Comments on: The Quick 10: 10 Residents of the Motion Picture Country House

By: Sharmagne Leland-St. John-Sylbert

Sharmagne Leland-St. John-Sylbert — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:53:29 +0000

Character actress, Madelyn Rhue lived at the Motion Picture Home for many years until her death on December 16, 2003 from pneumonia and Multiple Sclerosis.

Julius Harris ~ (Superfly)~ October 17, 2004~ Heart failure.

Donald O’Connor ~ (Singing in the Rain) September 27, 2003~Heart Failure

Jan Sterling ~ ( The High and the Mighty) March 26, 2004~ a series of strokes.

Richard Sylbert Oscar winning Production Designer~ Whose Afraid of Virginia Woolf & China Town (6 nominations) March 23, 2002~ Cancer. Lifetime Achievement Award Art Director’s Guild of America.

Tom Falk ~ TV actor August 23, 2003

Vaughn Wilkins~ Shot the famous shot of Janet Leigh undressing for the shower in Psycho~ Lifetime Achievement Award Cinematographer’s Union ~ Died at the Motion Picture Home after 2003~ His widow Joan Carey who is in her 80s was recently asked to leave her home at MPTF. Her family moved her even though the couple had liquidated their assets to live at the home until their separate deaths. Joan was Lucille Ball’s stand in on I Love Lucy, a stand in on Cheers for 10 years, Taxi, Frasier, etc.

By: fredsnothere

fredsnothere — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:35:44 +0000

I hear Will Ferrell, Ashton Kutcher, and Oprah are stepping up and putting their money where it really counts. YouTube’s on standby for a new televangelist PSA on how “everyone” should be ponying up “their” share for aging Hollywood actors.

By: NR

NR — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:58:06 +0000

Billie Dove !

Katzenberg was swindled and now he’s doing the same to sick people? I hope as a politcal power player that he’s a better person than that.
Sad. and if this is healthcare reform, the spirits of stars and others can’t be very happy.

By: Joyce

Joyce — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:18:21 +0000

Among those who lived and died there in recent memory Robert Quarry, Yvonne De Carlo, Carol Bruce.

Sounds like the place is no longer a charity.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:09:30 +0000

I bet that’s a place full of fascinating stories.

By: Bert

Bert — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:33:36 +0000

Wasn’t Johnny Weissmuller also quite famous for his swimming exploits?

By: -D

-D — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:34:26 +0000

typical blame the actors crap… FYI many stars, actors and crew have stepped up to donate. The MPTF is not accepting donations earmarked for saving the Hospital or Long Term Care facility. They’re vision for the property the Hospital is sitting on is one of high density independent living condos… for those who would like to inform themselves please visit http://savingthelivesofourown.org/

By: David

David — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:38:30 +0000

It’s not too late. For more info visit
http://www.savingthelivesofourown.org/

You can help by signing the petition at
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/keepthemptfhomeopen

Plus meet the residents whose lives are at risk and their supporters:
http://www.youtube.com/user/savinglivesofourown

By: Marty

Marty — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:29:01 +0000

These are just a handful of the residents throughout the years…two more include actress Mae Clarke (probably best known for having a grapefruit shoved in her face by James Cagney in 1931’s “Public Enemy” and many other character roles) and Mabel King who is probably best known as “Mama” on “What’s Happening?!”

Unfortunately many in Hollywood (especially those who were not huge stars and had infrequent work) didn’t plan on retirement and/or illness. Heartbreaking that this institution is closing. I hope something can be done.

By: Dorothy

Dorothy — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:01:55 +0000

Some big star needs to step up to the plate here and support the house.