Brian Aldrich

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Twilight Zone's George Grizzard is Dead!

George Grizzard

April 1, 1928 - October 2, 2007

RIP

Okay, so most people today will know him from TV's LAW AND ORDER, and he was also an accomplished Broadway and film actor, but I'll always remember him for his performances in two classic TWILIGHT ZONE episodes.

In the first season's comic episode, "The Chaser," Grizzard portrays a lovesick man who resorts to a professor's potion to win the object of his affection and then karma kicks his ass. Grizzard's character knows no shame in his pursuit and we wind up feeling ashamed for him. We feel her pain for having to put up with him. When the dynamics change, we feel sorry and happy for both of them.
The fourth season episodes were one hour shows, instead of the former 30 minutes. The first of them, "In His Image," was a dramatic episode with elements of science fiction, mystery and horror. In a dual role, Grizzard plays both scientist and his robotic invention. Once again, karma is not too kind, but there is salvation.

Grizzard's credits are those of a master craftsman. Like some of his characters, George always acted with authority, thrusting his character's naked reality into every scene. His presence on LAW AND ORDER seemed natural, like he himself had been woven out of the fabric of the show.

But imagine having seen him as the original "Nick" in the 1962 original production of WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF on Broadway. I would've settled to see him play "Big Daddy" in the 2004 production of CAT ON A HOT TIN WOLF at the Kennedy Center.

Rest in peace, George.

You were the crazy southern uncle I never had.

At the right age, you might've made a good Poe, on stage or screen.

George Grizzard - wiki

George Grizzard - imdb

George Grizzard - ibdb

THE TWILIGHT ZONE MUSEUM

Aldrich Family Pool Party 1954 - Part III

C & O Trattoria - Marina Del Rey

Last Saturday afternoon, we found ourselves in the Marina and found a metered parking space three spaces from Pacific Avenue on the north side of Washington Boulevard just in front of C&O TRATTORIA RISTORANTE ITALIANO. We'd been there many times before and find the place the most comfortable restaurant in the Marina. (Although we did dine at the Marina Bay Club for a Jewish holiday a few years ago. However, the affair was catered.)

Breakfast for me had been a piece of sourdough wheat toast and French roast coffee. I was hungry, but I didn't crave carbs or flesh. I knew I wanted a huge salad. I wouldn't mind if there were a little cheese and salami to go along with it.

I got my wish and we shared a C&O Antipasto Salad. Too early in the day and too far from home to drink, we ordered iced tea and lemonade. Of course, the servers kept bringing us those outrageous "killer garlic rolls" that later made my stomach feel like a balloon filled with stones. They're delicious, but if you aren't used to eating a lot of carbs, be careful.

The C&O Antipasto hit the spot. The genoa salami and turkey breast fed my meat urge. The mozzarella added spongy fat. The beans, peppers, and tomatoes added texture. I gave my wife all the Kalamat Olives and we each had one of the two pepperoncinis. I would've liked more pepperoncinis and more balsamic vinaigrette. The lettuce that day wasn't up to their usual standards (some leaves were a little dark and wilted). While our carb requirements were more than met, our liquids weren't carefully catered to. Perhaps they were having a bad day. Normally, their materials and service are excellent.