Ruta Lee - Consider Your Ass Kissed

By

Ruta Lee

and urged to do so by Texas PR maven Barry Rogers who insisted that my stories should be shared and Judy Diamond, my Gal Friday, and Every day, who nudged me to the finish line.

Briton Publishing LLC

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ISBN 978-1-0879-5722-7 Hardcover

ISBN 978-1-7353-8344-6 Paperback

ISBN 978-7353834-5-3 ePub

Copyright2020, Second Edition 2021

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying recording or any information browsing storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from Briton Publishing LLC.

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I met Ruta in 1975, when she joined me as co-hostess on the TV Game Show - High Rollers. She was already an established Hollywood figure who had worked with many of the major stars. I was still a neophyte. We worked together for two and a half years, and thru her and her work with The Thalians charity, which she chaired, she brought me into contact with many of those stars and helped make me a member of the larger show biz community also, a big plus for me and my career.

However, the biggest positive is that we have remained dear friends for 45 years --- so I know the stories she has to tell.

You'll love this!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I find myself driving on a continuously intriguing road through life. Im looking at the rearview mirror, appreciating the places that Ive been, and the people who were there with me. I can see reflections of those Ive lost, theyre smiling at me, theyre ok.

I cant look back too often, as Im driving at a fairly high rate of speed into the future, and you never really know whats ahead. Occasionally I tap my brakes, being hesitant about that next turn, however, I never come to a full stop or go into reverse. Hell, Im too curious about whats coming. As long as the engines running, I keep rolling. Dont get me wrong. I go in for an occasional tune up, but thats ok.

Ive enjoyed my past tremendously, and I also have a wonderful, anticipatory feeling, of, Here we go! Its always a little too busy to suit me. Maybe thats just part of what makes me tick and what keeps the juices going. Im always extremely busy, in a rush; something always going on, someone always needs something.

My annual New Years Resolution is that Im going to slow down and not take on so much... really just kidding myself; I havent slowed down my entire life.

While Ive been in the drivers seat since childhood, I am also driven by the fact theres so much to do, and never enough time to do it. I know we only get so many days on this earth. The bible tells us that we could have one hundred and twenty years. Well, I want every single one of them! In fact, I talk to God about that every day. I say, Listen here LADY...

Ruta Lee

Chapter 1

Johnny Grant Debbie Reynolds Alex Trebek Leron Gubler Oh Happy Day!

I was getting laid in wet cement with Tiger Woods balls flying over my head! Ooops let me clarify that, I was getting my star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the prime location, at Graumans Chinese Theater. Tiger was doing a golf promotion, same time, same place. About 1,500 of my friends, fans and press had gathered for the ceremony.

The city had made a mistake and issued permits for two events at the same time, same place. Tiger was hitting balls from in front of the Theatre, down to Highland Avenue. Dont you think he couldve come over and said, Hello or How are you? He did not. Who knows? Maybe he thought that all the media and fans were his. Sorry Tiger, they were mine.

The day was so incredible. Legends like Debbie Reynolds and Mitzi Gaynor were there to lend their support along with so many other beautiful and celebrated people. I had done a lot of USO shows with Johnny Grant, honorary Mayor of Hollywood, who officiated over the ceremony. My alma mater Hollywood High School Band and drill team escorted my vintage 39 Cadillac Limousine, driven by owner Robert Ahmanson and son, Bill. (Wow... major philanthropist and businessman as my chauffeur.)

Buzz Aldrin - Mitzi Gaynor- Ruta Over Buzz's shoulder Dick Van Patten and Joey McIntyre

My friend of many years, Alex Trebek, one of the funniest people on the planet, spoke. He said, Heres Ruta in front of Graumans whereas my star is way down Hollywood Boulevard, about two miles, in front of an all-night porn shop with two drunks lying in front of it. Its all about location, location, location.

Everybody receiving a star on the walk of fame says, This is a culmination, a dream come true, a wish fulfilled,... and it was for me too. While basking in that delicious limelight, I couldnt help but reflect on my family whose sacrifices led to all of lifes blessings that I now enjoyed.

My mother was the furthest thing from a show biz mother, yet this woman is responsible for everything that I am, have been or will become. I thank God every day, that not only did he give me that kind of mother, but that he let her live long enough to enjoy much of my success. Momma Mary was the eldest daughter in a family of eleven, peasant Lithuanians, working, tilling the soil, milking the cow, planting... Education was not a priority, subsistence was. Although mother only made it to the third grade, she was the smartest woman Ive ever known. My father made it to the fourth grade but had a great deal of street smarts that helped carry him through life. Together they got us to California, but their path wasnt easy.

My mother and father met as teenagers. They married and determined that the best thing to do would be to leave Lithuania, come to come to America, where everybody believed the streets were paved with gold... Unfortunately, the immigration quotas to the U.S. were closed. They had their choice of Canada, Australia, Mexico or South America. Canada was right there, next door to the Unites States. In order to get into Canada my father had to sign a one-year contract to work in the wheat fields of Saskatchewan. My mothers family gave him what little money they had, to go there and take the job. He lived out his year contract and earned enough money to send for my mother and they then settled in Montreal, where there was a small but active Lithuanian community.

Mary and Joseph Kilmonis and the soon to be Ruta Lee

Joseph and Mary Kilmonis started work as tailors for a Jewish clothing manufacturer, Mr. Simon. I will never forget that man. He really mentored my parents.

My mother and father worked incredibly hard doing piecework in his factory. They worked faster and more diligently than other employees. Mr. Simon would leave them the keys and say, If you want to come in and do more, just lock up and turn out the lights. My parents respected him so much and the respect was mutual. Mr. Simon would include them in his family festivities. They kept in constant touch for many years.