Eli Wallach: Inside The Life Of A Legend, The Early Years

I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet and interview some wonderful people from all walks of life. On NYCTV’s Emmy Awarding winning television series, Cool in Your Code, I host a segment called “Back on The Block,” in which I interview celebrities in the places and neighborhoods that helped shape their lives. It's amazing what happens out of the studio and on the street. Celebrities let down their guards, open up their hearts, and let out their true emotions. I come away inspired, enlightened, and indelibly touched every time, definitely a "mega moment." This series of articles will share these mega moments and insights and provide a very special glimpse into a side of these celebrities rarely seen or heard. One interview that is indelibly etched in my mind is with the legendary Eli Wallach. Eli's BookEli has written a wonderful book about his life called The Good, The Bad, and Me: In My Anecdotage, published by Harvest Books. I used it for my research and preparation for the interview and thoroughly enjoyed it. Eli crafted a memoir written in the tone of casual reminiscences about the seasons of his 90-plus-year life. It’s full of celebrity stories and experiences along with a witty and nostalgic look at his beloved New York City. It’s one entertaining anecdote after another. If you’re an Eli Wallach fan, you will love his book. The InterviewIt was a chilly March day when Eli Wallach met me and my film crew at Sardi's in New York City. It also happened to be the day of his 59th wedding anniversary. Sardi's was where he and his wife, Anne Jackson, had their wedding night celebration 59 years earlier. A great convergence of time and circumstance, so you can imagine the emotions that were stirring in Eli when he walked in. He was a bit frail, but still spry, with a gleam in his eye. Eli couldn't wait to get started and put everyone at ease from the moment he entered the room. What happened next was pure magic - non-stop give and take, storytelling, and sharing of intimate moments and memories. The interview lasted four hours and Eli could have stayed for two more. When it was over, all of us, including the waiters and staff at Sardi's, gave Eli a standing ovation. You can imagine our challenge when we had to cut three hours of tape into a five-minute segment. Fortunately, we were able to put together a piece that captures the essence of this wonderful man. Take a look when you have some time. Interview InsightsAt one early point in their lives, successful creative people discover their passion and make a commitment to pursue it regardless of their circumstances and whatever life throws at them. They find and follow their "mighty cause."

Article Author: Hank Wasiak

Hank Wasiak is a communications industry leader and co-founder of the creative hot shop, The Concept Farm. Hank is a best selling author, teacher, motivational speaker and three time Emmy award winning television host. Hank and Dr. …

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