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• Lurene Tuttle - one lovely lady

  • Jeff Lawrence
  • 2012-11-18

  This is not so much a review of her talent as it is a declaration of her total dedication to her craft and students that she took under her wing. I was introduced to Lurene in 1964. I was in great need of an acting coach. I had the physical atributes, but no experience as an actor. Before long we were close friends with me taking her on many errands. She absolutely refused to drive on the freeways, even when it was me who was doing the driving. I spent many Christmas eve's at her home with many of her students, one of which was Linda Kaye Henning, an actress (Betty Jo) on Petticoat Junction. She enjoyed having me escort her to quite a few award shows etc. One night, after honoring the commedian Ed Wynn, as we were exiting the building, autograph seekers were waiting out side. When the door's opened they flooded in asking for every one's autograph. Of course, they recognized Lurene, but not me. I looked at Lurene and said what should I sign. She said,- " just sign Rock Hudson, they'll never no the difference". I was tall and in my mid twenties, but didn't resemble Rock! She had a party for my wife and me and presented us with a complete china setting that was on our bridal registry. Wow! of course, we attended her funeral service at Forrest Lawn. The church was jam packed. Much love and many tears were in that room. I was luck to have had her in my life. Jeff Lawrence

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