Held at the popular Skirball Center in Los Angeles, the Actors Fund's 12th annual TONY Award party was completely sold out well in advance and by far the most successful year ever by raising over $125,000, which is a tribute in itself to honoree Tommy Tune and host Florence Henderson, who was on hiatus from her own program on the RLTV network entitled "The Florence Henderson Show."
Among those in attendance to celebrate Tune's 50 years in entertainment were Shari Belafonte,
Betty Garrett,
Charles Durning, Patrika Darbo,
Ilene Graff,
Charlotte Rae,
Carole Cook,
Tom Troupe,
Patricia Barry,
Vicki Lewis as well as general manager of Broadway/L.A. and the Pantages Theatre
Martin Wiviott.
Of particular interest was the ever popular silent auction which included rare opportunities such as a cooking lesson with celebrated French pastry Chef Yves Fournier, a full years membership to GOLD's Gym Hollywood with private sessions by noted LA trainer ANTONIO, a trip to NYC that included the winners choice of tickets to any Broadway show, as well as the traditional signed movie and theatrical memorabilia like
Carol Burnett's signed
Carol Burnett REUNION jacket, hand written musical quotes from
Jerry Herman and
Dolly Parton, an original artwork by honoree
Tommy Tune and a one of a kind print of
Glen Hanson's famous artwork for the Smithsonian Institute's "Tribute to the Legendary Ladies of Stage and Screen" sign by each of the nine inductees (
Angela Lansbury,
Esther Williams,
Rose Marie,
Florence Henderson,
June Lockhart, Julie Newmar,
Tippi Hedren, Phyllis Diller and
Carol Channing).
The
Julie Harris Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by Mr. Tune's "Theatrical God-Mother"
Carol Channing after the gala that featured the only approved live feed of the Tony Awards as they happen in New York. During commercial breaks, host
Florence Henderson highlighted key auction opportunities, introduced celebrated guests and informed the audience of basketball and golf scores ... while secretly routing for Tiger Woods.
Mr. Tune adds this honor to his already unprecedented nine Tony Awards in four different categories plus, among other accolades, eight Drama Desk Awards, two Obie Awards, two Astaire Awards, the American Dance Award, the Drama League Award, the George Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement and the nations' highest honor for Artistic Achievement, The National Medal of Arts presented in a private ceremony in the oval office of the White House. For full bio visit:
http://www.tommytune.com/bio.htm
Previous recipients of the
Julie Harris award have included its namesake
Julie Harris,
Gwen Verdon,
Charles Durning,
Carol Channing,
Rita Moreno,
James Earl Jones,
Tyne Daly,
Lauren Bacall,
Stockard Channing,
Liza Minnelli and
Jerry Herman.
Tune's "theatrical God-mother," Channing, presented the award recalling "I befriended Tommy's mother, little Mrs. Tune. Yes! She was only five foot two and how she produced this six foot six boy ... Well, I just felt so sorry for her. I also presented him with one of his nine Tony Awards. Anyway, Tommy is my spiritual son and I am so proud of him."
Mr Tune danced on stage to accept the award in song with the Gershwin's hit "S'Wonderful." When asked about his TONY wins he said "I have them all on the mantle and they link up just exactly right. I'd have to move if I won another ... I could move," and about future TONY possibilities he added "I'm directing a new show called "Turn of the Century" and I hope to be back on Broadway very soon."
The evening benefited, THE ACTORS FUND which is a nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals - both performers and those behind the scenes - in performing arts and entertainment. Founded in 1882 - and celebrating its 125th Anniversary this year - The Fund serves those in film, theatre, television, music, opera, and dance with a broad spectrum of programs including comprehensive social services, health services, supportive and affordable housing, emergency financial assistance, employment and training services, and skilled nursing and assisted living care. Administered from offices in LA, NY, and Chicago, The Actors Fund is a safety net, providing programs and services for those who are in need, crisis, or transition.
www.actorsfund.org.
Previous Julie Harris award winner, Carol Channing, highlights the important cause
Carol Channing and Tommy Tune meet on the red carpet
Carol Channing and Tommy Tune joined by host Florence Henderson
Charlotte Rae and previous Julie Harris Award winner Charles Durning
Singer and author, Ilene Graff with husband composer Ben Lanzarone
Western Council Chairman John Holly with TONY Party chair Jomarie Ward with Carol Channing and Tommy Tune
Keith McNutt (Western Region Director) and Barbara Davis (Chief Program officer) with Carol Channing and Tommy Tune
David Michaels (Western Region Event Director) with Tommy Tune
Patrika Darbo
Shari Belafonte
Tom Troupe and funny lady Carole Cook
Tommy Tune, Carol Channing with her childhood sweetheart and husband Harry Kullijian
Anne Jeffreys, Carol Channing and celebrated Chef Yves Fournier
Top LA trainer ANTONIO with Project Runway's Nick Verreos
David Moss,Carol Channing and William Schallert
Florence Henderson & daughter Barbara Chase
Florence Henderson thanks top chef Yves Fournier
Auctioning off Top LA trainer ANTONIO, Florence compares biceps.
Tommy Tune enjoys Carol Channings tribute to Mrs. Tunes little boy
Tommy Tune dances on stage
Tommy Tune accepts the Julie Harris Lifetime Achievement Award
Carol Channing, Tommy Tune, and Florence Henderson say goodnight
Photos by Bill Dow.
