MEMORIES OF BETH HOWLAND

I was shocked when I recently learned, along with the world, that actress Beth Howland, of Alice sitcom fame, had passed away a few months ago.  I had heard nary a word about it before that.  But neither had anyone else, apparently, as her family had kept the news very private.

For a brief few months several years ago, I had spent a lot of time with Beth, so the news made me especially sad.  Even though I had bumped into her just a couple of times in more recent times, Mr. X and I spoke of her often.

Beth had starred with Mr. X in a play in Toronto back then, along with Broadway legend Tammy Grimes.  While I got a major kick out of eccentric Tammy, she and Beth did not get along.  Beth was the consummate professional, (as is Mr. X,) and some of Tammy’s on-stage shenanigans drove them both crazy.  Like the time Tammy couldn’t find her character’s high heels, so she made her entrance…on tiptoes!  To emulate the height she would be while wearing heels!  How nutty!  (I loved it, though. I still smile thinking of it.)

Mr. X didn’t socialize much even back then, so I was the one in the middle of the woman.  While Mr. X and I were content to be put-up in a wonderful condo in the town of Mississauga, (where the theatre actually was situated,) with a car, the two classy women preferred to stay right in the heart of the vibrant city, where you don’t need a car, and be given rides to the theatre.  So, one day I’d go to town to have afternoon tea with Tammy, and I’d return there the next day to have lunch with Beth at her favorite spot, Fenton’s.  I felt like I was in a movie, dining there with her. She was always so vibrant, and appeared to love life.

Beth furthered her classy rep with me by having upscale cosmetics knowledge, which really appealed to a girly-girl such as moi. I was going to New York for a bit, in the middle of their show run, and asked everyone if they wanted me to bring anything back for them.  Beth asked for special mascara from…Henri Bendel!  I had never even thought of shopping there back then!  I was actually even a little scared to walk though the doors!  The place seemed so above me.  But, I really wanted to accomplish the task for Beth, so I forced myself.  Knowing it was for her gave me courage.  Now, whenever I go to that charming store, (which I usually do when I’m in the Big Apple,) I always think of Beth. (And I hope that my own younger pals now trust my taste as much as I did hers—I bought several of that brand mascara for myself!)

In Toronto that year, we attended her lovely New Year’s Eve fete, where she hosted not only the Toronto cast and crew, but also several accomplished pals who had arrived from LA for the occasion.  Beth sure was popular!

And, when the run was finally over, and Mr. X, Beth, her fun daughter, Holly, and I arrived back at LAX, Beth was greeted by several male pals…playing instruments!  I really think one of them was even a tuba!  That woman was indeed loved.  I hope that she had at least one similar “musician” in heaven to give her an equally spectacular greeting there. I have a feeling that she did.

RIP, Beth Howland.