Richard Kind Reflects on Nostalgic Memories with Lifelong Friend George Clooney
Richard’s my Kind of guy
Inquire of actor Richard Kind, and you’ll be treated to a lengthy soliloquy in response.
“I was born in Trenton. My father owned a jewelry store in Princeton. When we were robbed, my grandmother lost her favorite sapphire ring. Years later, a jeweler friend called to say the original had been resold and he was holding it — which I now possess — in his hands.
“Initially, I was set to attend Princeton, but due to my uncles studying at Dartmouth, I was expected to go there. However, I preferred Northwestern for its theater program. Now I have three children in college, and with the outrageous costs these days — being a character actor on the downturn — it’s a challenge. I went to Pennsbury, and my prom featured performances by Bo Diddley and Rodney Dangerfield.”
“We hail from Poland. Our real surname is Katz, but an edict from Franz Joseph forced us to abandon that name. Tracing our roots back to 1623, we adopted the name Kind from a relative buried there.”
Regarding his long-standing friendship with George Clooney, he shared: “He’s a dear friend. We worked together on a pilot years ago, and it took off. He shares my humor, values, and passion for film. In our younger days, we would pursue women together. We formed a group in LA called ‘the boys.’ We navigated through good times and challenging egos while remaining friends. George is the godfather to my eldest child and was the best man at my wedding. He’s genuinely a great guy, though I rarely discuss him.”
So why are his friend and his wife in a Jewish city aspiring to make headlines on Broadway while criticizing Israel?
“I won’t answer that. I’m not getting into that. My focus is my Netflix talk show. Last year, I had guests like Letterman and Seinfeld. It was an incredible experience. The next run will be from March 12 to May 28.”
For more stories, like the tale of his very first audition, which he often recounts — check out Netflix. It’s “Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney.”
A resting meal
To meet our outstanding new police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, visit Due restaurant, located on Third Avenue, between 79th and 80th. The manager, Ernesto Cavalli, personally served her their delicious fusilli with radicchio and pancetta.
Those with fire in the belly
As fires ignite across the US, we should be thankful for Julia Roberts. One organization has already raised over $5.9 million. Now, with a minimum $10 donation, you could win lunch with the “Pretty Woman.” The winner can choose between LA, San Francisco, or even our beloved New York City. Airfare is included for out-of-town winners, along with a hotel stay for you and a guest.
The initiative is supported by the SoCal Fire Fund organization, which is dedicated to aiding recovery and providing support to those in need.
One dim Lady
Eleanor Coerr’s book “Lady With a Torch” reveals that the statue’s torch was deemed ineffective. It was said to be “no brighter than a glowworm” regarding Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi’s creation. Originally intended to serve as a lighthouse for New York’s harbor, it was soon scrapped for that purpose, likened to the brightness of a sweet potato. Nonetheless, the patriotic symbol resonated with America enough that it was declared a “magnificent success.”
‘Rocket’ woman?
In another note, Elton John has expressed a desire to be reincarnated. He stated, “When asked what I’d like to be in my next life, I’d choose to be a woman. I think experiencing the other side would be quite fascinating.”
A young man from Borough Park expressed his hope: “I’d like to come back as a wealthy man so I can attend a drive-in movie in a taxi.”
Only in New York, kids, only in New York.
