| I only met Brian Dennehy once in 2003 on the night of his second Tony Award win. i had somehow ended up escorting Patty Clarkson around Radio City Music hall looking for her date Richard Greenberg who had won the Tony that night for "Take Me Out" They had become separated after he went onstage to accept his award. Finally we were told that Richard had already gone on to the Tony party. I was in a quandary as to how to get Patty to the Marriot when we ran into Dennehy and his party getting into his limo. i had seen both his James Tyrone and a few years earlier his Willy Loman (my favorite Willy Loman of the 19 I have seen.) We had met many stars that night, Patty and myself traveling around Radio City but finally I was rendered speechless. He and Patty exchanged mutual admiration and finally I found my voice. "Brian," I said, "could you take Patty to the party in your limosine? She and Richard Greenberg have become separated. If you have any trouble getting her in, just tell them Elizabeth McCann said it was okay."(she had)"Sure thing, Tom," he said slapping me on the shoulder, "I'll see that she gets in all right. We got room for you too of you want to come" I declined being only a lowly seat filler and somewhat astonished by the fact that I had just called Mr. Dennehy solely by his first name as though we were good friends and imposed upon him for a favor though not for myself. In my rented tux, (As such I didn't even mind that he got my name wrong) I walked back to my car thinking that he had just given me the third of three great evenings in his presence and as impressed by his personal magnetism as I had been by his acting talent. I regret I never had the chance to see him again onstage nor in person but truly wish that this great and kind man rests in peace. |
