"I STILL want to do my work, I still want to do my livingness. And I have lived. I have been fulfilled. I recognized what I had, and never sold it short. And I ain't through yet!" proclaimed that towering figure in American sculptor art, Louise Nevelson, late in life.
And she did go on, many years after this affirmation of "livingness." Ms. Nevelson was famous for saying, when introduced to people: "Have I slept with you?"
HOT WOMEN, hot drag queens and once-hot British prime ministers will liven up the month of June in NYC.
ON June 11, iconic pop goddess Debbie Harry will perform at amfAR's "Honoring with Pride" fundraiser. Among the honored: Oscar-nominated stylist Patricia Field and The Lady Bunny. The latter is the chanteuse, comic, founder of Wigstock, and never seen unless in full drag. This happens at The Edison Ballroom. Call 212-806-1607. Dress is festive, natch.
On June 15, two of Hollywood's most enduring stars will be feted in NYC. MGM's incredible survivor Debbie Reynolds (now playing The Carlyle Hotel) will be honored at a Friar's Club luncheon. Miss Reynolds, contrary to her old "Tammy" image, has quite a salty, wicked tongue. The Friars adore her ... IN ANOTHER part of town on the same day, Carroll Baker, she of the sexy honky-tonk voice and famous for films such as "Giant," "Baby Doll," "The Carpetbaggers" and "Harlow," receives The Medal of Honor from the National Arts Club.
Miss Baker is a fabulous actress and woman, who had to flee to Europe (where she had a hell of a good time!) after being blackballed in Hollywood -- she didn't want to make any more movies like "The Carpetbaggers." This is a big night -- Elaine Stritch, Rex Reed, Marian Seldes, Eli Wallach, Anne Jackson and Mercedes Ruehl pay homage. Call 212-475-3424.
AND ON June 22, Tony Blair (I always think of him as the actor Michael Sheen opposite Helen Mirren in "The Queen") will appear at the 92nd Street Y, interviewed by Matthew Bishop. They will chat about the impressive philanthropic work of the former British prime minister, not what he and wife, Cherie, really think about Queen Elizabeth II. Oh, well. Still, call 212-415-5435. Maybe Tony will loosen up onstage.
ONE MORE: on June 10, in little old New York, Woody Allen will host a screening of his latest movie, titled "Whatever Works." It stars Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood, Patricia Clarkson and Henry Cavill (you know Cavill as the handsome, cruel-but-conflicted, Lord Suffolk in "The Tudors.")
This movie is notable in that it marks Woody's return to the environs of Manhattan after several successful movies set in London and Spain. The Cinema Society hosts. Welcome back, Woody!
I HAVEN'T HAD a chance to read the new Vanity Fair, but the cover impresses me. There's Johnny Depp, and a cover-line screams "Uncensored! Unscripted! Unleashed!" It also should have said "Un-retouched!" Johnny looks great, but you can actually see the rough texture of his skin and a few lines. What -- you think only women are photo-shopped into ridiculous perfection? Good for you, Johnny, show us your real face.
However, I can't say I'm that crazy about the new cover of Esquire. Not because there's a naked lady. When is there not a naked lady on a magazine these days? But she's covered in lettering that refers to what's inside the mag. (Actually it's the first 48 words of the latest from Stephen King.) We have to read her body. It is distracting. But probably only to me. Others will love to read her. Leonardo DiCaprio certainly does! It's his ladylove, Bar Rafaeli.
This Esquire is very avant garde. You can't tell where stories begin or find the byline and sometimes you don't know what they are talking about anyway. I liked the men's fashion. It's so funny. I can't believe any well-dressed guy would pay any mind to it.
AT L.A.'s famous Book Soup, a party was under way celebrating Anna David's hot novel of prostitution, "Bought." Suddenly the reality star of "Cathouse" Brooke Taylor, (a real-life hooker), announced that any of her "clients" will get double the amount of time with her at the notorious Bunny Ranch in Nevada -- if they come in with a copy of the book!
The author was thrilled at the endorsement. After all, Brooke is no ordinary lady of the night. She is considered "the world's most famous and popular prostitute," profiled in respectable magazines such as Marie Claire. Brooke said "Bought" has "brilliantly captured a side of the industry many people have trouble grasping." And that wasn't a double entendre. Brooke is a straightforward kinda gal.
Listen, it's a new world folks, and if you're gonna be a bear, be a grizzly.
(E-mail Liz Smith at MES3838@aol.com, or write to her c/o Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207.)
