Tribute to Eli Wallach

[chicagodannyd]

Posted: 6/26/14 at 4:26pm

A number of years ago, my brother and I wrote Eli Wallach, requesting him to star in our play. It was our first play and we were completely unknown as writers. We were no different than any kid walking the streets of L.A. or New York, seeking his or her first opportunity in theatre.
To our astonishing surprise, Eli Wallach responded with a long letter, a hand-written sincere letter. It is truly amazing that a famous person would ever take the time to write someone who has no standing in show business. This is the only communication I have ever heard of in my life where a famous actor wrote to unknown people. But that was Eli Wallach. The thought that an erudite American actor would sit down and write a hand-writen letter to common people is still astounding to me. Eli Wallach was a real guy, a normal person, not infected with the craziness that permeates show business.