First feat in show-biz got Elia Kazan to come see my work in "A Hatful of Rain" A decade later followed him to L.A.. I would wait for him outside the old Bronson Gate at Paramount daily, 'When are you going to call me?" Kazan would motion back with a downward hand wave. What patience and understanding with actors. Got my first role "The Last Tycoon." Got my SAG card--Gadg (Kazan) introduced me to an upcoming actor Robert De Niro?
Nick lived down the street from Mae West. My Dad knew her well from the Latin Quarter in New York...Called back home "Hey Mom send me one of those pictures Mae West gave Dad over the years"...I posted the still with a letter to her. "Not sure you remember my Dad, but I know you're the kind of gal who knows what it's like to be an actor in this town would appreciate if I could read for a role in "Sextette."
Got a call from director Irving Rapper landed a small role. I was in like Flynn... Two weeks later Rapper was replaced by Ken Hughes "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." My follow up calls to Mr. Hughes went unanswered. A few years later I was on the East Coast. The producer of "Night School" brought me in to meet Mr. Hughes who was helming the horror film. "How about Nick for the role of Gus?" Hughes, "Sure...he'll be fine." Got feature billing too... That's Hollywood!.
