Spotlight

Richard Brody of The New Yorker once called Gena Rowlands, “The most important and original movie actor of the past half century-plus.” The revered and beloved actress passed away on August 14 after a five-year struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 94. Her career in film, stage, and television spanned nearly seven decades and made her a legend in her own time. A four-time Emmy Award and two-time Golden Globe winner, she collaborated with her actor-director husband John Cassavetes on 10 films, including A Woman Under the Influence (1974) and Gloria (1980), both of which earned her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress. She also won Germany’s Silver Bear for Best Actress for Opening Night (1977). She appeared in Woody Allen’s Another Woman (1988), and in her son Nick Cassavetes’ film The Notebook (2004). In 2015, she received an Honorary Academy Award in recognition of her unique screen performances. Rowlands made her first appearance on television in 1954 and her final TV appearance was in a 2010 episode of NCIS. Along the way, she was seen on such classic series as Dr. Kildare, Columbo, Marcus Welby, M.D., Peyton Place (39 episodes!), and many others. On Broadway, she starred in the Paddy Chayefsky play Middle of the Night and in 1993 she appeared at the Mark Taper Forum in The Substance of Fire by Jon Robin Baitz. Her truly stunning body of work has few peers. Gena will be missed by her adoring fans, and her loving friends and family. Rest in Peace.

Virginia Cathryn Rowlands (June 19, 1930 – August 14, 2024)

Christopher Reeve is remembered as the man who slipped on the cape and tights of Superman, bringing the iconic superhero to life. But did his real-life actions embody the heroic? Or did Reeve just play a superhero on screen? This compelling documentary, SUPER/MAN: The Christopher Reeve Story, explores these questions in depth.

A primary theme is the duality of heroism, making the case that Christopher Reeve was more than just an actor portraying a hero. Via archival footage and interviews, the film shows Reeve as a husband and father, with a successful career who confronts a sudden life-altering event with courage and activism resulting in a deeper understanding of the word “hero.”

The documentary poignantly covers Reeve’s life-changing horse-riding accident, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down and confined to a wheelchair. Rather than succumbing to confinement and despair, he used his fame as an outspoken advocate and fundraiser for spinal cord research and disability rights.

For fans of the superhero genre or film buffs, SUPER/MAN offers a refreshing and inspiring look at the man who wore the cape of a most beloved character in comic book history. 

Whether a fan of superheroes, cinema, or Christopher Reeve himself, this documentary offers an opportunity to witness the impact and influence of a man whose life demonstrated that humanity has the superpowers to be a superhero.

For more, click here.

The legendary Hollywood Bowl is known for outdoor pre-show dining (or “picnicking”). As you can imagine, after going to the bowl for the past 25 years, I really know how to picnic there! Last year and now this year, I’ve decided to forego the schlepping and dine at the two fabulous restaurants located right inside the Bowl. Ann’s Wine Bar and The Backyard are operated by A.O.C.’s Chef Susanne Goin. Chef Goin brings her vibrant California style to both restaurants. Ann’s is slightly more casual, while The Backyard is more formal. Both boast fabulous views of the bowl. 

At The Backyard we began with an innovative charcuterie board offering chorizo, salumi, and pork rillettes (sort of like pork paté), with crispy grilled bread. We then shared the Gem Lettuces Salad with a silky and creamy dressing. Very refreshing! Then on to the main event — Grilled Prawns over olive caper salsa and the most decadent Mac n’ Cheese topped with scallions and toasted breadcrumbs. The Mac n’ Cheese is a must-have. Save room for dessert, as they offer a variety of delicious ones. We devoured the Mexican Pot de Créme with cinnamon churros (a smoky chocolate pudding with house made churros and whipped cream). Yum! I highly recommend The Backyard. Go!

Be sure to make reservations way ahead of time. For reservations and to view menu, click here.