Here’s an excerpt from the book, Celluloid Activist: The Life and Times of Vito Russo by By Michael Schiavi. Type “Bette Midler” in the little search engine.
Video: Bette Midler & Barry Manilow In The Documentary, Vito, 1971
Here’s an excerpt from the book, Celluloid Activist: The Life and Times of Vito Russo by By Michael Schiavi. Type “Bette Midler” in the little search engine.
Dear Ms. M.
This picture was, and is still, on the breakfront of the dining room set in our home. Vito sent it to my Grandmother as a Mother’s Day Gift. She framed it and proudly showed it off to everyone who walked into 24 Blueridge Road in Lodi NJ to visit the Russo’s. The dining room set is mine now, and sadly they are both gone. But I adore looking at it when I come down the stairs in the morning. The dining room set is in a different time and state, but the memories of all who sat at it still makes my heart warm. Along with so many family members, Vito’s “Family” was part of our family. Bruce, Arnie, Larry, Baby Jane, Arthur Bell, Jim Owles, Bill, Lennie Bloom and Larry Kramer, all ate Ravioli’s and Meatballs at this table.
Thank you for the love you showed him. On this 50th Anniversary of Stonewall, I can’t help reminiscing about how much of Vito’s Activism happened at this table I sit at. And I can’t think about him without remembering how much he adored you. When the Rose finally was shown on TV, he assembled all of us in front of the TV, which was a joke, because the living room at my grandparents house was so small, we all sat on every surface, to watch.
Love to you for the wonderful friendship and memories.
Vicki Russo