On June 30, director Paul Mazursky died at the age of 84. Having started out as an actor in the 50s and 60s, Mazusky soon turned to directing, helming such classics as "Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice," "Alex in Wonderland," "An Unmarried Woman" and, of course, "Harry and Tonto." My father was the chief makeup artist on the film and helped create Art Carney's old age makeup. But more than that, my father became Carney's friend. Carney was having a difficult time with the shoot and my father provided both spirit gum, false hair and a strong shoulder to lean on. After the long shoot, Carney sent a picture of the two of them with a lovely inscription "I couldn't have made it without you." Carney went on to win the Best Actor Oscar for this touching movie and the two went on their separate ways. They kept in touch for some time off and on, and my father said this was one of his more enjoyable and memorable experiences. Rest in peace, Paul...
My father and Mazursky in a cameo from "Harry and Tonto."
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