I first knew about Marta Curro from her frequent appearances on The Merv Griffin Show when I was in high school and college. Griffin's sidekick, Arthur Treacher, would list the guests during the opening of the evening's program, and if he mentioned Marta's name, I would always stay tuned. "The Gypsy Lady" they called her then, back when she was married to actor Jerry Orbach. Who would have imagined that some 40 years later she and I would become friends…through Nick at whose 60th birthday party I snapped this photo. Always the glamour girl, Marta was wearing these same sunglasses one evening a year later at Christmastime when we went to see her at the Village Nursing Home in New York. (Recuperating from a fall, she was under the mistaken impression that she'd be released on New Year's Day, and when she wasn't, she dialed 911 and announced she was being held hostage. She was thereupon transferred to a ward in nearby St. Vincent's Hospital for “further observation.”) During a happier time, having lunch at her favorite NYC spot, La Luncheonette, I'd asked her why they called her "The Gypsy Lady." "I have no idea," she told me. "Actually there were a lot worse things they could have called me back then."
Beautiful shot. I was very close with Marta for several years in New York and shared many a meal at La Lunchonette!
ReplyDeleteIs she dtill acting
ReplyDeleteWhat a great photo and a lovely tribute. So many will miss her.
ReplyDeleteThere is a memorial service for her SEPT 9, 2012 at RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL CHAPELS on 76th and Amsterdam. Don't know exact time. It is a Sunday. You can call them and inquire about time.
ReplyDeleteShe was a marvelous friend and a huge help to so many people. A truly big heart and a wonderful spirit. I miss her terribly.
Is there a reason that there are no reports anywhere about Marta's passing?
ReplyDelete...or about her remarkable life?
ReplyDelete