It was my 16th birthday, and my parents decided to introduce me to theater. They had purchased tickets to a play -- "Don Juan In Hell" -- a 4-person play with no costumes - no props -- just the 4 actors on stage. The stars -- Ricardo Montalban, Paul Henreid, Edward Mulhare, and the incredible Agnes Moorhead. I was hooked!!

Following the play, I asked one of the ushers if I could get the autographs of the performers (much easier to do in those days as the year was 1968). The usher said he could do one better - he'd take me back stage. First I met Agnes Moorhead and she signed my program. Then Edward Mulhare -- how dashing. And then, my mother's idol - Paul Henried.

One more to go -- Ricardo Montalban. The usher took me to his dressing room. Mr. Montalban made a big deal about this being my 16th b-day, about same age as one of his family members. Then he asked me to do him a tremendous favor. Evidently one of the major patrons of the theater was having an after theater party and begging him to attend. He really wasn't in the mood and wanted to politely decline without offending - so he asked me to pretend to be his niece. He squired me around the dressing area...and when we encountered the patron, he was so sweet -- declined the invitation indicating it was my birthday and he wanted to spend the evening with me. She wasn't offended -- and off we went. He escorted me back to my parents -- thanked me for helping me with his situation. He signed my book -- and then gave me a kiss on my cheek.

I didn't wash my cheek for a week!!!!! I've been a theater goer ever since. What a wonderful 16th birthday!!

May you rest in peace Mr. Montalban..... I will always remember you in my heart.