Donald O'Connor, best known for the physical and musical acumen that made him a star in the 1950s, and the mastermind behind Singin' in the Rain's famous "Make 'Em Laugh" number, died on September 27, 2003. He was 78. O'Connor had barely left the womb before embarking on his long show-business career. The son of an acrobat, Effie Irene Crane, and a circus strongman, Chuck … [Read more...] about Farewell to Donald O’Connor
Those We Lost
Saying Goodbye
It's easier to accept loss if you get to say goodbye. It doesn't make it any less painful or tragic, but it's the finality that's missing for so many who were impacted by the events of September 11th. ℘℘℘ We caught 130 pounds of lobster this morning. The tide was high and the ocean was as smooth as glass. Seals poked up out of the water and cormorants dried their wings standing … [Read more...] about Saying Goodbye
Gregory Peck: A Class Act
In June 1997, Peck, who rarely gave interviews in his last years, sat down with Irish America Editor Patricia Harty. An edited version of that interview follows. "Will you pour?" The gentleman sitting across from me cracked a smile as I nodded and lifted the teapot, wondering if I would be able to complete the task without making a fool of myself. I felt as if I was in a … [Read more...] about Gregory Peck: A Class Act
First Word: The Things They Carried
"The Irish carry their culture around with them like snails with their houses on their backs." – Denis Clarke Let me start with an apology. I'm sorry if some of your favorites are not on this list. I'm sorry that some of my own favorites are not on this list. Indeed, there are one or two on this list that I don't think I would enjoy having a pint with. But overall I have to … [Read more...] about First Word: The Things They Carried
Those We Lost
From acclaimed actors, musicians, novelists and sports writers, to daring athletes and caring doctors, we lost some of our finest citizens in the past year, including William McCool, one of the seven astronauts who died in the space shuttle Columbia tragedy and two gifted, world famous entertainers, singer Rosemary Clooney and actor Richard Harris. ℘℘℘ Most notices of Richard … [Read more...] about Those We Lost