Betty Garrett a Classic on Film, TV, and Forever
The other day I felt "lacking." So, I did what any reasonable person would do---I began reading my peep's blogs. On one of my favorite's--"Here in the Hills," there was a post about the author's friend's birthday and how much she was missed. It included the date of a series of movies showing on Turner Classics which would present her friend, Betty Garrett.One of those actor's names which sound familiar, but you can't quite place them I watched the 6 or so movies all day long, what a marvelous treat. (Loved seeing the original MGM lion!) Betty Garrett is one of those "working actors" who you see everywhere, on Broadway, in films and TV. Depending on your age, you recognize them from different eras.
Betty starred opposite Frank Sinatra in a couple of hit movies. She also had a role on Grey's Anatomy and won a Golden Globe for a turn on "All in the Family." In February she passed away at age 91. Betty was one of those working actresses I always dreamed of being. Her dancing ability far outshines mine. Those were the days when actors had to sing and dance too!
The best thing about Betty was how sweet she was as a woman, a friend. Her smiles were contagious, her comedic timing impeccable. (And she went to high school in Tacoma, Washington!) It is hard to find the whole package these days. Sadly, her career was side-tracked by the House Un-American Activities Committee fiasco during the 1950s, when her actor husband, Larry Parks, gave testimony and named names, leading to spot on the Hollywood Black List. (Such a devastating and pathetic time in our history.)
Still she remained upbeat and cheerful until the end. When I watched her movies ("On the Town," "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," "Neptune's Daughter," and my favorite "My Sister Eileen," I was looking at a talent from today (mentioned in my previous post) and seeing them later at my own age, until their death. My conclusion is what I have always believed: people don't change much at their core.
I don't need to see Lady Gaga at 54. I have seen Cher at 60, same thing. Talent is talent and as long as one lives it does not disappear. Health may slow us or stop us, but we remain pretty much just who we were in kindergarten. To me, I find comfort in knowing that. All the people who have entered my life are known to me, as much as they allow. I have been blessed.
Something about watching all of Betty Garrett's movies, seeing her on my friend's blog, celebrating her successes and mourning her final curtain call, made me feel full. Perhaps the actress in me was feeling sorry for myself the other day; but, I am only 54 and my chance may be ahead.
Okay, Betty, I am waiting for the mail to bring my book, "Betty Garrett and Other Songs: A Life on Stage Screen," any day now! Authors and Actors do live on forever, don't they?
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