Hollywood Beat

Pieces of Robert Wagner’s Heart & Producers Caucus

The ageless Robert Wagner was the guest speaker at the Westside Center for Independent Living’s Holiday Tea.  He spoke about his latest book, Pieces of My Heart – A Life, and reminisced about his long show business career, while answering questions about his life and book.

The festive Holiday Tea was held at the beautiful home of Betty Deutsch, who co-founded the Associates of the Westside Center in 1981.  Their members are dedicated to the cause of independent living for seniors and people with disabilities.  Some of the lovely ladies in attendance included Ruth Craft, Susie Levin Corben, Trudy Kallis and Dascha Auerbach Stuart.

The octogenarian actor, who is still one handsome hunk, is slated to portray Charlie Townsend in the new Charlie’s Angels remake.  He has big shoes to fill – as the late, great John Forsythe was in the original TV series.  But our money is on robust Robert to thrill the ladies – as he did at the Westside Holiday Tea.  Over 75 ladies feasted on luscious mini-sandwiches and delicious deserts, but the sweetest item to report is that they raised over $10,000 to support their various programs.

The festive Beverly Hills Hotel private dining room was the scene of the Caucus Awards, chaired by President Chuck Fries and Lee Miller.  The honorees included Independent Producer of the year to Vin Bona (who resides in Century City); Lifetime Achievement Award to writer Bill Blinn; Chair’s Award to Executive Producer, Suzanne de Passe, and Distinguished Service Award to Studio Head, Herman Rush.

TV and Film Personality, Fred Willard hosted the celebration, and gorgeous Greer Grammer, Kelsey Grammer’s actress daughter, was in charge of the award trophies. Key student filmmakers participating in the Caucus student support program were given cash grants, as well as in kind services.  Did you know that over $1 million in cash gifts were given to 100 students since its inception?   Quite an accomplishment for this organization, which strives to make an impact on the industry, and whose major goal is the improvement in the quality of TV for the general audience

Wishing all my readers a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season, and looking forward to sharing many other worthwhile events with you in 2011.

Actress Greer Grammer (Daughter of Kelsey Grammer)

Actor Fred Willard (Best in Show) Mary Willard, Denise Alexander (General Hospital) & Director Richard Coffa

Actor/Author Robert Wagner with Betty Deutsch and Alicia Brazilsy at Westside Center For Independent Living Holiday Tea

Dancing Star Derek Hough (Dancing With the Stars), Producer Chuck & Ave Fries, Nigel Lythgoe, Host (So You Think You Can Dance)