Debbie Reynolds
In 1983 retired actor Max Showalter was working on restoring the historic Norma Terris Theater in Chester CT. Max invited many of his former co-stars to come to CT, show their films and then chat with the audience, as a fundraiser for the project. When Max brought Debbie Reynolds to WTNH TV to appear on our 5:30 news to promote the event, we were unprepared to deal with a Hollywood diva.
Debbie arrived sans face and asked to be taken to the makeup room where she clearly expected a hairdresser and makeup artist to make her camera ready. Instead she found me, putting on my own makeup before anchoring the 5:30 news on which she would appear.
Debbie was carrying a wig case and a tackle box full of makeup and was miffed to find no one there to assist her. We sent for the news director who tried to placate her. But Debbie hollered, ” I don’t want a director – get ME the producer” who explained that the makeup and hair people “had unfortunately called in sick”, but Ms. Smith would be happy to help.
And that’s how I found myself putting false eyelashes on a Hollywood legend. I must say that after she realized TV news budgets don’t include professional makeup people, Debbie was very gracious about my nervous attempts to “do her face” and she kicked into “the show must go on” mode. She gave us a great interview that day, and proved she truly is “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.”
This post was submitted by Diane.
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