Remembering Ruth Ford

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Remembering Ruth Ford

Ruth Ford, actress and salon hostess, passed away on August 12 at the age of 98.

Ford came to New York in the 1930s and appeared in "The Shoemaker's Holiday" and "Danton's Death," which were produced by Orson Welles' Mercury Theatre.

She also performed in the short film "Too Much Johnson," also produced by the Mercury.

She also appeared in the original productions of Sartre's "No Exit" and Lorca's "The House of Bernarda Alba."

However, she began to host social gatherings at her apartment on the Upper West Side and found a purpose there.

The parties were attended by William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, and Truman Capote. She appeared in plays written by all three.

It was also at one of her parties where Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents met. That resulted in them working together on "West Side Story," which would establish Sondheim's reputation.

She appeared on the covers of magazines like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Mademoiselle. She also wrote a film adaptation of William Faulkner's "Sanctuary."

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Chita Rivera Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Chita Rivera Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

Actress Chita Rivera was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom along with 15 other recipients at the White House on Wednesday, August 12.

The award is the country's highest award for civilians.

Rivera originated the role of Anita in "West Side Story."

She received Tony awards for her performances in 1993's "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and 1984's "The Rink."

She was also nominated for a Tony for "Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life." That show was also her last appearance on Broadway.

Rivera was the first Latina to receive the Medal of Freedom. She was recognized for "breaking barriers and inspiring a generation of women to follow in her footsteps."

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Tony Nominee's Pedigree

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Tony Nominee's Pedigree

Karen Olivo received her first Tony nomination yesterday for actress in a featured role in a musical for her portrayal of Anita in "West Side Story."

It's just another accomplishment for this young actress, a former student of the Harrison School for the Arts and alumna of the Theatre Winter Haven in Winter Haven, FL.

Olivo had actually played Anita before, at Theatre Winter Haven. The producing director of that theater group remembers her as "steady, committed, and talented."

She started acting when she was about 13, appearing in a children's production of "The Magician's Nephew."

She actually started acting after her older did it.

She got a $500 scholarship from Theatre Winter Haven for promising high schoolers pursuing a career in the arts.

Since leaving Florida, she has lived in the Bronx for the last 13 years. This is her fourth Broadway play.

She has also been in "Rent," "Brooklyn," and "In the Heights."

"In the Heights" did win a Drama Desk Award for outstanding ensemble performance.

The Tony Awards will be announced June 7 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Remembering Marilyn Cooper

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Remembering Marilyn Cooper

Marilyn Cooper, Tony winner in 1981 for "Woman of the Year," passed away yesterday.

She was actually able to steal some of Lauren Bacall's focus in that show, singing a duet with Bacall and stopping the show with her punchlines.

Cooper's career stretched back in 1956 in "Mr. Wonderful." She also played Rosalie in the original production of "West Side Story."

She appeared in "I Can Get it for You Wholesale" and "Mame" as well as playing a number of roles in the Comden and Green (and Jules Styne and Aurthur Laurents" musical "Hallelujah, Baby!"

In the 1970s, she was in "On the Town," "Two by Two," and "Ballroom."

She also did a few straight plays in the '70s, frequently in Neil Simon shows. She was in "Broadway Bound" and "The Odd Couple."

Cooper originated the role of Agnes in "Gypsy," the Hollywood Blonde who develops a close friendship with stripper Tessie Tura.

She will be missed.

Gina Wilhelm Actress