Tony Curtis RIP

Sad news this morning about Hollywood icon Tony Curtis, who passed away at the age of 85.

I loved watching Tony on screen in movies like THE DEFIANT ONES, THE GREAT RACE, HOUDINI and SOME LIKE IT HOT.

But my fondest memory of this versatile actor will always be interviewing him last year on my BlogTalkRadio show, Movie Addict Headquarters. Both Tony and I were trying to communicate despite some serious hearing problems – and when I introduced myself as Betty Jo Tucker, he raved about my name, then said something like “I’ve got just the film for you. Listen to this: Betty Culpepper in MONTANA FALLS!”

From that day on, I became Betty Culpepper to many of my friends.

And that makes me smile.

Tony went on to charm listeners with fascinating personal stories, mostly about Marilyn Monroe and behind-the-scenes antics relating to SOME LIKE IT HOT.

Condolences to Tony’s family, friends and fans. He will be missed.

Hotel Del Hosts Movie Celebration

Some Like It Hot, one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedies, celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, and I can’t think of a better location than the Hotel del Coronado to hold a big shindig for this wonderful movie classic. After all, that’s where the film was shot – plus a more beautiful setting would be hard to find. Tony Curtis, who played Joe/Josephine, will be at the event and plans to sign copies of his new book, The Making of “Some Like It Hot”: My Memories of Marilyn Monroe and the Classic American Movie.

My own memories of the Hotel Del include attending its lavish 100th Birthday Party and spending my honeymoon there. I’m probably the only one who ever got lost at this respected establishment and needed rescue after being trapped on the roof! But that’s another story entirely.

The Hotel Del’s Some Like It Hot celebration is scheduled to take place in San Diego during the last weekend in September. You’ll also be able to hear Tony Curtis, a noted raconteur, talk about his book and his experiences as one of the film’s great stars on my Movie Addict Headquarters show on September 15th at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. Here’s the link:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters