Hello Friends… So much has been going on… I’m sad to say that the very talented multi hyphenated actress Margaret Kerry has left us, age 97. To Disney fans worldwide she is known as the model for the iconic Tinkerbell. We first met on the red carpet of the Annie Awards many years ago.. I was excited to hear that Tinkerbell would be attending and couldn’t wait to meet her. Margaret was super delightful and did not disappoint. In one of our many following discussions we talked about the urban myth that Marilyn Monroe was the model for Tink. She said I could call her Tink. It’s easy to see why people believed that myth but Margaret was the real deal. To my surprise she said “But I knew Marilyn, we did a swimsuit modeling job together at the Beverly Hills Hotel many years ago…“
As a longtime MM fan and Hollywood historian I was very interested to hear the details of how they met…“We models were in a few hotel rooms where we changed into our swimsuits… One of the models was running late (guess who…) All of a sudden there was a knock on the door and in walked the most beautiful blonde I had ever seen…Us girls surveyed her and we came to the conclusion that this was going to be the girl that would get the most attention that day. She was very sweet and lovely and just totally gorgeous and without a mean bone in her body. None of us were jealous we just knew she was going to steal the show” She seemed a bit lost and told me she was concerned about how to get in touch with a very important executive that was in Europe so I helped her find the phone and as the day went on we posed in various ways around the pool. At one point Marilyn and I were sitting at a table relaxing while the other girls were working… I had my little camera with me and said “Marilyn, can I take your picture?” and she answered “only if I can take yours“ so we took turns taking each others photos. She was a very nice person`.
I often volunteer getting guest speakers for the annual Marilyn Monroe Memorials and read greetings from celebrities that knew MM. I got in touch with Marilyn Remembered fan club president Greg Schreiner and he gave me the green light to invite Margaret to speak. She was a huge hit. Margaret was one of the nicest, sweetest, kind people I have ever met. Once we were having lunch at her favorite Glendale coffeeshop and she was talking about her life , her facial recognition problem and her career and I said to her `Margaret, you`re a national treasure`. She smiled and humbly thanked me. She told me how Disney treated her so well jetting her to multiple fan events yearly. She was having the time of her life and she was about 90. Very inspiring. Sometime over the next few months she disclosed to me that she had rekindled her romance with her highschool sweetheart Robert Boeke Robert had been in Holland with friends when he saw a picture of Tinkerbell.in a store. “Ì used to date Tinkerbell in highschool“ he said to his friend. `You should get in touch with her“ his friend said. Òh, she won`t remember me` he replied “Get in touch with her“ his friends encouraged. Eventually he did and the romantics sparks flew. “Ì had never forgotten him` she said “and I still had and treasured the jewelry he gave me in highschool…”
Tinkerbell and her Prince Charming spent the next 7 years together… it was a storybook romance. They were sitting at a Cracker Barrel one morning having breakfast. ” Ì have a question for you` Robert said. `Whatever it is the answer is yes`she replied and they were soon married I believe on Valentine’s Day. Dreams do come true. Robert predeceased her a few months before she died of lung cancer on June 11. She never smoked. Travel well Margaret and Robert. You made the world a better place.
I`m sad to also report about the untimely passing of actor Idrees Degas. Apparently one night he went for a drive to relax and was caught in a high speed police chase. Idrees was a super nice guy who will be missed. I always admired his dedication to his acting and was about to go on to bigger things. He was only 62. His good friends Kat and Karen Kramer shared “We are very shocked and saddened by this tragic loss. Life is too short and Idrees’ life was cut short as he prepared for an important moment in his career playing Miles Davis in Miles Davis After Dark ” Added Kat ‘He was a wonderful person and volunteered on my film series highlighting socially conscious films… and he brought his talent and radiant presence to our table read of “Our Father’s Glory’ that I co wrote with Michael Gogin and the late Dan McClintock. Rest in peace dear Idrees ”
On a happier note the Marilyn Monroe Centennial was a smash hit. Thousands of people flew to Los Angeles to enjoy the beautiful exhibits at The Academy Museum and the beautiful Hollywood Museum and to enjoy festivities and screenings of MM movies. The Costume Designers Guild hosted a screening of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes on the FOX lot and included a tribute to legendary MM designer William Travilla followed by a party in the commissary where MM often ate.
The Marilyn Remembered fan club hosted multiple celebratory events including a pool party at the Beverly Carlton Hotel where MM once lived and shot her first Life Magazine cover in her tiny apartment. Around the world there were festivities and celebrations. Short Takes: The celebration of life for famed publicist Ed Lozzi went very well and was very well attended. It was produced by longtime friends and colleagues Roger Neal and Marie Foti.
Jay Leno was spotted by photographer Martin Rayala performing at The Ice House in Pasadena .. John Travolta ‘s directorial debut “Propellor – One Way Night Coach” has been well received. The Paley Center in NY celebrated the Charlie’s Angels 50th Anniversary. Angel Cheryl Ladd could not attend (family comes first she said in her note) Jaclyn and Kate were very well received. Farrah Fawcett ‘s former assistant author/actor Mike Pingel flew out for the event and sent me pictures . Dua Lippa and Callum Turner are honeymooning in Salerno Italy. Madonna and Kate Moss had a blast filming her 14 minute short film to promote her new album “Confessions 11 – The Film” . MM friend legendary actress Terry Moore received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2nd Annual Military and Veterans Entertainment Awards. Son Grant Cramer was proud to create her video tribute and the award was presented by Gloria Allred. Another MM friend legendary actress Mamie Van Doren ‘s new book ” You Thought I was Dead ” is a must read. She is alive and well at 95 and the only living survivor of the 50s Three M’s… Monroe, Mansfield and Mamie.
Cheers to you friends… Until next time… HH
Editor’s Note: Posted hurriedly to make deadline—awaiting final edit and photo collage. Check back.