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

Happy Birthday Bob Geldof!

Dear Sir Bob Geldof,

Yes, I know you’re famous for being an Irish singer, songwriter, and former member of rock band--The Boomtown Rats.  You’re famous for composing the song, “I Don’t Like Mondays.”  I sing that song just about every Monday.  Certainly, who can forget your hit “Do They Know It’s Christmas,” which became one of the best-selling singles of all-time and a popular video.

Not surprisingly, Sir Bob, you have been honored for your many anti-poverty efforts, like Band-Aid, Live-Aid, and others worthy causes.  However, what I best remember you for is your daughters’ names.  Yes, your daughters’ names!  Whenever friends ask me for name suggestions for their babies or pets, I always refer to your daughters.

Fifi Trixibelle, Peaches Honeyblossom, Little Pixie, and Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily.

Your youngest daughter, who now goes by Tiger Hutchense-Geldof, is actually the daughter of your ex-wife Paula Yates and Michael Hutchense (of INXS).  How notable that you fought for her custody after both parents had committed suicide. You said it would be best that Tiger be raised with her three half-sisters.  

Sir Bob, I must tell you that I admire your for your courage.  After all, I think it took some courage to name your children with such “creative” names.  My husband and I, on the other hand, were not nearly so brave.  With the surname Love, we chose simple and unassuming names for our children-- Julie, Stacy, and Todd.  Perhaps, if I had had more children I would have been braver!  How do these sound?... Fifi Love, Peaches Love, Little Pixie Love, and Tiger Lily Love.

I hope that you were able to celebrate a very happy 60^th birthday today with all your daughters.  However, I hope it wasn’t too elaborate, Sir Bob.  One magazine has reported that you are worth 30 million pounds.  I don’t know how that translates into American dollars but it sounds like a lot. Why not contribute it to one of your many anti-poverty causes?   Mmmmm, just a thought.

Regards, Mrs Love

Happy Birthday Gordon "Sting" Sumner!

Dear Gordon,
I first heard you in 1981. I was in a grocery store in Jaèn, Spain. "Every Little Thing" came on over the store's sound system.  I asked someone: Who is this? What song is this?  
I was told it was The Police and I've been your devoted fan ever since.  I knew the first time I heard that song would be forever etched in my mind.
I have a beautiful sketched portrait of you hanging in my sewing room. One of my daughter's gave it to me for Christmas. One day a woman came to see me about some sewing and she noticed the portrait hanging on the wall. She pointed and asked,  "Is that your husband?" I laughed and answered, "Ha! I wish!"
Thank you, Mr. Gordon Sumner, aka  "Sting", for who you are and for sharing your talent with the world. You will never be forgotten! {{and there will always be much rejoicing!}}
Happy 60th Birthday!
Regards, Mrs Love

Happy "Belated" Birthday Princess Diana!

‎7/1/11
Dear Princess Diana,
I think you were an absolutely remarkable person. You were a lovely girl brought up in a very privileged and sheltered background. Then, as Lady Diana, your life became that of a fairytale princess. The day you married your prince and became “Princess Diana,” I was in a Missionary Training Center, studying Spanish and preparing to serve a mission in Spain. I was not able to watch television and therefore, I was not able to see you walk down the aisle at watch the royal wedding along with millions of viewers all over the world. I remember feeling a bit left out. However, my sister Vanette watched every second of it and even woke up early with her college roommates to watch it live. They held a wedding reception in your honor in their apartment and invited all their friends. My sister loved you! She even cut her hair like you and dressed in the same style of clothes that you did.

You found joy involving yourself in numerous charities and used your fame for good. Royals typically involve themselves in charity work; however, with you the media followed your every move and recorded every moment of your work. You seemed very kind and genuinely caring for children, the elderly, and the sick. You said: “I want to walk into a room, be it a hospital for the dying or a hospital for sick children, and feel that I am needed. I want to do, not just to be.”

My heart ached for you as your marriage to Prince Charles fell apart. Like most of us, you had a number of human frailties which made you the “people’s princess.” Even though you were royalty, we felt we could relate to you in some way. It was apparent that your joy was with your sons. They’ve grown up to be wonderful young men as a result of the foundation you gave them. You’ve said: “Family is the most important thing in the world.” I read once that when your boys were young you would climb in a big bed and cuddle with them and have fun with a huge bowl of popcorn and watch movies…just as any mother would do! I’m sure to this day those are cherished memories of your sons.

When I learned you had been tragically killed in a car accident, I was shocked. I remember being so stunned I couldn’t speak. I was very upset along with the millions in the world who admired you. I cried for your children. Your boys were so young! Then I thought of my sister, Vanette, who I told you about earlier in this letter. She admired you and perhaps was one of the first to greet you in heaven. She had gone to heaven ahead of you by just a few years. I’m sure she looked up to you even in the life hereafter.

Diana, there has never been a woman like you since. You will not be forgotten and I’m sure your sons will make sure of that! How wonderful that William gave his bride, Katherine your beautiful blue sapphire ring! I’m sure on their wedding day, you were there in spirit.

You’ve said: “Carry out a random act of kindness; with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day, someone might do the same for you.” Although we never met, I know I have this same belief along with you. It is an excellent principle to live by! On July 1st, you would have celebrated your 50th birthday and I know you would've spent it with your family. :)
Regards, Mrs Love



Happy Birthday David Alan Grier!

6/30/11

Dear David Alan Grier,

Have you ever seen someone that looks so familiar, but you can’t remember their name? Well, this happens to me all the time, DAG.  May I call you DAG?  Because it’s your nickname and in view of the fact that you smiled at me once, I feel like we’re good friends. 

It was 2004 and my daughter and I were at “Theater Row” in Los Angeles. She was 16 years old and had written a play that was produced by the Theatre of NOTE.  It was performed six times at the theater on Sunset & Cahuenga. However, for the final performance, it was held at the Hudson “Backstage” Theatre on Santa Monica & Hudson. A larger theater was needed for the final performance since my daughter and 4 other high school students were to receive scholarships from Joey Travolta.

We were there early in the day of the final performance, watching rehearsals. During a lunch break we took a walk down Santa Monica Blvd. to get a bite to eat.  We met up with a couple of the actors, Frank Crim and David Connor.  We enjoyed a nice lunch and hurried back to theater. As we walked along Santa Monica Blvd, we saw a gentleman parking his motorcycle. He took off his helmet as he walked passed us, smiled and said, “Hi.”  Now, DAG, I know you’re involved with Comedy Central, who has one of the stages at the Hudson Theatre, so it really wasn’t too surprising to see you there. However, neither my daughter nor I could remember your name.  Once you were far enough away so as not to hear us, I said, “It’s that guy! You know that guy!” My daughter said, “I know, it’s him!  That guy! But what’s his name?” I said, “Oh yeah! It’s the policeman on Jumanji!”  She said, “Oh and he was on that show, Living Color! But what’s his name?” It wasn’t until we got home and had a chance to Google “Jumanji” that we realized exactly who you were—David Alan Grier!

David Alan Grier, star of Living Color, along with Keenan Ivory Wayans, “Carl” the police officer in Jumanji, Comedy Central stand-up comedian, etc, etc. I’m sad that it wasn’t until much later, that we realized who you were. You smiled at us, so we figured you were not only a talented actor and comedian, but also a friendly guy!

Much has happened since we saw you, DAG. You’ve been on numerous shows and performed in many venues with your stand-up comedy.  You were even a contestant on Season 8 of Dancing With The Stars.  And most exciting of all, you’re now a father!  Congratulations!

Perhaps I’ll run into you again someday, DAG. But this time I promise I will be prepared! I’ll go right up to you and say, “How you doing, DAG?” I won’t just pass by and give you a goofy grin…I promise!

Happy 55^th Birthday, David Alan Grier!

Regards, Mrs Love  

Happy Birthday Tobey Maguire!

6/27/11

Dear Tobey Maguire,

Your real name is Tobias? You just turned 36? You’re a father of 2?  You’re a recovered alcoholic? And most surprising of all, you’re 5’7”? These are just of few of the things that surprise me about you, Tobey.

First, you’re the only one I know named Tobias.  Furthermore, you’re the only one I know named Tobey! Oh wait, my friend’s cat is named Tobey!  I read you named your son Otis Tobias Maguire.  Hey, I have another friend whose dog’s name is Otis!  LOL!  Sorry, you’re probably not laughing. 

Next you’re 36, but hardly look a day over 17!  I know there’s talk of another Spiderman movie.  I realize you run the risk of being typecast, so you don’t want to be in it.  However, Tobey, what actor will they get to play a high school version of you?  Yes, Peter Parker in high school seems to be the premise of Spiderman 4!  A younger version of Tobey Maguire?  How can that be?

You’re married with 2 children! That’s wonderful, but also surprising. I was also surprised by the names of your children.  I’ve already mentioned little Otis Tobias, and his older sister is Ruby Sweetheart. Hey, my daughter has a poodle named Ruby! Ok Tobey, I’ll stop, I promise!

There’s talk of you in the news these days being involved in an illegal poker ring.  Say it ain’t so, Tobey!  I was shocked to read about it, but I was even more shocked to discover that you’re a recovered alcoholic.  You don’t even look legal to drink!  I was pleased, however, to find out you haven’t touched alcohol since 1995 and you overcame your problem through Alcoholics Anonymous. Bravo, Tobey!

As I said, most surprising of all is that you’re 5’7”?  I’m sorry to say it Tobey, but you look shorter! Many actors look taller on screen. You, however, look shorter. Do you remember when my daughter was placed sitting next to you in the “Broadway theatre” scene of Spiderman 3?  No?  Well, let me refresh your memory.  Things were set to shoot the scene, when suddenly director Sam Raimi stopped everything and placed another actress in her place. You see, my daughter looked too tall sitting next to you!  They couldn’t have a girl sitting next to the star look taller!  So my daughter was placed slightly behind you and to your left.  Remember? Well, check the DVD and you’ll see her.

I’m surprised you surprise me like you do, Tobey. You look like the “boy next door” but there’s more to you than meets the eye. You see, working on Spiderman 3, as you came on set one day, many actors didn’t even notice you. They said you were unassuming and rather “normal.”  Now, as a fan of Spiderman 3, I must say, that even as you transformed into the evil Spiderman and you had that “emo” hair, I wasn’t convinced. You were still the “boy next door.”

Now it’s not a BAD thing that you look like you do. You’ll probably always look like the “boy next door”…no matter how many candles they put on your cake from year to year.  So, Happy “belated” Birthday Tobias!

Regards, Mrs Love