresser. 

What’s more, I feel like I know you. I read your autobiography, “Child Star” many years ago. I enjoyed it very much and I was happy you mentioned my grandfather’s cousin, Louis Dean Palmer in the book. He was your tall body guard/chauffeur during your teen years. You called him “Palmtree” because he was so tall.  

And lastly, I remember you wrote in your book how your mother’s advice to you before each movie scene was: “Sparkle, Shirley, sparkle!” When my daughter, Stacy, auditioned for movie and tv roles as a young girl, I remembered this and I used to say it to her. I still say it to her on occasion…even though today she is 23 years old!  It’s good advice for just about any aspect of her life.

How I wish I had someone to tell me, “Sparkle, Vivian, sparkle!” as I went through life.

What a wonderful person you have been Shirley! Thank you for continuing to entertain us, even today. I’m sure that on this day, your 83^rd birthday, you sparkled too!

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Jack Nicholson!

Apr. 22, 2011

Dear Jack Nicholson,

I have admired your work for many years and loved so many of your films.

-You scared me in “The Shining” when you said, “Here’s Johnny!” (I read that you improvised that line!)

-You melted my heart “As Good As it Gets” when you said, “You make me want to be a better man.”

-You creeped me out in “Batman,” when you said, “As my plastic surgeon always said: if you gotta go, go with a smile.”

-You made me cry in “The Bucket List”, when you spoke at your friend’s funeral, “Carter and I saw the world together, which is amazing when you think that only three months ago we were complete strangers. I hope that it doesn't sound selfish of me, but the last months of his life were the best months of mine. He saved my life, and he knew it before I did.”

-You cracked me up in “Something’s Gotta Give” when you said, “I have never lied to you, I have always told you some version of the truth.”

Now Mr. Nicholson, I know you’re a huge Lakers basketball fan. I’ve seen you on TV, sitting there in your courtside seats. I know you’re completely focused on the game and have, on occasion, hounded the opposition and the refs. Once in 2001, during a playoff game, you were arguing with the officials so much that you were assessed a technical foul! And I know that you never miss a home game. Whenever you’re working on a film, directors have to work around the Lakers’ home schedule.

Now Mr. Nicholson, won’t you please invite me to sit with you at a game? Of course, my husband has a friend who takes him to the Lakers games and they sit in awesome seats near all the celebrities. Are you wondering why I haven’t been invited to go?  Well, I’ll tell you--mostly because I don’t really watch the game so much. I enjoy taking pictures of all the celebrities. Now, Jack, er, I mean Mr Nicholson, I’ll make a deal with you. If you invite me to sit with you at a game, I PROMISE I will watch the game and not take any celebrity pictures! I will behave myself. This would be the greatest honor of my life!  I’ll even wear my sunglasses too! Once you said, “With my sunglasses on, I’m Jack Nicholson. Without them, I’m fat and 70.”

Well, for the record, today you’re 74…but who’s counting?  Please, please, please! I’ll be waiting to hear from you, Mr Nicholson. I’ve got my Pau Gasol jersey on and thunder sticks in hand ready to GO!

Happy 74^th Birthday!

Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Conan O'Brien!

Apr. 18, 2011

Dear Conan O’Brien,

I love you because you--

1) make me laugh every day. I could be having the worst day and then I watch you and my day ends with a good laugh.

2) seem like you are real, genuine.

3) seem to love people and make people feel like they matter.

4) have great hair. (especially the Rolling Stone cover you did in 1996!)

5) have a great beard.

6) look like Tilda Swinton.

7) look like the president of Finland, Tarja Halonen. (Google it! You’ll see!)

8) made a college student famous by following her on Twitter.

9) write some of the finniest tweets every day.

10) would do really well on Jeopardy. You’re really smart! (graduated magna cum laude from Harvard?)

11) look great in jeggings.

12) are a good role model. NBC really screwed you over, but in an age where celebrities are quick to lose their cool and burn bridges (ie Charlie Sheen), you showed grace and dignity. On the final episode of The Tonight Show, you shared this advice: (I hope your youngest viewers were listening!)

“Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism; for the record, it's my least favorite quality. It doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen."

Today you’re 48 and I’m sure you spent your birthday with your family, because that’s how you are. Years ago, while my daughter and I were visiting NYC, we stopped in to the NBC gift shop and bought souvenirs. My daughter, who is a huge fan of your’s, bought a Conan O’Brien night light. I thought it was the silliest thing. However, last month I was staying at her home in Oregon. In the guest bathroom there was the Conan O’Brien night light. It made me smile. I think if you had seen it, it would’ve made you smile too.

Happy 48^th!

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Emma Thompson!

April 15, 2011

Dear Emma Thompson,

If I could be an actress, I would be you.

Why? Because of…

…Margaret Schlegel in “Howard’s End,” (this was the first time I saw you—I enjoyed the film so much, I later read the book…the film was better, because of you!)

…Dr. Diana Reddin in “Junior,” (what a ridiculous movie. Arnold Schwarzenegger gets pregnant? So sorry you had to make that film. But you still did a great job.)

…Elinor Dashwood in “Sense and Sensibility” (you met your husband, Greg Wise, while filming. He portrayed Wilhouby. He was told by a psychic that he would meet his wife on the next film he worked on. And he did!...and you’ve lived happily ever after! Right?)

… Sybil Trelawney in the “Harry Potter” series. (loved the glasses!)

…Nanny McPhee in the “Nanny McPhee” movies. (loved the mole…it was a character all it’s own!)

…Karen Eiffel in “Stranger Than Fiction” (how could you work with Will Ferrell without cracking up? What a great concept for a movie. One of my favorites!)

…Karen in “Love, Actually” (when you discover that your husband may be having an affair with his secretary, I wanted to cry with you. And all while Joni Mitchell’s ‘Both Sides Now’ is playing! You did an outstanding job of holding back the tears and holding it together. Then you kicked him out! Bravo!)

I marvel at you and your amazing talent. You have such range and you make the art of acting seem so completely easy. Certainly, you came from an acting family and so it’s evident you have the acting gene running through your veins. Looking forward to seeing what you do next!

Happy 52nd??? Birthday to one of the best!

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Anthony Michael Hall!

Apr. 14, 2011

Dear Anthony Michael Hall,

What do your friends call you? Anthony? Tony? Michael? Mike? Mr. Hall? Hey you? I will call you “Farmer Ted.” Why? Well, because of “Sixteen Candles” of course!  I know you’ve done other things besides “Sixteen Candles”…”National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “Breakfast Club,” “Edward Scissorhands”…but I’ll always see you as Farmer Ted.

Your roll as Farmer Ted, freshman geek was legendary. You spent the entire movie trying to prove to your fellow geek-friends that you were a lady’s man. And you bet floppy discs to spend the night with Samantha Baker (Molly Ringwald)! Young audience members don’t even know what floppy discs are! Lol

After crashing the senior party at hunky Jake Ryan’s house, you eventually managed to drive home the prom queen in a borrowed Rolls Royce! Priceless! Oh, and I loved how Farmer Ted still managed to remember to put in his headgear that night!

You taught us that a person can use their words and intellect to get pretty far in life. You don’t have to be the most handsome, popular guy in the place…just the one willing to take the right chances. (example: Bill Gates! Hey! I just remember you WERE Bill Gates in “Pirates of Silicon Valley!”)  Coincidence or Irony?

You said: “I’m not really a farmer. I’m a freshman!"

Well, to me, you’ll always be Farmer Ted!

Happy 43^rd Birthday Anthony Michael Hall!

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Claire Danes!

Apr. 12, 2011

Dear Claire Danes,

You are one of my favorite actresses. Why? Because you were in one of my favorite films…no, 2…actually it’s 3…ok, so now the truth is, it’s 5!

 

I loved you in “The Family Stone,” especially the final scene when Dermot Mulroney runs after you. Plus, your hair was so beautiful. It looked freshly brushed all the time!

I loved “Shop Girl” from start to finish. I had read Steve Martin’s novella many times. You know how you read a story and you have a visual of the protagonists? Well, when I heard you were cast for the film “Shop Girl,” I said there couldn’t have been a better shop girl! You were exactly like the girl I had in my mind’s eye as I read the book!

I also loved “To Gillian, on her 37^th Birthday.” You were so cute portraying Michelle Pfeifer’s daughter. I loved the scene where you ride your bikes together in the middle of the night. Plus, you got to go out on a date with Freddie Prinze Jr!  Ooooh lala!

Now Claire, I mustn’t forget to mention “How to Make an American Quilt?” I realize you were not the principal actor in that film, (it was Winona Ryder) but you did a superb job as young Glady Jo Cleary. You were the younger version of Anne Bancroft’s character. Of course I am a quilter, so you would expect that’s the only reason I love that movie. But no! I loved it because it was beautifully written, as well as beautifully filmed. Oh, how I loved the windstorm scene! The windstorm affects, in some way, all the characters. Furthermore, the film score is one of the best ever! Thank you, Claire, for being involved in such a wonderful movie!

And last, but not least, “Little Women.” Oh my goodness, Claire, just thinking about the scene with you portraying Beth, as she passes away, is making me get all teary-eyed right now! You were just at the beginning of your acting career, but it was evident that you were a talented young lady! Now let me tell you why I loved your character Beth so much. You see, I come from a family of 4 girls. One of us went on ahead to heaven, just like the character Beth. Your lines reminded me so much of my dear sister, Vanette: “Now I am the one going ahead. I am not afraid. I can be brave like you…I know I shall be homesick for you even in Heaven.” Oh Claire, you did such a superb job! Thank you so much!

You are one of those actresses that I know will be around a very long time. And I will continue to watch your films for a very long time. I hope you enjoyed this day with your new British husband!

Happy 32^nd Birthday!

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Joel Grey!

Apr. 11, 2011

Dear Joel David Katz,

So your daughter, Dancing With The Stars, season 11 winner, Jennifer Grey is really “Jennifer Katz”?  And I thought her name was “Baby!”

You said: “I think there's nothing like live theater. Everyone wants to be part of it. So why not try it.”  I must tell you. Not EVERYONE wants to be part of it. I would rather watch others up there on stage. I do much better as an audience member. I’m a great aplaude-er!

You won a Tony and an Oscar for the same role--your role as the Master of Ceremonies in “Cabaret.” You are an award winning actor of stage and film, and then you unexpectedly show up in TV shows like “House” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” I think that’s what I love about you—a gifted and brilliant actor.

You are also a talented photographer and have published books which showcase your work. Tomorrow a new exhibit opens at the Museum of the City of New York, called: Joel Grey/A New York Life. It will present your photographs and other memorabilia of your life. Oh, how I wish I could be there to see it!

Happy 79^th Birthday to the original Master of Ceremonies Joel Grey! “Life is a Cabaret ‘ol chum!”

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Michael Learned!

Apr. 9, 2011

Dear Michael Learned,

Your name is really Michael Learned? Your father named you Michael because he wanted a boy so badly. He had already picked out the name and even though you obviously were a girl, you were stuck with the already-chosen name. That’s quite amusing.

I knew you as “Olivia Walton” during the 70’s when my family and I would gather around the TV and watch you on “The Waltons.” My favorite thing about the show—your large kitchen table that you and your 20 kids would sit around. (how many did you have anyway? I lost count!) My least favorite thing about the show—John Boy’s mole. Did it bother you too? I thought it was kind of distracting. Perhaps he considered it a beauty mark like Cindy Crawford’s or Marilyn Monroe’s.

Now let’s get back to your name, Mike. May I call you Mike? Is that what your friends call you? Well, Mike, I don’t know if you noticed, but your name is actually similar to my husband’s. Both your names are part of a phrase. Example: “‘Michael Learned’ to play the guitar.” And my husband’s name: “I ‘Will Love’ you forever.” Oh well, Mike, it could be worse. Your name could’ve been Hank E. Pankie!

Wishing you a very Happy 72^nd Birthday, Mike!

Good night, John Boy.
Good night, Elizabeth.

Good night, Daddy.
Good night, Mary Ellen.
Good night, Mama.
Good night, Jim Bob.
Good night, Erin.
Good night, Ben.
Good night, Mama.

Good night, Mike!

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Zach Braff!

Apr. 6, 2011

Dear Zachary Israel Braff,

To be honest with you I never once watched your hit show “Scrubs,” which debuted in 2001.  It wasn’t until a few years ago, however, that I HAD to watch it. My daughter portrayed an intern a number of times, so I first started watching to find her on those episodes. She looked so young. I remember thinking there’s NO WAY she looks an intern!  Of course, she was definitely the cutest one! It’s just that I had never imagined my little girl running around in scrubs in a hospital!  She also was the best-accessorized intern! She had on a beautiful Tiffany heart necklace with her scrubs. Remember? You even made a comment about it. After all, how many interns do you see wearing Tiffany heart necklaces?

During breaks you were super nice to all the background actors. You even let my daughter listen through your stethoscope!  Ooooh Dr. Dorian’s stethoscope!

Filmed at a building that was once an actual hospital, my daughter said “Scrubs” had a great, friendly atmosphere. It felt like it was one big, happy family. Most of the time when the background actors weren’t filming, they were able to sit on comfy sofas and watch movies together. My daughter said she watched “Anchorman” three times in one day! Most background actors on other shows sit in uncomfortable chairs and until they are needed for filming, but “Scrubs” treated them great!

Furthermore, “Scrubs” gave one-line speaking rolls to their regular background actors, which is unheard of on other television shows!

As I told you Zach, I hadn’t watched “Scrubs” until my daughter worked on it. Then I was hooked. After that, I was a faithful fan for many years. What a funny show! Loved it! I wish I had watched it from the beginning. I loved your character, Dr. JD Dorian and your side-kick “Turk.”

One friend has described you Zack, as adorkable. Don’t think it’s a word? Well, look it up! It is! At least that’s what she told me!

You’ve said: “I'm on this TV show and I love doing it, but I don't want to be known always as the silly ‘Scrubs’ guy.”

I’m sorry Zach, that’s how I’ll always remember you. Its how I WANT to remember you!

Have a Happy 36^th Birthday!

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Ali MacGraw!

Apr. 1, 2011

Dear Elizabeth Alice “Ali” MacGraw,

The first time I saw you in “Love Story,” I was just a kid and I thought you were gorgeous. I did my best to wear my hair like you, get a suntan like you and I even tried to dress like you. Today your “Love Story” wardrobe would be considered vintage—understatedly chic—leather handbags, long plaid skirts, clogs, peasant tops. I don’t have to describe it to you. You remember, even though that film came out in 1970…so many years ago…those styles are back! 

 

How can I forget?

“What can you say about
a twenty-five-year-old girl who died?
That she was beautiful and brilliant.
That she loved Mozart and Bach.
The Beatles. And me.” (written by Erich Segal)

My girlfriends and I would often get together for movie night at someone’s house. We’d rent a VCR and video cassettes. (No one born before 1975 could even relate to RENTING a VCR—essentially the size of a small suitcase!)

We would rent the videos “Brian Song” and “Love Story” and watch them back-to-back. What were we thinking? Get the tissues! We bawled until our mascara ran and our eyes were swollen. Two tear-jerker movies, both in one night!

Ryan O’Neal played Oliver Barrett IV, the handsome, preppy Harvard law student and you, the beautiful Jennifer Cavilleri, a music student from a working-class family. Despite your opposite backgrounds, you fell madly in love with each other. He defies name and family for you and you die in one of the most famously attractive deaths in Hollywood history. (ok, does this story sound familiar? Does is sound like Titanic? Kind of. Although Rose is the wealthy one and Jack is the poor one…it’s a story that’s been done many, many times.)

It was a hugely popular film, making you and Ryan O’Neal instant superstars. We could all appreciate your beauty and Ryan’s sheepskin jacket. At least I could!

Now, Ali, there is something I would like to tell you that I’ve learned through almost 28 years of marriage. (I didn’t know this when I first watched “Love Story” as a kid.)  The most famous line in the movie was: “Love means never having to say you’re sorry”…um, what? Let me tell you, I don’t believe this is true. I believe that love means saying you’re sorry, but WITHOUT hesitation. It means you say you’re sorry when you’ve messed up. I have had plenty of experience saying I’m sorry, which means I’ve messed up many times! Nonetheless, you were beautiful saying it to Ryan O’Neal. And he was beautiful saying it to his dad at the end.

You were on Oprah last fall with Ryan O’Neal in a wonderful ‘reunion’ episode. You were gorgeous in 1970 and you are still! You see, Ali, there are some people in this world who are like that. They were born beautiful and they always will be. You are one of them.

Happy 72nd Birthday!

Regards, Mrs Love