Our friend Jami, who is one of the most popular Marilyn Monroe impersonators in the world (and in our opinion the very best), was kind enough to share some of her memories about Tony Curtis, who she’s met multiple times.  I know Jami is not only a big fan of Marilyn, but also of Tony as well, so I realize his passing was very sad for her to hear about.  If you’ve never seen the classic movie SOME LIKE IT HOT, in which Curtis starred with Monroe and the always great Jack Lemmon, you’re truly missing out on one of the best films ever made.  It’s a great showcase piece for all three actors, and was easily one of Tony’s finest moments on the big screen.  I’ve often thought when seeing Jami that we’re seeing Marilyn not just in looks but in spirit.  I just want to say sincere thanks to her for giving us a little insight to her meetings with Mr. Curtis… I only wish I could have been there to see the look on Tony’s face in person.  Here’s what Jami wrote:

I am deeply saddened at the loss of one of our last remaining classic hollywood icons, Tony Curtis.  I had the immense pleasure of meeting him twice in the last few years.  The first for the book signing of his autobiography and while posing for a photo with me he quipped “Marilyn it has been so long!”  Our second meeting took place at an anniversary showing of “Some Like it Hot” where he kept the audience mesmerized with his stories of hollywood and that trademark voice and twinkle in his eyes. I will treasure those memories forever.

You can see more on Jami at – DeadlyCurves.com

Photo credit – ExpoSay.com

.

Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, in happier times

I’m still not over my sorrow with us losing the wonderful Kevin McCarthy, and in just the past several days we’ve lost Gloria Stuart (TITANIC) and director Arthur Penn (BONNIE AND CLYDE). But today we say farewell to yet another showbiz great.  Tony Curtis, who was 85, passed away reportedly at midnight on Wednesday evening at home in Nevada.

Curtis and Marilyn Monroe

Well known for his flamboyant and lively personality, Curtis became famous for memorable roles in classic films like SOME LIKE IT HOT (where he co-starred with Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe) and SPARTACUS (where he acted alongside Kirk Douglas). Tony liked to jump back and forth through different film genres in an effort to avoid typecasting. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in THE DEFIANT ONES (1958), and won two different Golden Globe Awards in the 1950’s and 60’s. Curtis kicked off his leading man career with iconic characters, such as his portrayal of real-life infamous magician Harry Houdini in HOUDINI (1953), which is also noteworthy as Tony performed many of his own magic tricks in the film (he was an amateur magician as well), and the superbly named auto engineer Johnny Dark in JOHNNY DARK (1954) – a great film for fans of racing. Another terrific performance was that of Sidney Falco in 1957’s THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS, in which Curtis co-starred with Burt Lancaster. In the years that followed, Tony had on and off success with television, appearing in shows like THE PERSUADERS! (1971-72), McCOY (1975-76), and VEGA$ (1978-81). He wasn’t above making surprise appearances on popular series like THE FALL GUY and ROSEANNE, to name but a few. He even provided his voice as “Stoney Curtis” on THE FLINTSTONES. A hard-working actor until the end, it’s rumored he was shooting a film (called MORELLA) to be released next year – no confirmation on that as of this writing.

Curtis also discovered passion in painting, frequently talking about his love of art and producing artwork on canvas. He found himself in and out of marriages, including an 11-year bond with Janet Leigh, who co-starred with him in HOUDINI, and together with Tony gave us Jamie Lee Curtis. In recent years he dealt with a number of health issues, and was suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Curtis was in the hospital beginning in July of this year for breathing trouble. He never let age become a deciding factor for his outlook on life. Tony lived rough, and went through rough times, but he always had a smile on his face, and for many years a spring in his step. Listen, 85 years is a good number, and looking back on some of the films, this is a man that had a decidedly impressive career. Oh sure, Tony had his share of flops too, but as we learn film by film even with the most popular actors today, no one in show business is perfect. Hollywood has lost another great performer, and we can only hope future generations make it a point to remember the work of Tony Curtis.

Be Sociable, Share!

• 
•