For Thursday, December 23, 2010: Another mention of Sharon as Marilyn, Sharon and Paul Bern and Roman Wins Award

Another mention of Sharon as Marilyn.  This digital photo really seems to be making the rounds these days:

http://paraphernaliainyourcloset.blogspot.com/2010/12/sharon-tate.html

More about the Jean Harlow-Paul Bern-Sharon Tate connection here, although many of you have probably already heard this story:

http://www.suite101.com/content/sharon-tate-encounters-harlow-house-ghost-paul-bern-a323940

And sorry if this is old news to you but I found this on Roman from December 4:

Roman Polanski wins best European picture award

(AP) – Dec 4, 2010

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — Roman Polanski's "The Ghost Writer," a story of a journalist hired to write the memoirs of a British prime minister, has won the prize for best film at the European Film Awards.

Polanski, who was awarded the Silver Bear for best director at the Berlin Film Festival, also took five other key prizes at the ceremony held in the Estonian capital, Tallinn, late Saturday.

Nominated in seven categories, the movie won the best director prize, best actor for Ewan McGregor, and best screenwriter went jointly to Robert Harris and Polanski.

"You have awarded a truly European venture. This is too much ... thank you very much," Polanski said in an acceptance speech through a Skype connection from an unknown location. "I wish to thank — before anything — this wonderful crew I had, a truly European crew."

It was not the first time that the Polish-born director has received recognition from the European Film Academy.

The 77-year-old Oscar winning director of movies like "Rosemary's Baby" and "Chinatown" was honored with a lifetime achievement award in 2006 in Warsaw, Poland.

In Tallinn, French composer Alexandre Desplat was awarded for best composer while his compatriot film editor Herve de Luze won the production designer prize for Polanski's movie, which was mainly shot in Germany.

"The Ghost Writer," about the memoirs of a politician, played by Pierce Brosnan, is loosely based on former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Its production was a tangled tale for Polanski.

As he was finishing the movie in September 2009 Polanski was taken into custody at Zurich airport by Swiss police at the request of U.S. authorities to face prosecution in a 1977 child sex case. He had to finish editing the film while in Swiss prison before being released on house arrest.

In July, Polanski was freed after the Swiss government declined to deport him to the United States. But he still faces an Interpol warrant in 188 countries. Most European nations, including Estonia, have an extradition treaty with the United States.

McGregor, who played the ghostwriter, said he had a "fantastic time" while making the film.

"More than any other part I've played I feel like the director Roman Polanski had his hands really on my performance and is as worthy of this award as I am," McGregor told the audience through a video message from Thailand, where he is currently shooting a film.

Among other prizes at the academy's 23rd annual awards ceremony, Swiss actor Bruno Ganz was honored with a lifetime achievement prize handed out by German director Wim Wenders.

Ganz, 69, with a screen career that spans five decades with memorable performances in Wenders' "Wings of Desire" and "The American Friend," in which he costarred with Dennis Hopper. He is also remembered from his acclaimed performance as Adolf Hitler in the 2004 German drama "Downfall" that portrays the last days of the Third Reich.

French actress Juliette Binoche presented the European achievement in world cinema award to Lebanese composer and musician Gabriel Yared, who has written scores for "The English Patient" and "The Talented Mr. Ripley."

The prizes — the European equivalent of the U.S. Academy Awards — have been presented since 1988 by the European academy to celebrate the continent's film industry as a European counterweight to the Oscars.

Sharon Tate Compared to Jean Harlow, Kerstien Matondang and New Video, Rare Sharon Photo, Sharon's Style and More on Polanski

I haven't done one of these for awhile so I thought I'd do another comparison article on Sharon and Jean Harlow:

Jean was born at 5: 40 pm-CST time while Sharon was born at 5:47 pm-CST time (close), but on a different date.

Both were part of the studio system and were designed to show off their sex appeal even though they really could act and do more if the role called for it. 

Both were very close to their mothers who were in turn, very protective of their children.  Their mothers were never the same after their children's deaths.  In addition, both had their mother's laid to rest with them.


Both had kind natures and would give you the shirt off their backs if you needed it.


Both were generous to fans, happily signing autographs and answering fan mail--sending autographs.


Both worked for MGM and 20th Century Fox studios.


Harlow dated Max Baer, Sr while Sharon dated Max Baer, Jr though the second couple were actually more like good friends.

Other sex symbols/blonde bombshells have followed (including Sharon and Marilyn Monroe), but it is Jean Harlow who all others are measured against.


Both adored animals and had dogs.

Both were beautiful and married older men.


Both have been mentioned in song, for instance, Harlow was mentioned in Madonna's 'Vogue' song and Sharon was mentioned in The Aluminum Group song "Miss Tate."  Others have mentioned them in their music as well.


Both starred in bit parts in movies eventually leading to larger roles.


Harlow's first film, "Hell's Angels" was shot twice. Once with another actress as a silent film, then with Harlow as a talkie film.  Sharon had a similiar incident with her first major film when, Kim Novak backed out of filming "Eye of the Devil" and it had to be shot twice, the second time with Deborah Kerr in Novak's role.


Both displayed a talent for comedic performances and had a great sense of humor off camera as well.


Both were continuously on the ascendant in their careers, parts were starting to get better and show more range.


Neither wore underwear; Jean never did and Sharon stopped because she said Polanski didn't want the mark lines to appear on her beautiful body.  In addition, both were photographed in the nude.


Both smoked, Harlow's brand was Fatima while Sharon preferred Tareyton.

Both also appeared in fashion magazines and were cover girls on many of them.

Both lived at a time at the Chateau Marmont, the famous Los Angeles Hotel.  And both lived on Easton Drive in Benedict Canyon: this is where Harlow's husband Paul Bern committed suicide and years later, Jay Sebring bought the house and supposedly Sharon had a premonition there according to this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ow3uOnkwcg

Both died tragically at the age of 26 and were buried in California. 

At the time of their deaths, everyone commented on how loved they were by so many and that neither had any enemies.

Do you have any to add?  Feel free to comment.

Kerstien's new video is ready!  Exciting! Here it is...

http://www.kerstien.se/sharoninart.htm

A rare lovely new photo of Sharon here:

http://rubenigga.tumblr.com/post/519070089/bohemea-sharon-tate

Sharon's style:

http://www.polyvore.com/sharon_tate/set?id=17972654

And can't Polanski have a nice afternoon with friends without being critized for it?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1267240/House-arrest-looked-better-Shamed-director-Roman-Polanski-enjoys-sunny-lunch-friends.html

Just a Pretty Girl in San Pedro--Now Look Sharon Tate and more

Here is another great newspaper article from Melissa in Canada:

Independent Press Telegram - Women and Travel , August 21, 1966

Just a Pretty Girl in San Pedro--Now Look!

By Margaret McKean

"The lid's off Hollywood's newest sex pot!" screams the tabloids.

"She left for England just a pretty girl... and came back an actress," says her mother. 

The girl who was underwraps for three years--producer Martin Ransohoff barred pictures, parties and premieres--is Sharon Tate, who formly lived with her parents in San Pedro.

She began her career as an extra in a movie being filmed in Verona, Italy, where her father Maj. Paul Tate, U. S. Army was stationed.

"There wasn't anything so great in her being chosen... Everytime an American film company they called the Army base for extras who looked like Americans," her mother shrugged.

On the set Sharon became good friends with actor Richard Beymer, who told her, "When you get to California, call my agent."

She did and with absolutely no experience (she'd never even been in a school play), began a round of auditions.  Ransohoff saw her and barked, "Take that girl out of the line--we'll put her in films."

It's reported that he's spent a million dollars in the past year to perfect Sharon's talk, walk and ways.  She's had drama, ballet, singing, gymnastics, diction and horseback riding lessons.

She's finished two movies titled "13" and "Vampire Killers," both shot in England and France.  She worked with David Niven, Deborah Kerr and one of Europe's favorite actors, Roman Polanski.

A few weeks ago Sharon's mother got a phone call from the studio, "Sharon wants you to meet her plane and we'll go from there to the Beverly Wilshire."

"It'll be a chance to get caught up on what's happened during all the months she's been away," her pretty mother thought.

But stardom does not have much time for girl talk.  After arriving, Sharon fell into bed to get a few hours' sleep before a 9 am wardrobe call.

Since then she's been on the set "Don't Make Waves" with Tony Curtis in Malibu.

A stage mother Gwen Tate is not.  "This is the life Sharon wants, she can have it.  She was always kind of pretty and I'll have to admit that she's worked hard.  She'll be 24 next January and it would seem she's behaved herself and come through all this glamour pretty well."

There are no raptures or glowing gushiness from the star's mother or kid sisters, Debbie, 13 and Patti, 9.  Her father is now stationed in Korea and tape recordings the family exchanges center on such important things as 'how mother and dad can take another long separation' and 'is the yard work getting done?'

"We've got a new house in Palos Verdes and Sharon hasn't even had a chance to come see it yet," her mother commented.

In some ways, Sharon is disillusioned--"She hates what studio beauticians do to her hair and recombs every set."   She recently wrote her dad--"I finally own a Christian Dior and now I don't like it.  Mother dressed me better from her sewing machine at home." 

My only question is: Wasn't Sharon suppose to have been in a high school play of 'Romeo and Juliet' playing Juliet?

A few more articles that came up today on Sharon:

This one includes her in photos with a group of other great glamour girls including: Vivien Leigh, Bette Davis, Carole Lombard, Gloria Swanson, Grace Kelly, Pola Negri and Ava Gardner:

http://coldcopper.livejournal.com/202107.html

This is another sad article on stars who died before the age of 30.  Sharon is on this A-list with some of the greats of film including: Brandon Lee, River Phoenix, Heath Ledger, James Dean, Jean Harlow, Aaliyah, Brad Renfro, Freddie Prinze and Heather O'Rourke.

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/218971_10-movie-stars-who-died-young-before-the-age-of-30

Tomorrow another special edition of Photo Comparison with another great up and coming actress who many have said looks like she copies Sharon's style.

Photo Comparison of the Week, Marilyn Monroe and Sharon Tate and more

I found a great photo of Sharon were her hair and make up where done up like Marilyn Monroe:

Speaking of these two beautiful ladies, I found many comparisons that they have in common:

Both were great beauties inside and out.  It makes me think of Mia Farrow's quote about Sharon: "She was like a princess in a fairy tale; as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside."

Until people got to know them better, some thought both Marilyn and Sharon were naive and not very bright.  Both were more intelligent than what was actually known.

Both began as models and moved on to acting.  Likewise, both were also groomed for stardom by the old Hollywood system.

Both had known the Kennedy's: Marilyn knew John and Bobby while Sharon and Roman dined with Bobby Kennedy the night before he was assassinated.

Both adored animals small and great.

Both were also featured nude in Playboy magazine.

Both were well known as hollywood blonde bombshells and sex symbols.  Both of them wanted to go on to more serious work and to be looked at as "serious actresses."

Both were in films written by their husbands; Marilyn in "The Misfits" by Arthur Miller and Sharon "The Fearless Vampire Killers" by Roman Polanski.

Both died tragically in the month of August, both were discovered by their maids and both died in their own homes. 

Both were Studio Club girls, Marilyn stayed there first then Sharon was there 15 years later.

Both wanted children badly but, for different reasons, were not granted that opportunity.  They both had a nuturing nature towards animals and children alike.

Both were in films from 20th Century Fox Studios and Columbia Pictures.

Both had the great William Travilla design clothes for their films.

Both died at an age ending in 6, Marilyn was 36, Sharon was 26.  Both are said to be taken 'before their time.'

Both smoked but quit for different reasons.  Marilyn because it made her teeth yellow and Sharon because Roman didn't like it and shortly after they were married, she became pregnant.

Both had connections to Jean Harlow; Marilyn idolized her as a child and teen and Jay Sebring (Sharon's ex but still great friend) ended up owning the house that Jean had had when she was married to Paul Bern.  Furthermore, when Marilyn married Joe DiMaggio, the couple moved into a home at 508 N. Palm Drive in Beverly Hills next door to Jean Harlow's last home.

Both made motion pictures in London and loved it there.

Both had two siblings: MM had a half brother and sister while Sharon had two sisters.

Both were photographed by Bert Stern in similar poses and camera angles in photo shoots.  And both were photographed by many of the same legendary photographers such as Richard Avedon and Philippe Halsman.

Both preferred the comfort of being barefoot although of course, they did wear shoes.

Both married Jewish men in the their short lifetimes.

Both had Sydney Guillaroff do their hair for a movie.

Both had lived at the Chateau Marmont at one time or another.

Both studied under Lee Strasberg and lived in New York at different times.

Both loved the fashion designer Emilio Pucci and both were buried in that designer's clothes.

Both have become legendary and are more known now than ever.

Both were living in similiarly designed homes when they died. Single story two bedroom houses with a maid's room at the other end of the house. Both houses had pools accessed from the master bedroom.  In addition, the last houses Marilyn and Sharon lived in had been moved into in February month of the year.  Also, both lived in the homes they died in less then six months.

Both died on a Saturday.  Marilyn died on Saturday night, August 4th, 1962. Although she wasn't declared dead until early Sunday morning, August 5th. Coroner's report as well as the accounts of those present place her as having died around 8 pm in the evening. From the accounts available, Sharon died after midnight, probably between 12:30 am; 1 am early Saturday, August 8th, 1969.



Both were having work done on their homes when they died. Marilyn was having her bathroom re-done and updated. Sharon was working on having the maid's room converted into a nursery.



Both had bad relationships with Elizabeth Taylor.  Taylor was never friendly with Marilyn, although now 40 some years later relates an empathy for her in print. When Marilyn was living, Taylor was belittling to her. Once at a party when Marilyn tried to befriend Taylor, Taylor turned to her date and said in a loud voice, "Keep that **** away from me, will ya?" Taylor had Sharon's scenes in "The Sandpiper" cut either over jealousy of the young starlet's beauty or jealousy of her new husband Richard Burton's wandering eye and that he might try to pick up Sharon.



According to the Internet Movie DataBase, Sharon and MM both were around 5' 5' in height.
 
Both had early bit parts in films where their scenes ended up on the cutting room floor.
 
CMG now handles both celebrity merchandise legally for Marilyn and Sharon.
 
Both are burried in California cemeteries.



Both played characters that died in their films; Marilyn Monroe in "Niagara" and Sharon in "Valley of the Dolls."

Both were well known for their great smiles.  MM for her open mouthed smile and Sharon for her often described "Mona Lisa" one.

Both were known to wear glasses.



At the time of their deaths both were big box office, MM was even in development for more roles in films like "What a Way to Go!" and "The Stripper." While Sharon was enjoying box office success with "Valley of the Dolls" and the Matt Helm film, "The Wrecking Crew." In addition, Sharon was in development for major films roles as well with "The Story of O","Tess" and an unknown western Polanski had an idea for.


Both have had songs written about them and performed by rock bands and pop singers.


Both were part of Fellini films in some way: MM was referenced in the dialogue of "La dolce vita" (1960), in the context of dieting. And Sharon and Roman were in "Ciao Frederico" visiting the well known director on the set of a 'making of' documentary.


Both have appeared on European postage stamps.


Both have been portrayed by other actress. MM has had many actresses play her while Sharon has so far had at least three actresses play her in biographical type material.


Upon their deaths, rumors were fueled that there was sloppy handling of evidence in both cases.

Both had to do many takes in the movies they appeared in. Marilyn fumbling her lines of dialogue caused many retakes while Polanski--ever the perfectionist--made Sharon do many retakes on her scenes in "The Fearless Vampire Killers."


Both had ties to director J. Lee Thompson. He was suppose to direct Monroe in "What a Way to Go!" (He was on MM's list of approved directors.) He did direct Sharon in "Eye of the Devil."


Thomas Noguchi performed both Marilyn's and Sharon's autopsies.


Both had connections to Orson Welles. In 1947, while briefly involved with Orson Welles, Marilyn joined Welles in his popular magic stage show, The Mercury Wonder Show, being sawed in half by Welles using the "Buzz Saw" illusion he had previously used on both Rita Hayworth and Marlene Dietrich. Meanwhile, one of the major reasons why Sharon wanted to make what would be her last film, "12 + 1" was the chance to work with the legendary actor/director Welles.


Another two bits of trivia: Martin Ransohoff wanted to make her the next Marilyn Monroe. Sharon even played Jennifer North a tragic blonde character not unlike Monroe herself.
 
Can anyone think of anything else?  Add a comment and let me know?  It's fun to do comparisons every now and then.

Another great and interesting review of Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby" here:

http://rwufilm.blogspot.com/2009/12/rosemarys-baby_12.html

Sharon Tate talks about it being creepy to live at Jean Harlow 's former home and how she got started

Here is another article I have had translated.  I am not sure what magazine it came from as I got it along with a group of clippings.  It looks to be from around 1965-66:

Two faces of this lady appear here, both the property of Sharon Tate.  Hollywood has bet $1 million on this face and is trying to make a star out of her.  On the right side photo she is pictured with her real hair, freshly washed and natural, the very important style that she is wearing is long like the new wave started by the top models of England.  (For instance, the leader, Jean Shrimpton).  On the left hand side photo she appears wearing a monocle wig made especially for her by Joshua--from Vidal Sassoon, the big London specialist of the geometric cut.  This style has also been copied by Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Denueve, and Jane Fonda.

There is something fascinating yet shameful that I must ask this pretty girl with two faces: Sharon Tate.  Remember that name, Sharon Tate because $1 million dollars are being invested on this 22 year old blond American born actress.  Born in Dallas (where the men are crazy and the women are gorgeous).  Who is this totally unknown lady?  Go to the Elstree Studios and go to the stage where they are filming "Eye of the Devil" and approach the reserved seats of the stars of the movie.  On the first one you'll read Kim Novak.  On the second one you will see David Niven and on the third one--written in the same big letters--it says: Miss Tate.  Sharon is the new star that Hollywood is trying to push.  That is why I have the right to ask this one question while I am driving in her very rich neighborhood of Belgravia to get to her home for the interview.  And that question is: What is left of the real Sharon Tate after her Hollywood transformation?  Read on.

In 1962, Colonel Tate from the US Army was based in Verona, Italy.  Tate is miraculously still alive.  He was in Pearl Harbor and was burned under the bombs of the Japanese.  "The surgeons saved my father's life by throwing just about anything on his skin," she says.  The only remaining sign of this: the black eyeglasses that the Colonel never removes from his face.  In Verona, that summer some people were making a movie.  Sharon was watching them and it wasn't long before they too, were watching her.  If destiny had it then Sharon would have gotten a small part in that movie.  But the movie was eventually released in 1963 and it was a flop.  Who would have noticed the young beginner anyway?

Her destiny improved.  When the young girl came back to California (where her father got transferred), she called a number she got from one of the actor's on the set of that movie in Verona.  She was hired immediately for a 15 second commercial ad.  She only needs to look pretty and to smile as she takes a puff from a Cool cigarette and then say in a soft voice, these are the best cigarettes in the world.  That was the first major step.  Nothing big but still a first step.

"I never had money at that time," explains Sharon.  "It was always my mother who had to buy my clothes."

When her big day came, Sharon smiled to the camera and lit a cigarette but didn't say a word.  The poor girl had never smoked a cigarette and was now coughing non-stop.  Ashamed, Sharon left the studio and went to the hallway crying.  At this point, she was frustrated and she hated herself, she hated the orange dress she was wearing, she hated television, Cool Cigarettes and even America--everything.  She was now only a sore throat and two wet eyes.  She was very upset and humiliated.  At that moment a man saw her, looked at her for a few moments and told his assistant: I want her.

That man was 33 year old Martin Ransohoff and, of course, he is a movie producer. 

Sharon still wearing her orange dress and wet eyes is now with Ransohoff.  He is a proud man and promises her glory, fame and fortune.  He says he is going to make a star of her.  She is shocked.

In her contract she must take some courses: diction, dramatic art, dance, singing, gymnastics, equitation, ect.  That's the price to pay to become a star.  She is not allowed to go out for the next 1000 days.  No galas and no parties with friends.  Nothing.  During her years as 19, 20 and 21 year old she is not to be seen.  Even if only one photo is shown in a newspaper of her during this time the contract will be canceled. Did Sharon accept these conditions?  Yes, she did.

"Actually," Sharon says, "I didn't have anymore liberty at home."

Sharon keeps her composure and patience in this inhuman and majestic mechanism that is suppose to make a star of her.  Is it patience or laziness?

"I was raised very Catholic and then I started doubting things like everybody does at some point.  I read some books on Hinduism.  I don't read them anymore but I have learned from them how to stay calm in front of whatever is thrown at you in life."

So I finally ask her the shameful question: if she realizes she is an object?  A very nice and expensive object that is manipulated very carefully but still an object.  "Yes, I know," she said. "Just a thing."  She says this without any sadness or bitterness.

What are your feelings for being reduced to an object only existing for others?

"I'm confident.  These people selected me.  If they invested so much on me it must be because I have a human quality that justifies their risk.  It's up to me to keep that quality."

Aren't you afraid to loose what you are by acting the way they want you to act?

"I have to admit that I lost my calm and got upset many times.  There were times I couldn't continue.  I ran to the phone a few times and called Marty.  I told him this was inhuman.  He answered that I was free to break the contract if I wanted but that it would be a big mistake."  She hung up and continued to resist. 

It was probably the old trick that consists of hiding the merchandise as long as you can.  When it's the right time, you show your merchandise to the whole world with a maximum of intensity and impact.

Sharon has a lot of self confidence.  If Ransohoff asks her to do something that she doesn't want to what would be her reaction?  Would she follow the instructions or throw the contract in the garbage? 

"None of the above," she answers.  "I would explain to him that I think it's a bad idea for me to do that and I would convince him."

And if Marty doesn't understand?

"I would explain it differently until he understands."

She definitely has some interior power. She uses it quietly but efficiently.  Maybe Ransohoff uses her but perhaps she is also using Ransohoff to get where she wants to be: At the top.

The scenarist Jerry Lee Thompson says that she is very talented.  A talent she developed at the Actor's Studio and in some Tv sitcoms where she appeared with brown wigs and eyeglasses in order to hide her beauty.

"I haven't really changed," she continues, "I have improved my makeup and I feel more comfortable with my body.  But I am still the same little Sharon who, at five years of age, jumped from a garage roof to land on my dog like it was a horse.  The problem was my dog left while I was still jumping in the air..."

After she finishes the movie, she is going back to Hollywood.  When I asked her if she has a nice villa with a pool she started laughing.  She then described the house she stays in that was formly owned by Jean Harlow and then husband, Paul Bern.

"At night in the area, people swear they see and hear Paul Bern's ghost."  He ended up committing suicide there.  "It's a house where you get scared."

In her very nice styled British apartment that the production is renting for her she goes to the kitchen and comes back with a bottle of bourgogne that she purchased in the afternoon.  She makes me a glass and gives it to me.  She continues in her soft voice:

"The Harlow house is lugubrious but the day I brought over my little sisters they had so much fun.  Life was back to normal," she laughs.

A Look Back At Sharon's Great Friend, Jay Sebring

Here is another vintage article I have found.  It is a wonderful rememberance of Sharon's former fiancee and close friend, Jay Sebring:


Chicago Tribune, August 25, 1969

The Man and His Talent: Memories of Jay Sebring

by Everett Mattlin

The papers have naturally written mostly about Sharon Tate.  She was a beautiful girl with a brilliant husband  and a glowing career of her own before her.  I just want to recall a few things about another victim of that brutal Beverly Hills massacre, Jay Sebring.

I knew Jay but then so did most of the press who write about men's fashions and grooming.  He was the first of the new men's "hair stylists"  tho he preferred the name "hair designer"; he thought it sounded less feminine.  One newspaper said he introduced razor cutting to this country. That isn't true.  Jay usually used scissors, saving a razor for very coarse, straight, long hair.  But he once told me a man could cut hair with a piece of broken glass if he knew what he was doing. 

Jay got be so well known for establishing the idea of a high priced hair styling parlor for men because he was so good.  He was just plain better than anyone else.  I know he gave me by far the best haircuts I've ever had in my life, as my wife will testify.  He would set on a low stool, moving around your chair, studing your hair like a scientist, lifting it with a comb and getting the 'feel' of it, then cutting it slowly and gently, like a sculptor working on a special medium.

He opened his shop on Fairfax Boulevard around 1960 and at first he could barely pay the $80.00 a month rent.  Then an actress friend brought Vic Damone into the shop and Vic thought Jay was the greatest barber he had ever had.  He introduced Jay to Jack Intrattor, the impressario of the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, and Jack in turn brought Sinatra to the salon.

By then Jay had it made. When Sinatra gave him a screen credit on "Come Blow Your Horn" it was the first time a men's hairstylist was so honored.  Every star in Hollywood began going to Sebring.  The last time he cut my hair, the chair was warmed for me by Cliff Robertson, and Bobby Darin took over when I left.  Jay flew to Las Vegas to cut Sammy Davis' hair.  Damone confessed to me that it once cost him $500.00 to fly Jay to Chicago so he could cut his hair before an opening.  When I asked Henry Fonda about Jay--and Jay confided to me that he believed he saved Fonda from going bald--Fonda said, "I can't get a good haircut in New York."

Jay was on all the Tv talk shows.  His prices went up, and up and up--$20.00 for a haircut, $35.00 for a haircut, $50.00 or more for a haircut if he came to the studio to do it.  It didn't matter: the studio footed the bill.  When the studio didn't pay, the actor would often go elsewhere.  Andy Williams told me Jay was the greatest, but he stopped going there because he said it was crazy to spend that much money on a haircut. 

Jay bought a Cadillac Convertible.  He bought the house John Barrymore built and that Jean Harlow lived in.  We sat in that big house for hours while he told me how he decided to become a hairstylist.  "I wanted something in an artistic vein that deals with people--and where I could keep my own hours and listen to music while at work and drink coffee when I felt like it."

The last few years he hadn't done much of cutting hair.  He had a dozen men he had trained working in his shop, he had a hair styling school, he had a whole line of products with his name on them.  He was a celebrity himself.  He was engaged to Miss Tate before she met Polanski.  He was a member of the Beverly Hills party crowd.  I hadn't seen him for several years, so I don't know if he had changed in such company, but when I knew him he was a slight, handsome young man, soft-spoken, very gentle, extremely likeable, serious, and often a little sad.

It will be interesting to see all the archive footage in the upcoming Sebring Documentary. Hopefully, it will show some the tv talk shows he was on.  Hope you all enjoyed the article.  Here is a lovely montage made by Tammie of Jay and Sharon.  Thanks so much for letting me use it here!  :

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com