Good morning, friends. The sun's peeking out and I'm stoked. Who knows for how long but I'll take it where and when I can get it.
Last night I went to the premiere of "Love, Gilda" an excellent new film documenting the life of Gilda Radner. Tina Fey introduced the movie and she was super choked up. Gilda is everything to female comedians- particularly ladies who are not traditional beauties or amazingly funny women like Melissa McCarthy who are pee in your pants, physically funny beyond reason. I admire and love women who are willing to make themselves look absolutely ridiculous for a laugh. The best.
As we all know, Gilda died far too young from cancer at age 42. Watching all of those frizzy haired moments live from New York in the 70s gave me all the feels. What a profound time to be in this city and what a fantastic time for comedy. I'm so drawn to barrier breaking performances, design, music. I can't imagine how exciting it would have been to be part of all that.
And in addition, to know in your heart of hearts that you are only meant to do one thing, and one thing only. Gilda was performing from early childhood and there was never any question about what she would be. I have a deep respect for that one track mind/mission. As someone who has flip flopped and back when it comes to career, I truly wish there was that "must do or die" thing. I know that's not an easy path but at least it's resolute. I'm a bit bored of my wishy wash.
I'm sad Gildna isn't around to make us laugh anymore. Her path was not without struggle and ultimately ended in tragedy, but man did she burn bright, and her legacy continues to mean something with Gilda's House. Guess it's a bit like Neil Young said- it's better to burn out than to fade away. But I would have loved to see what she did next. And for women everywhere that realize it's not only perfect looks that make you irresistible, Gilda is a shining example of making the world better through laughter. G-d bless Gilda. And G-d bless the frizzy haired, elegantly wasted, heady days of the 70s. I remember as a little girl watching them go by and wishing I could be a part of it all. My uncle used to let me watch SNL when I was super wee and I was wide eyed watching how cool they all seemed. They still do.
Cause that's what's up this it's always something and if it ain't one thing, it's another kind of Thursday in the 212. Yours, in Roseanne Roseannadanna. XO