Rick McKay's Tribute to MARIAN SELDES from Broadway: The Golden Age Film Trilogy

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Here is a tribute to my pal Marian Seldes, one of the great actresses of the stage of the last century and well into this one. Marian passed away yesterday, leaving many of us devastated. However, she lived a long, full life and touched many, many people with her work. In her later career she was known variously as “Broadway’s Quiet Lioness,” “The First Lady of Broadway,” or as theater critic Clive Barnes called her, "America's theatrical diva for our time."
I have included footage from Marian in the first film of our Broadway trilogy, "Broadway: The Golden Age." Sadly, I didn't realize until I edited this today that every single star seen on screen in that chapter has passed away since I filmed them. I have also included footage from after a few of our shoots when we were talking candidly before and after posing for press photos. Marian was completely at ease and it is very moving for me to hear the lovely things she says about my work and our trilogy. Later there is also a clip of the great actor Ben Gazzara talking after our last shoot together. While always in sync, it is amazing for me to see, for the first time, Ben and I doing simultaneous, loving homages/imitations of our mutual pal Marian. Ben, the ultimate tough guy movie star and stage actor, was never funnier than here doing a spot-on Marian. Tragically, Ben was gone within the year as well.
The later interview you see with Marian is from our new film, debuting in 2015 and probably Marian's last time on camera as she was declining quickly. But, she is incredibly moving, especially as she reads the Tennessee Williams that she brought me that day.
One of my favorite things that Marian said to me - and there were many - was when I ran into her at Carnegie Hall when Rufus Wainwright was doing his "Judy at Carnegie Hall" - by the way, Marian saw everything. It was intermission and Marian dismissed Rufus and the show summarily, but then said, or rather whispered as only she could, "Darling, it was on again last night." "What," I asked? "Our movie darling. I was dressing for drinks with friends and it came on television. I sat down at the edge of my bed for ONE MINUTE to watch the beginning. Well darling, what do you think happened," she asked. "I NEVER got up. I simply couldn't. I was glued to that edge of the bed for 2 HOURS! It is such a wonderful, wonderful movie. I have seen it at least a dozen times."
Marian never failed to call me every time she saw me on television flogging the film or DVD to tell me enthusiastically what she thought of every word I uttered. She listened to everything. And paid attention. She told me till her last play she would stand in the wings when she wasn't on stage and study every actor - never going to her dressing room to rest or to talk on the phone. I used to adore her phone messages. She was not of this century - and maybe not of the last one either. She is the only person I ever knew who would "sign" her voice mail messages as if she was dictating to her secretary. "Good night darling," she would whisper. "Love, Marian."
You are missed my dear friend. I hope what you said at the end of this video about my films bringing people back to life after they are gone is true. But, then again, as far as I am concerned, you are still here - and always will be if I have any say in things. . .
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[@jimohare3133]

I'm lucky enough to have seen Marian in a number of plays and even chatted with her on the street just walking by and saying hello. She was luminous and lovely and the sweetest spirit. She supported her fellow actors with the truest loyalty and enthusiasm. I found her remarkable.

[@BMWMTEAM1]

Queen This era is truly missed

[@soshaun01]

This is absolutely wonderful. Marian Seldes was clearly not just a remarkable actress but a beautiful and eloquent and compassionate human being. Her passing affected me deeply, but thank you for preparing this marvelous tribute to her.

[@glennfromthebronx]

yup. I rarely follow obituaries....but for some reason...unknown to me, I read through the NY Times the day or so after she died...and saw the obit. I worked at Carnegie Hall from 2001-2003, and again, for some unknown reason, often saw Marian, walking up to/down from where she lived on W. 59th Street. I never saw her in a play....just missed DEUCE in 2007...respected her anonymity.

[@zzzut]

Mr McKay deserves a lot of credit for having immortalized these great moments on film. That man has given us a great gift.

[@sjcohen4444]

I met her on the E train when she was appearing in the play Another Time. She was absolutely charming. Even kissed me on the cheek when she stood up to leave the train.

[@MyChewbacca]

I've tears in my eyes watching this - what an inspiring video tribute to a truly special lady. I treasure my copy of your video Mr. Mckay - rewatch it regularly.

[@principeturandot4593]

This is simply beautiful.

[@kerrybluema]

thank you for this. She was a lovely woman and a remarkable actress and truly inspiring.

[@MrVernonCampbell]

A great film I waited for years to find it again. I saw it years ago for the first time, and as an actor you always want to see other people that went through what you are going through. I came up at the latter part of this great era. But the memories and the fact that it is on film will help actors for years to come...

[@MovieBios]

Thank you Vernon Cambell - that means the world to me - and that is exactly the reason I made the first film of the trilogy and am making the new film. I hope to do you proud with the sequel, which will be out next year. And hope it will bring back memories to you and also inspire a whole new generation as well. Thank you again. Rick McKay

[@BalletBabyBoy]

Adored her

[@eileenborchardt6161]

Thank you so much for letting me know of Marion seldese's passing, and for your comments. She was indeed one of those who cannot be replaced. It seems that in this era of instant news, there are many people and accomplishments forgotten. There is no longer the same entry or the same theater that existed at the time she went on the stage. It is the end of an era.

[@pupbutt4]

tears...so beautiful

[@DamienSlattery68]

Pure magic.

[@MovieBios]

Thank you Damien Slattery! RM

[@MrArtTuro]

Splendid.

[@MovieBios]

Thank you Arthur Raphael! RM

[@Cubertfilm]

Rick - thank you for this - fortunately MS and I worked on Home Alone 3 and clicked - reading your note about her messages left - brought back to me her own - sign off - "please leave your name and the subject of your call" - I love that she is all over youtube. I look forward to your film !!!!

[@TX1961]

I had the absolute delight of meeting Marian Seldes at the "Deuce" stage door in 2007. I don't know why I forgot to take a picture with her. She did sign my Playbill. Her signature was quite tiny.