Goodbye, Mrs. Robinson

[mollyringle]

Oh dear. I somehow missed the news, until today, that Anne Bancroft died last week of cancer. This makes me much sadder than celebrity deaths usually do, not only because she was so good in all her roles, but because I feel so sorry for her husband Mel Brooks, one of my most beloved filmmakers. It has always pleased me that a glamorous woman like Bancroft would marry a goofy, smart little guy like Brooks, and, in the sordid world of short-lived Hollywood relationships, stay with him for 40 years till death parted them. I may very well cherish laughter above all things, as I suspect Mel and Anne always have too, so I hope he can find it again soon.

Comments

[modmerseygirl.livejournal.com]

Aw, yes. I was very sad to hear about Anne's passing, as well. I agree with you about Mel & Anne! I hope he's doing alright.

[atherisch.livejournal.com]

ah wow, i didn't know this either. terrible news, she was somethin' else.

[elycia.livejournal.com]

I should have known you and I would feel similarly about this, knowing that we share a love for Mel Brooks' work. My *first* thought when I heard about her death was a rush of sympathy for him. I mean, dying of uterine cancer probably isn't pleasant, even when you're rich and famous enough to afford the very best of care, and I certainly don't envy her this end. But it's the ones left behind form whom I feel sorriest. From what I've read, Ms. Bancroft was the sturdy foundation that anchored Mr. Brooks and gave him the confidence to soar with more ridiculous and outrageous things than he might have otherwise.

My second thought was that now he and Gene Wilder share a truly terrible similarity. But I hope that Mr. Brooks will think to turn to Mr. Wilder now for advice and reassurance, for likely no one else will understand his current circumstances as well or with such compassion.

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

Aw, man, I didn't even think of the Gene/Gilda similarity! Now it's doubly sad. But, as you say, I guess Brooks & Wilder do have each other to lean on. May they recover their laughter together, as they are both so wonderful at inspiring it. The funny guys have my heart. *sigh*