In high school I was part of a weekly radio program called
“Teen Talks” in Eugene, Oregon. We
heard that Ed Sullivan was coming to town with a small group of actors,
including Tyrone Power, Raymond Massey, Judith Anderson and Martin Gabel to perform "John Brown's Body" in McArthur Court, the
largest performance space in town, mostly used as a basketball court.
Several weeks before his arrival we wrote a letter to the “Ed
Sullivan Show” requesting a personal interview with him. Much to our surprise, and delight, our
request was granted and we were given instructions to hold the interview behind
stage at the intermission.
The radio station’s sound engineer brought along his wire
recorder for the event and we were introduced to Mr. Sullivan. I don’t remember the relevant questions
we might have asked, like who was his favorite interview, or
how was he able to
transition so successfully from a writing career into television.
My interview with Ed Sullivan, May, 1955 |
When I am in the presences of famous people, and
much to my detriment, I completely lose my composure, thinking I will make a
stupid statement and true to history I did with Mr. Sullivan. Out of nervousness I asked, “How tall
are you, Mr. Sullivan?” and he said “Why, five ten.” And I replied, “No you’re
not. I am five ten and you are shorter than I am.” He kindly said that I must have been wearing heels – which I
wasn’t. I was so embarrassed by myself
that I froze and my companions breached the etiquette bump and asked some more
relevant questions.
Much to Mr. Sullivan credit he was a complete gentleman and
couldn’t have been nicer to a small group of inexperienced teens.
Thank you Mr. Sullivan wherever you are, and I am sorry to
report that I still have this composure impairment and still make a fool of myself in the
presence of greatness. I hope I
never have to meet the Queen.
What a great story (and photo!!)
ReplyDeleteNot to worry, Ms. Hart.....Ed 'The Mortician' Sullivan could make a few faux pas of his own.