What was the first movie you fell in love with?
I think it was the first movie I ever saw which was Mary Poppins in 1964. I went to the movies to see it and I’ll never forget it. I still love that movie very, very much. I’m a big Sherman Brothers fan and a big Walt Disney fan. As she says in the movie, “practically perfect in every way.”
What artist or figure has been most influential in your life?
That’s really hard. There are many and you can’t pick one. No…I would say, Lily Tomlin, Robert Klein, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, and Craig Russell. A lot of people don’t know who Craig Russell was, but he was a brilliant female impersonator in the ‘70s. So those are the big ones to me as far as comedians. As far as actors go…Brando, De Niro, Montgomery Clift, Jimmy Cagney. I love Cagney. Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Katherine Hepburn. That’s a list there.
What is one skill people would be surprised to know you have?
I’m a mixologist. I can make a good cocktail.
What is your favorite movie moment?
Oh come on! I love “Happy Endings” in New York, New York. That’s my favorite ‘70s movie moment. And then I love “The Man that Got Away” in A Star is Born. So there’s mother/daughter…there’s a theme there.
What movie speaks to your soul and why?
Raging Bull speaks to my soul because it’s so Italian and it’s so on the money. Scorsese is one of the only ones who really knows how to do Italian-America. It’s accurate. So in Raging Bull, I see a lot of that in my family: redemption, not talking to your siblings, all that stuff.
Which movie do you watch when you need to escape?
The Happiest Millionaire. It’s like a big bomb of a musical. Forgive me, but I loved it. It’s mindless and really good and enjoyable.
What was the last movie that made you cry or laugh?
The one that made me cry was Coco, the Pixar movie. I wept like a baby. Luca is a close second. It’s Italian and it’s a bromance which Disney never does.
How do you relax during stressful times?
I cook, I bake, or I watch a movie.
What movie have you watched so often you can quote it?
All About Eve.
What is the one movie you would recommend to someone to get them started on their journey into classics?
I would recommend Sunset Boulevard. If they want more of a male-driven movie, I would say any Cagney movie. I would say Angels with Dirty Faces.
