Happy Birthday Brad Pitt

Dear Brad Pitt,
Sorry I'm a day late... Happy 49th Birthday! How can an actor be so good looking?

There are actors that I see and say: "Oh my! He's so handsome!"

Then there are actors that I see and say: "Oh my! I can't take my eyes off him!"
But you, Mr Pitt, are one of those actors (and there aren't many) that I see and say, as I cover my eyes a little, "Oh my! He's so gorgeous, he hurts my eyes!"

That is you! I had to cover my eyes a little the first time I saw you in "A River Runs Through It." I had to do the same when I saw you in "Legends of the Fall" and "Meet Joe Black."

I have wondered how Angelina has not gone completely blind! Although, perhaps you look at her and say, "She's so gorgeous, she hurts *my* eyes!"

How have you two survived? Hope you and Angelina and your 20 kids celebrated a wonderful birthday yesterday.
Will you adopt me too?
Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Neil Young!

Nov. 12, 2012

Dear Mr. Young

The year was 1979 and it was a Sunday night. I was a college student and had gone home to southern California for a weekend with friends. We were on our way back to school and took turns driving my friend, Danny's tiny little "first generation" Honda Civic. You remember them, Neil. May I call you Neil? Those Honda Civics were little and cute. They got great gas mileage and even though they had a back seat, there really wasn't room for more than 2 adults.

Anyway there were 3 of us going back to college that weekend and we decided to drive through the night and make it a "marathon road trip." We all had classes the next morning. Probably not the smartest idea...

It was dark and the night was clear. There were very few drivers on the highway that night. The music we were listening to and singing along with were cassette tapes of Neil Young albums, "Harvest," "Comes A Time" and "After The Goldrush." We were huge fans!

Everything was so peaceful and serene. I was asleep in the passenger side with the seat reclined. Another friend was comfortably asleep in the back. Danny was taking his turn at the wheel and he, too, was comfortably asleep!

I remember hearing a bang! It woke me up with a start! We had hit a reflector post and Danny lost control of the little Civic. We started fish-tailing and then the car went off the highway into a ditch. Next it rolled and rolled. We were screaming. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion.

Finally the car was right side up and smashed. Everything had stopped spinning but I remember I head hadn't. It was eerily quiet except for the sound of the Neil Young cassette tapes still playing.

We survived the accident, Neil. Miraculously we walked away with just minor cuts and bruises. I was thankful that we remembered to wear our seat belts. (I also remember how upset I was that the brand new pair of white jeans I was wearing had blood all over them. Like that was soooo important! Hey, I was 19!)

Every time I hear the music from those albums, Neil...I'm transported back to that night. I know it sounds like I'm sharing a frightful memory because of the accident. But looking back I'm reminded how lucky my friends and I were. Furthermore, your music also takes me back to the *good* memories of those years. It was simpler time in my life...happy, carefree years.

Thank you for your music and the memories. You said it: "Hey, hey, my, my, rock and roll will never die." ...and I know your music won't either. Happy 67th Birthday!

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Leonardo DiCaprio

Nov. 11, 2012

Happy Birthday Leonardo Cappuccino!

That's what my kids used to call you. Loved you in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" and a not-so-well-known film "Marvin's Room." As you blew out the 38 candles on your cake today, I hope you felt like the "king of the world!" (I know, I know...couldn't help myself!)
Regards, Mrs Love

PS. Looking forward to "The Great Gatsby"...however I don't know how you'll do a better job than Robert Redford! We'll just have to see.

Happy Birthday Burt Lancaster! You will not be forgotten!

November 2, 2012

Dear Mr. Lancaster,

Today you would have celebrated your 99^th birthday.  Instead you left us in 1994 just before your 81^st birthday.  I know you’re probably most famous for the “beach scene” with Deborah Kerr in 1953’s “From Here to Eternity.” And what a scene it was!  However, I want to thank you for one of your last, and perhaps not so famous, roles.  In 1989’s “Field of Dreams” you portrayed Dr. Archibald “Moonlight” Graham.  Thank you, thank you for playing that character!  No one else could’ve done it better!

Dr. Archibald “Moonlight” Graham:  “We just don’t recognize life’s most significant moments while they’re happening.  Back then I thought, ‘Well, there’ll be other days.’  I didn’t realize that that was the only day.”

And I can’t forget one of my favorite lines…you even said it as you disappeared into the corn field:  “I’d best be getting home. Alicia will think I’ve got a girlfriend.”

Such beautiful lines from such a beautiful film and delivered as only you could!

You said once: “We’re all forgotten soon or later.  But not films.  That’s all the memorial we should need or hope for.”  Thank you for all your films and beautiful work, Mr. Lancaster.  They are a great memorial to you…and you will not be forgotten.

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Dennis Franz, a sex symbol!

October 28, 2012

Dear Mr. Franz,

You said: “For lack of a better term, they've labeled me a sex symbol. It's flattering and it should happen to every bald, overweight guy.” It seems to me you think that a sex symbol is all about the outward appearance.  Well, that’s where you are wrong, Mr. Franz!

A couple of years ago my husband and I were in Santa Barbara for our 27^th wedding anniversary.  It was a beautiful spring day and I was sitting on a bench taking a break from shopping downtown, when you happened to walk by. I recognized you as someone from television, but I couldn’t think where exactly.  I stopped you and said:  “Excuse me, but who are you?  You’re someone aren’t you?”  Yes, I know I sounded like a crazy person, but you were so nice. You shook my hand and said: “Yes, I’m Dennis Franz. I was on NYPD Blue for many years.” When my husband walked up, I introduced him to you and you continued being gracious and warm-hearted. Surprisingly, we didn’t chase you off like a couple of crazed fans and you chatted with us for a few minutes. You even congratulated us on our 27^th wedding anniversary.  I even asked if I could take your picture with my husband.  We’ll always remember you as being so genuine.  You weren’t like some actors we’ve met who come off arrogant.  In case you weren’t aware, Mr. Franz, a man who is friendly and considerate to others is also a sex symbol.

Another way I consider you a sex symbol, I know you are a gifted actor. In your career you’ve earned four Emmys, a Golden Globe, and three SAG Awards. You starred in all 12 seasons of NYPD Blue from 1993 to 2005. Although many actors worked with you as Detective Sipowicz’s partners, you however were always there. I always knew from season to season that you would be there. You were why many viewers came back each season to watch NYPD Blue.
I read that you’ve been cast 27 times as a cop, Mr. Franz.  You just have that look.  In case you’re not aware, those who protect and serve are considered sex symbols.  Furthermore, as a young man you served in the US Army and fought for our country in Vietnam.  You are a “sex symbol veteran!”  Thank you for your service!

Last, but certainly not least, you are a devoted husband, father and grandfather.  You mentioned your wife and grandkids to us when we talked that day in Santa Barbara. You said you’re enjoying your retirement with your family there, away from crazy Hollywood. In read that you’ve been married to one woman and that’s probably the number one thing that makes you a sex symbol!

I hope you had a wonderful 68^th birthday with your family in Santa Barbara today.  We miss seeing you on television, but after all the years you worked so hard in Hollywood, you deserve a wonderful retirement.  Thank you from a fan who considers you a sex symbol!

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy 61'st Birthday Brian Grazer!

July 12, 2012

Dear Brian,

Today you’re 61.  It’s hard for me to believe that’s your age.  Perhaps it’s the fact that you were a surfer before you became a movie producer.  You have that surfer-vibe. Perhaps it’s your “distinctive” hairstyle.  It really makes you stand out in a crowd.  I know, because I saw you once a few years ago at a Clippers game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. You were there with one of your sons. My husband noticed you right away.  He said, “Hey isn’t that the guy Ron Howard’s partner?  You know, the guy with the funky hair?”  I said, “Oh yeah, that’s Brian Grazer!”  You were sitting in great seats…courtside, of course.  My husband and I were sitting a few rows behind you.  (cheaper seats, of course!)  I loved seeing you with your son.  I thought, here’s a guy worth millions, who’s one of the most successful producers in Hollywood today and he’s out enjoying a basketball game with his son.  Awesome.

Yep, you do stand out in a crowd! ...at a Clippers game a few years ago.

Now Mr. Grazer, there was something I wanted to talk to you about at that Clippers game.  Naturally, I didn’t want to interrupt private time with your son and I didn’t think security would let me go down to talk to you.  So let me take this opportunity to tell you what’s on my mind.  I am very upset that “Arrested Development” is gone.  In my opinion, it was one of the most clever, hilarious television shows ever.  I am very upset that it’s not on anymore.  I have had to resort to watching all three seasons on Netflix!   Now that just won’t do!  I’m sure there are many reasons it’s not on anymore and it’s not just one person’s fault.  However, I would like to request that you do something about it NOW.  You’re one of the most powerful producers in Hollywood today.  Can’t you do something to bring it back?  It would make me very happy.  In fact, it would make my entire family very happy.  Think about it, Brian, won’t you?

Mr. Grazer, I hope you enjoyed your birthday today with family and friends.  I’m sure Ron Howard was able to spend it with you!  J  Thank you for making movies and television shows that entertain.  Keep up the great work! …and bring back “Arrested Development!” (yes, I’m begging!)

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Tom Hanks!

“I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floatin' around accidental-like on a breeze. But I...I think maybe it's both." --Forrest Gump

July 9, 2012

Dear Tom,

I hope you enjoyed a Happy Birthday today with your family and loved ones.  I enjoy your films and admire your amazing acting talent. 

I’d like to tell you a story.  You see, many years ago my daughter worked on your film, “Charlie Wilson’s War.” She was only there one day on the set.  On that day she saw you come to visit.  She was surprised at your presence.  You simply walked onto the set wearing jeans and a baseball cap, relatively unnoticed.  You are one of the most talented, respected, well-paid actors in Hollywood, and there you were, walking around by yourself like an ordinary guy. 

During one of the breaks you approached some of the little children working that day. (The scene was being filmed at a park.)  My daughter overheard your conversation.  You were asking the children what they wanted to be when they grew up.  Many said they wanted to be actors.  You told them, “That’s great, work hard!”  My daughter said she could tell you were a nice person, very real, very normal…who just happens to have a brilliant talent for acting.

Now Tom, let me share another story with you.  It’s about a young actress who, although also well-known, considered herself entitled to be treated quite differently than you.  Lindsay Lohan. That same year, my daughter worked on the film "Georgia Rule."  Every day Ms. Lohan was late to work.  Many times she would arrive even 3 hours late.  This made all the crew and other actors have to wait and wait. It was quite frustrating.  Each Ms. Lohan would arrive in a dark SUV, with dark-tinted windows.  The SUV would speed onto the set, and like a well-rehearsed routine, first Ms. Lohan's hairdresser would get out.  Next, her makeup artist. Next her assistant.  Next her body guard.  And lastly, donned in dark sunglasses, Ms. Lohan would finally exit the SUV. 

Considering how many films you’ve been in, Tom, and the phenomenal talent you possess, one would expect you to come onto a movie set with an entourage in a blackened SUV too!  I’m glad you don’t.

You have said:  “I love what I do for a living, it's the greatest job in the world, but you have to survive an awful lot of attention that you don't truly deserve and you have to live up to your professional responsibilities and I'm always trying to balance that with what is really important."

Thank you for the many films my family and I have enjoyed through the years. We’ve loved you from “Bosom Buddies” all the way to “Toy Story 3.”

Happy 56th Birthday Tom Hanks!

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Johnny Depp! You're like a brother to me!

June 9, 2012

Dear Johnny,

You are like a brother to me. Let me explain why. You see, my brother, Mark McCune, looks like you…or rather, like your character, Captain Jack Sparrow.  Many people believe they have a doppelganger, Johnny, and say they’ve been told they look a particular celebrity.  (I WISH Mariska Hargitay was my doppelganger).  Once in a while someone looks similar to a celebrity and most of the time others say: ok, yeah, kinda.  Well, my brother really does look like you!

A few years ago he dressed up as Captain Jack Sparrow for Halloween.  Now it’s kind of evolved into a wonderful “gig.”  He reads to children in classrooms in the southern California. He encourages the children to read and have good values. He’s attended flag raising ceremonies, birthday parties, and of course, pirate festivals!  Children love him!  They go nuts!  Adults too!  They feel like they’re in the presence of the real Captain Jack Sparrow!  He even has the swagger down!  Now when I see you in films, Johnny, I see my brother Mark. Check out his website here: http://www.mycaptainjack.com/

Now Johnny, you’re one of the most gifted and versatile actors today.  I loved you in the early years of your career in 21 Jump Street.  My favorite of your characters is Edward Scissorhands.  You are an actor who can have a mysterious bad boy look (example Cry Baby or Fear and Loathing) but interestingly, you can also look kind and good (example Benny & Joon or Gilbert Grape). You can look creepy too! (example Sweeney Todd or Barnabas Collins).  I admire that you can work on kid movies and grownup ones, as well.

I read that you were born in Kentucky, 49 years ago today.  Kentucky?  This surprises me, Johnny.  You seem like the type of man who was born somewhere exotic like Istanbul or Bangkok. Kentucky?  However, I’m glad you found your way to Hollywood and became an actor.  People probably looked at you and said:  Now, there goes a guy who should be a star!

I notice that you work hard to keep your life private and I think that’s a good thing.  I’m glad we don’t see you jumping on couches or hanging out at The Grove in Los Angeles, just so TMZ can find you.  You’ve said:  “I’m shy, paranoid, whatever word you want to use.  I hate fame.  I’ve done everything I can to avoid it.”  I like that about you, Johnny.

Today you turned 49. You’ve said: “I’m not sure I’m adult yet” and if you keep that way of thinking, Johnny, you’ll be enjoying life a lot longer than most.  I hope you had a wonderful birthday with your family and friends.  Happy Birthday, my “brother” Johnny Depp!

Regards, Mrs Love  

My brother, as Captain Jack Sparrow, in Carlsbad, CA.

Happy Birthday Peter Gabriel!

Feb. 13, 2012

Dear Peter,

In high school a friend introduced me to your music. You were the lead singer and flautist for the art-rock band, Genesis.  It was about 1978 and until then, I was only familiar with the “Phil Collins-Genesis.”  However this friend played an album from the Genesis before that.  It was the “Peter Gabriel-Genesis.” I was hooked. You were so unique, with your distinctive music and extravagant costumes!  There was no one quite like you then, Peter.  And a flautist?  How rare it is to have a flautist in a rock band!  You, and maybe Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, are the only ones I can think of. 

You left Genesis to pursue a solo career and in 1977 you released your first solo album “Peter Gabriel 1,” which included the hit single, “Solsbury Hill.”  I heard once that it was a song about your departure from Genesis.  I thought it was about homesickness! LOL!   “…My heart going boom, boom, boom…’Son,’ he said ‘Grab your things, I've come to take you home.’”

I truly admire you, Peter.  You are not one of those rock stars who just sits around counting your millions--releasing an album every few years or so.  Not only do you produce music—even collaborating with other artists, you have your own record label, Real World Records, Ltd.  Furthermore, you are an activist.  Over the years you have worked with Amnesty International, as well as other organizations dedicated to human rights and environmental issues.  

As part of this 62^nd Happy Birthday wish, Peter, I would like to share some memories with you.  Your hit single, “In Your Eyes” is unquestionably my favorite.  It is one of those songs that I hear and a flood of memories comes back to me.  I remember when it was released in 1986 and played on the radio frequently.  It was a time when I would be driving home from a long day of work with my 2-year old daughter in the car.  Many evenings we would be sitting in grid-lock traffic on the southern California freeways.  I remember being so worn-out at the end of the day.  I would hear “In Your Eyes” and I sing along…  “I get so tired of working so hard for our survival.  I look to the time with you to keep me awake and alive.”

Something else that comes to mind is the 1989 Cameron Crowe film, “Say Anything.”  Who can forget the memorable scene when John Cusak’s character stands in the rain outside the bedroom window of his ex-girlfriend?  He’s holding a boom box above his head, playing the song “In Your Eyes.”  It’s brilliant!

In closing I’d like to quote something you said once:  “There has always been a strong relationship between music and religion.  It is because they both plug directly into the heart and can have real power for good or evil.”  I completely agree, Peter.

Thank you for the music and the memories!  Happy 62^nd Birthday!

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday James Dean!

Feb. 8, 2012

Dear Mr. Dean,

In my life I have been in situations where I’ve seen many actors--"cattle-calls" with hundreds of promising young men and women, hoping for that big break.  Now and then--and it’s rare--an actor shows up who has “it.” When they walk into a room, all eyes turn and look at them.  When they audition, they do it with ease, as if they were born to do it.  I read that while at UCLA you were picked out of a pool of 350 actors to play the role of Malcolm in Macbeth.  From the start, Mr. Dean, it was apparent that you were one of those rare actors who had “it.”

Having been one of the youngest actors accepted to the prestigious “Actors Studio,” where you studied method acting under Lee Strasberg.  In 1955 you were cast as the emotionally complex character of Cal Trask in Steinbeck’s “East of Eden.” Next was “Rebel Without a Cause” and then “Giant.” Shortly after the filming of “Giant” was completed, you were killed in a car accident while driving your Porsche 550 Spyder in Cholame, California.

Oh, how I wish I had been alive when you walked the earth, Mr. Dean!  You are one of those actors I would’ve sought out and made every attempt to see in person.  Just to be in the same place as you, would have been the thrill! 

In your life you only made a total of seven films. On screen, you have been one of those actors who I can’t take my eyes off of.  Sure, there are other actors on the screen, but they practically disappear.  In whatever role you have played, I could feel your emotion…sad, happy, lonely, angry…whatever.  

In still pictures, you were perfection. No matter the pose, it was flawless.

Mr. Dean, it is hard to believe that today you would have celebrated your 81’st birthday.  However, you left us too soon.  You will be eternally 24. 

Happy Birthday to a legend!

Regards, Mrs Love

Mel Gibson turned 56 on Jan. 3rd!

Dear Mel,

This month you turned 56.  I regret to inform you that you look much older.  I suggest you cut back on the cigs.  I’ve never seen you or met you…yet.  If, and when I do, I’m going to call you by your full name.  After all, it’s quite unique: Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson. When I see you, I’m going to yell out, “Hey Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson! Can I have your autograph?!”  I understand that you were named after a saint.  Sorry Mel, but you are the LAST person I would guess to be named after a saint!  And you were born in New York?  All this time, I thought you were born in Australia.  Thinking you were an Australian made you sexier.  A New Yorker?…I don’t think so!

Recently, while waiting in line at the grocery store, I picked up a copy of People magazine.  There on the cover, it read—“Ouch!  Mel Loses $425 mil in Divorce…Highest in Hollywood History!”  Yes, Ouch!!!  Although, considering your bad behavior in the last 5 years or so, I was not that surprised.  I’m sure most movie-goers were not either.

Do I have to list all the things that you’ve done, Mel?  Certainly not!  I wish things in Hollywood were like they were in the old days.  Hollywood was a well-oiled machine. Movie stars’ images were carefully orchestrated.  They were the beautiful people with beautiful lives.  Motion picture studios kept scandals hush-hush.  It’s not like that today.  I’m sad to say that I know way more about your bad behavior than I ever wanted to know.

On a happier note Mel, after researching your life, I discovered that you and your ex-wife were generous though the years with substantial donations to many charities. I was happy to discover this. An American film critic once said of you: “I can't define "star quality," but whatever it is, Mr. Gibson has it.” Yes, you had it, Mel.  That’s why I watched your movies.  Now I watch you in a whole new perspective…because I’ve read so much “garbage” about you.  Why not have your publicists publicize some good stuff about you?  Why not DO more good, Mel?  I think your fans would appreciate it.  I know this fan would! Although a little belated…Happy 56^th Birthday anyway!

Regards, Mrs Love