Bebe Neuwirth
New York, NY
The woman standing next to me here is none other than Bebe Neuwirth, star of stage and screen. She's been in a number of films and starred in quite a few musicals, but she will always be remembered for her portrayal of Dr. Lilith Sternin Crane on the much-beloved Cheers. Now, I hate to trivialize one actor's career to a single character, but having watched Cheers religiously for the length of its broadcast (and still today in syndication), it was exciting to meet someone I've been watching on television for years.
Admittedly, we both look like hell in this picture. But, Bebe had just spent the last two hours performing in Chicago. Me? I don't know what my excuse is. By the way, Chicago is a musical. I spent a good ten minutes trying to explain to someone what Ms. Neuwirth had been up to.
|
"She's in Chicago in New York."
"Huh?"
"No, see...she's in New York...In Chicago."
It was an Abbott and Costello routine.
|
Personality? I have to say I was surprised to give her very high marks. Not to say I thought she would be rude, but one has to think an easily recognizable, talented, two-time Emmy winner would tend to be a little impersonal. But, I have to say that she was one of the kindest, most patient people I've met. The night after I got this picture, I caught her just as her driver was opening the door to her car. I called her quietly so as not to bring too much attention her way. She could have very easily ignored me. But instead, she looked up, greeted me, and very kindly signed my poster as she sat in the car. Never once was impatient and even offered to sign my friend's poster I had sitting next to me.
After finding out how incredibly nice she was, I almost felt bad for daring my friend Jim to go up to her and shout "Tambourine!" (Die-hard Cheers fans will get that one.)
