Episode 36
Cathy Moriarty Talks Acting, Awards, and a New Play in Palm Springs
Kathy Moriarty, the Academy Award-nominated actress best known for her role in 'Raging Bull', graces The Desert Scene with Bonnie G. in a captivating conversation that traverses her remarkable career and personal experiences. The episode begins with Bonnie G.'s lively introduction before diving into Kathy's early days in the film industry, where she shares the surreal experience of being cast in her breakout role at just 19 years old. The conversation flows into her collaboration with renowned director Martin Scorsese and actor Robert De Niro, painting a vivid picture of the behind-the-scenes dynamics and the challenges she faced as a young actress navigating the tumultuous world of Hollywood. Kathy reflects on her feelings of intimidation at the time but emphasizes the invaluable learning experiences that shaped her career, highlighting the supportive environment created by her colleagues.
As the discussion progresses, Kathy opens up about her transition from being a young actress to working with influential figures like Sue Mengers, a legendary talent agent who played a pivotal role in her career. The episode reveals how Mengers recognized Kathy's potential and took her under her wing, showcasing the importance of mentorship in the entertainment industry. Listeners gain insight into the intricacies of their relationship, the vibrant personality of Sue, and how her boldness helped Kathy navigate the competitive landscape of acting. Kathy's heartfelt anecdotes and reflections provide a glimpse into the personal connections that have influenced her journey, making this episode a treasure trove of wisdom for aspiring actors and fans alike.
The episode not only highlights Kathy's illustrious career but also delves into her latest theatrical endeavor, 'I'll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers', where she portrays the iconic agent. Kathy discusses how the play resonates with her experiences, allowing her to honor Sue's legacy while exploring the complexities of their friendship. Her enthusiasm for the production shines through as she shares her excitement about performing in Palm Springs, a place that is quickly becoming special to her. This rich dialogue captures the essence of Kathy's journey, the importance of personal connections in the arts, and the thrill of returning to the stage, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of culture, art, and personal growth.
Takeaways:
- Cathy Moriarty shares her incredible journey from being a young actress to earning an Academy Award nomination at just 19 years old.
- The experience of working with Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro was both intimidating and profoundly educational for Moriarty.
- Moriarty reflects on her relationship with Vicki LaMotta, emphasizing the importance of their connection during filming.
- Kathy reveals how Sue Mengers, her first agent, played a crucial role in her early career development.
- The play 'I'll Eat You Last' is a tribute to Sue Mengers and highlights her larger-than-life personality.
- Moriarty describes her initial reluctance to join the cast of the play, which turned into excitement after reading the script.
Transcript
In a land of sunshine where the palm trees sway, there's a special show to brighten up your day.
Bonnie G:From rockin festivals to Broadway dreams, Tune in with Bonnie G.
Bonnie G:It's a desert scene.
Bonnie G:The Desert Scene with Bonnie G.
Bonnie G:Beat the stars and feel the beat from the Coachella Valley is the place to be for all the cultural fun and harm the desert sea.
Bonnie G:Yeah.
Bonnie G:With Bonnie G.
Announcer:Mutual Broadcasting welcomes you to the desert scene.
Announcer:Featuring conversations with the people who make culture, art and entertainment happen in the Coachella Valley.
Announcer:From local theater to live music, art exhibits to cinema and beyond, the desert scene is presented by El Portal Mexican Restaurant in Cathedral City.
Announcer:Now here is your host, Bonnie G.
Host:And welcome to the desert scene.
Host:So happy to have you here and very happ an honor to welcome to the show Academy Award nominee Kathy Moriarty, who's going to be in Palm Springs doing a fun play called I'll Eat yout Last.
Host:A Chat with Sue Mengers at the.
Host:At the Bent Theatre.
Host:Hi, Kathy.
Host:Thank you so much for being here.
Host:Really appreciate it.
Kathy Moriarty:Thank you for having me.
Host:So wonderful.
Kathy Moriarty:I love your little song leading in.
Announcer:Thank you.
Kathy Moriarty:Wonderful.
Host:Yeah, it's my little jingle.
Host:It's fun.
Host:So I was reading about you.
Host:I did not realize that you were just 19 when you were cast in Raging Bull as Vicki LaMotta.
Host:And then I got an Academy Award nomination.
Host:Wow, that's just amazing.
Host:What kind of an experience was that at that age for your first big film role with Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, and then you get an Academy Award nomination?
Host:That must have just kind of blown your mind.
Kathy Moriarty:It was a wild ride, that's for sure.
Kathy Moriarty:I was 17 when I met them.
Kathy Moriarty:18 and 19 while we shot the movie.
Kathy Moriarty:It took a year and I was 20 when it came out and wow.
Kathy Moriarty:Yeah, it was pretty amazing.
Kathy Moriarty:And I'm kind of glad I didn't realize the importance of anything.
Kathy Moriarty:Yeah, I.
Kathy Moriarty:Maybe, maybe if I did, it would have been different, but it was mostly the best learning experience that any human being could ask for.
Kathy Moriarty:They were so kind and generous and caring and protective of me.
Kathy Moriarty:So I will forever be grateful to them.
Host:That's what I was gonna ask, what it was like working with them.
Host:I mean, that's pretty intimidating stuff.
Host:I mean, those two.
Kathy Moriarty:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:If I had to do it now, you probably wouldn't have gotten the part.
Kathy Moriarty:I would have had too much fear.
Host:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:But at 18, I just was like, oh, this is good.
Host:Yeah.
Host:How did, how did they find you?
Host:How did you end up getting cast?
Kathy Moriarty:It's just A stupid, weird story.
Kathy Moriarty:I wanted to become an actress.
Kathy Moriarty:And I come from a very large Irish family.
Kathy Moriarty:My parents came over on the boat in the 50s, and I was at a club and, oh, I don't know, I did some stupid contest, and they saw my pictures, and it was right by the Bronx where Joe Pesci was.
Kathy Moriarty:And they're like, you know, you really look like the lady Vicki lamotta.
Kathy Moriarty:You should send your headshot in.
Kathy Moriarty:Which, of course, I didn't even know what a headshot was, but so I just sent a picture in and they called me to come down and read Sis Corman, who actually, it's so funny because it's like full circle now, because Sis Corman was such good friends with Sue Mengers, who I'm playing in I'll eat you last at the Bench.
Kathy Moriarty:And so I went down and this was like September, October.
Kathy Moriarty:And I started, and they kept calling me back and kept calling me back.
Kathy Moriarty:And anyway, that was that.
Kathy Moriarty:And for months and months, I just figured I was getting college for free because I applied for a grant.
Kathy Moriarty:And they told me they didn't consider asking a profession back then.
Kathy Moriarty:Why don't you be a nurse and explain to them, I'd like to play a nurse, not be a nurse.
Host:Yeah.
Host:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:And anyway, I ended up screen testing in February, months later, and I got the part.
Host:Wow.
Host:That is just.
Host:It's just.
Kathy Moriarty:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:And the adventure began.
Kathy Moriarty:And we were supposed to shoot most of it in New York, but, like, the first week, they're like, you know what?
Kathy Moriarty:We're gonna all go to California.
Kathy Moriarty:So I off to California.
Kathy Moriarty:I went in April and.
Kathy Moriarty:And worked all the way through.
Kathy Moriarty:It was right before Christmas.
Kathy Moriarty:We finally rocked.
Kathy Moriarty:And it was a year before it came out.
Host:Yeah.
Host:Did you know much about Jake.
Host:Jake and Vicki LaMotta at that time?
Kathy Moriarty:No, I knew nothing.
Host:Okay.
Kathy Moriarty:I knew absolutely nothing.
Kathy Moriarty:You know, but I learned about them very quickly, didn't I?
Host:Yeah.
Host:And then to get an Academy Award nomination, what was that like?
Host:My goodness.
Kathy Moriarty:Oh, boy.
Kathy Moriarty:I did not know the importance of it, really.
Kathy Moriarty:So you know how smart I was at 19 or 20 years old.
Kathy Moriarty:I decided to leave for Europe that day for six weeks.
Kathy Moriarty:Not my best choice.
Kathy Moriarty:Not my best choice, but I really did have fun.
Host:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:And I ended up going on a Tour with Becky LaMotta.
Host:Wow.
Kathy Moriarty:We went to Europe for six weeks.
Kathy Moriarty:I should have stayed put.
Kathy Moriarty:I know.
Kathy Moriarty:But that was a once in a lifetime opportunity as well.
Host:What was.
Host:What was she like?
Kathy Moriarty:Oh, she was a wonderful woman.
Kathy Moriarty:I wasn't.
Kathy Moriarty:I was never Allowed to meet her while we were filming.
Kathy Moriarty:And so after I finished the movie, and we had sent letters to each other and all kinds of stuff, and when she came to California to come on set, they would send me back to New York.
Kathy Moriarty:So I just thought that she just didn't want to meet me.
Kathy Moriarty:Finally, I was in Florida working on something else.
Kathy Moriarty:Not even a movie.
Kathy Moriarty:I went back to the garment center or something, and I finally got in touch with her, and I ended up staying in Florida.
Kathy Moriarty:I finished work on a Friday, and we finally connected, and I went down and I stayed with her for the weekend at her house.
Host:Wow.
Kathy Moriarty:And it was an experience that I'll never forget, but I keep it close to my heart because it was kind of for me.
Host:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:And we stayed friends for years and years.
Host:That's great.
Kathy Moriarty:And then they had the 25th anniversary of Raging Bull.
Kathy Moriarty:I guess that's 20 years ago now, too.
Kathy Moriarty:And because they never had a premiere or anything for the movie.
Kathy Moriarty:So I was expecting to see her that night, but she had passed away three days before.
Host:Oh, wow.
Kathy Moriarty:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:Ye.
Kathy Moriarty:I was heartbroken.
Host:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:Absolutely heartbroken.
Kathy Moriarty:But then she even moved to New York.
Kathy Moriarty:So we actually became little filmmakers and really good friends.
Kathy Moriarty:It was a dynamite woman.
Kathy Moriarty:Just, you know, had a.
Kathy Moriarty:She never complained about it, but she didn't have the easiest life.
Host:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:Didn't have the easiest life.
Kathy Moriarty:A wonderful human being.
Host:When you did meet her and get to know her, did you see at that point, was there some essence of her that you thought, oh, okay, that.
Host:I see that.
Host:That's.
Host:I sort of.
Host:That's what they saw in me.
Host:Did you have any kind of recognition like that?
Kathy Moriarty:I think I was really looking more for justification because the movie was shot through Jake LaMotta's eyes.
Kathy Moriarty:Until I finally grasped that, because there were certain things I was like.
Kathy Moriarty:I don't think Vicki would have said that.
Kathy Moriarty:And Mr.
Kathy Moriarty:Scorsese had explained to me, and he was so kind, and he would storyboard and, yeah, he knew I really.
Kathy Moriarty:I had no.
Kathy Moriarty:Really great experience.
Kathy Moriarty:I had no technical experience whatsoever.
Kathy Moriarty:Still trying to figure out camera left, Camera right.
Kathy Moriarty:Yeah, that's okay.
Kathy Moriarty:But when he explained, he goes, she probably didn't say that, but it's what Jake heard.
Kathy Moriarty:The whole movie was how Jake perceived his life, his paranoia, his, you know, manic.
Kathy Moriarty:So then it was okay.
Kathy Moriarty:But I had the opportunity to.
Kathy Moriarty:I guess I was apologizing to her if I portrayed her in a way that wasn't true to her own self.
Kathy Moriarty:And she was like, I know all about it, Kathy and then she actually did come to the screening in New York.
Kathy Moriarty:They didn't have a premiere or anything.
Kathy Moriarty:And I was with my family and she was with her and she just came out.
Kathy Moriarty:She gave me the biggest hug and a kiss.
Kathy Moriarty:She goes, you make me proud.
Host:Oh, wow.
Kathy Moriarty:Make me cry.
Host:Oh, my God.
Host:You couldn't ask for more than that.
Host:All right, let's.
Kathy Moriarty:And then she ended up moving down to Battery park and coming to New York, and we'd see each other at least once a week.
Host:That's great.
Kathy Moriarty:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:She was wonderful.
Kathy Moriarty:Absolutely wonderful.
Host:I want to take a really quick break and then we'll come back and talk about Ali Last and Sue Menger.
Host:So we'll be right back with Kathy Moretti on the desert scene.
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Host:And we're back with Kathy Moriarty on the desert scene.
Host:So let's talk about Sue Mengers because I'm looking at this.
Host:So she saw you in Raging Bull and then thought helped kickstart your career after that?
Host:Is that how that all happened?
Kathy Moriarty:She had pursued me then I was starting to work.
Kathy Moriarty:But for a year after I did Raging Bull, it took a year for it to come out.
Kathy Moriarty:I still didn't even have an agent.
Kathy Moriarty:And then sue is one of my first agents, I think, because I stayed in New York for a while.
Kathy Moriarty:So I went with them.
Kathy Moriarty:Johnny Franco first and then sue got me.
Kathy Moriarty:And I loved Sue.
Kathy Moriarty:Sue was a very unique, unique, woman who was just wonderful.
Kathy Moriarty:She was bigger than life.
Kathy Moriarty:A little tiny thing, but bigger than life itself.
Kathy Moriarty:And she just, you know, she'd shoot straight from the hip.
Kathy Moriarty:She was sue, and I just, I adored her.
Kathy Moriarty:But she was like, you're coming with me.
Kathy Moriarty:And she goes, I think you got it.
Kathy Moriarty:I believe in you, so let's take the ride.
Kathy Moriarty:And I did for many years.
Host:Well, she did.
Host:Was.
Host:She did.
Host:Did some people perceive her as difficult?
Host:I don't know that much about.
Host:I know she was very, like he said, larger than life.
Host:But could she be difficult with.
Host:With people sometimes.
Kathy Moriarty:I guess, sure.
Kathy Moriarty:I mean, it's such an icon.
Kathy Moriarty:People were scared of Sue.
Kathy Moriarty:People listen to Sue.
Kathy Moriarty:Yeah, she ran the show.
Kathy Moriarty:You know, she ran the show.
Kathy Moriarty:I mean, I had the privilege of being invited to some of her little dinner parties, and, boy, they were pretty amazing.
Kathy Moriarty:Very intimate, very calculated.
Kathy Moriarty:It was kind of like going to work from work.
Kathy Moriarty:They all about work that night.
Kathy Moriarty:Who was invited, who was placed where, why they were invited the same night that you were invited.
Kathy Moriarty:It was.
Kathy Moriarty:She put a lot of work, and she lived for her Jenna parties.
Kathy Moriarty:Yeah, she was wonderful.
Kathy Moriarty:Even in her office, all of her secretaries and assistants, she was shoemakers.
Kathy Moriarty:And really all I can say.
Kathy Moriarty:So being able to play her, knowing her, I mean, I was like 21, maybe 22 when I was with sue.
Kathy Moriarty:And I was with her for quite a while.
Kathy Moriarty:And then, you know, I stayed with the agency.
Kathy Moriarty:But then they kind of dwindle you down to the.
Kathy Moriarty:To the other agents.
Kathy Moriarty:But I remained friends with sue even after she didn't represent me anymore.
Kathy Moriarty:He's down Mulberry Street Pizzeria.
Kathy Moriarty:And she would call me on a Sunday at home, Cat.
Kathy Moriarty:And she'd be with David Gessen.
Kathy Moriarty:They were very good friends.
Kathy Moriarty:And come on.
Kathy Moriarty:The guys would tell me, they're not going to deliver to me.
Kathy Moriarty:I'm out of your range or something.
Kathy Moriarty:So she's like, call them.
Kathy Moriarty:Tell them.
Kathy Moriarty:Deliver to me.
Kathy Moriarty:So I stayed in Dutch with Sue, really forever.
Kathy Moriarty:And it came down to pizza at the end.
Kathy Moriarty:There you go.
Kathy Moriarty:But, you know.
Kathy Moriarty:Yeah, she'd just call me at home, call them, cassette.
Kathy Moriarty:And I did.
Kathy Moriarty:And she'd get her pizza on a Sunday.
Host:So let's talk about the play.
Host:I'll eat you last.
Host:Interesting title.
Host:A chat with Sue Mengers.
Host:How did.
Host:How did you hook up with the bench?
Host:And tell us a little bit about the play.
Kathy Moriarty:The play is absolutely divine.
Kathy Moriarty:It's delicious.
Kathy Moriarty:It's wonderful.
Kathy Moriarty:And I thought it was going to be so much harder, but I'm so enjoying it.
Kathy Moriarty:I just got here yesterday to Palm Springs, and I've been meeting with Terry Wray, who's producing it, and Steve Rosenbaum, who's directing, and I've been talking to them for months now.
Kathy Moriarty:At first, I Never even got the email asking me if I'd be interested in doing it.
Kathy Moriarty:Then I get an email one morning saying, listen, they need to know by the end of today.
Kathy Moriarty:So what are you talking about?
Kathy Moriarty:I said, we've never discussed this.
Kathy Moriarty:I guess an email got lost in translation, or I guess basically somebody didn't do their job right.
Host:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:Anyway, I said no.
Kathy Moriarty:Then they were like, well, we'll just pass for you.
Kathy Moriarty:I said, don't pass.
Kathy Moriarty:Let me read it.
Host:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:And I read it, and I fell in love.
Kathy Moriarty:And I guess nobody expected me to say I would do it.
Kathy Moriarty:And then I did a little research, and Stephen, Terry made themselves so available to me.
Kathy Moriarty:I was like, you know what?
Kathy Moriarty:I think I might be interested.
Host:Excellent.
Kathy Moriarty:And now that is my new family.
Kathy Moriarty:We had our first rehearsal yesterday, and I'm just.
Kathy Moriarty:I'm madly in love with them.
Kathy Moriarty:They're so talented.
Kathy Moriarty:The theater, which I have not been to, but I got to see it.
Kathy Moriarty:It's just this wonderful little quaint theater, this town down here.
Host:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:I lived in LA for 30 something years, and I think I only came to Palm Springs like, once or twice, and I went to dinner with my daughter last night, and I just.
Kathy Moriarty:I'm, like, gonna start looking at real estate.
Kathy Moriarty:I just love it here.
Host:It happens a lot.
Host:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:It is so serene and clean.
Host:It's beautiful.
Kathy Moriarty:Just lovely.
Kathy Moriarty:I mean, it's absolutely.
Kathy Moriarty:Just really wonderful.
Host:So let's talk about this.
Host:The show, the play as runs Fridays through Sundays from December 6th to the 22nd at the Bend, Palm Springs only LGBTQ theater.
Host:And you can get tickets, I believe, @thebent.org now, is this is one woman show?
Host:Is it a small cast or is it just you, or are there a couple other folks in the.
Host:In the.
Kathy Moriarty:I really think it's just me.
Kathy Moriarty:And there might be a little guest that I call up every now and then.
Host:Okay.
Kathy Moriarty:But, yeah, it's 90 minutes of listening to myself, I guess.
Kathy Moriarty:But you'll be listening to my version.
Host:Do you think sue would.
Host:Sue would like it?
Host:Do you think sue would like it, the play, if she saw it?
Kathy Moriarty:I do.
Host:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:I do.
Kathy Moriarty:Ten years ago, the fabulous BET Midland did it on Broadway.
Kathy Moriarty:And this is my version of it, though.
Kathy Moriarty:But, yeah, it's just.
Kathy Moriarty:It's written by John Logan, and it is so brilliant, and it just flows so smooth.
Host:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:So hope to God I can be able to memorize 90 minutes of sue, which I will.
Kathy Moriarty:And I'm just.
Kathy Moriarty:It's just working with my new family for the next six weeks, and I'M already just so happy and comfortable and at ease.
Host:Yeah, that's important.
Host:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:We finished work last night around 7.
Kathy Moriarty:And my daughter, who's helping with the play as well, we went just for a bite to eat.
Kathy Moriarty:We were starving.
Kathy Moriarty:And she goes, you look relieved, happy.
Host:Yeah.
Kathy Moriarty:And comfortable.
Kathy Moriarty:Because I was like, ah, that's important.
Kathy Moriarty:I just.
Kathy Moriarty:These people, they do so much for the community and they're just absolutely wonderful.
Kathy Moriarty:And I'm, I'm just, I'm so honored to be here.
Kathy Moriarty:Well, to be asked to do this, that they believe in me, that I can do it.
Kathy Moriarty:And.
Kathy Moriarty:Well, I didn't get fired yesterday, so I guess I'll see everybody at the Bent, right?
Host:Yes, absolutely.
Host:Well, Kathy Moriarty, she's starring in I'll Eat yout Last, a chat with Sue Mengers at the Bent, which takes place at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.
Host:Tickets to thebent.org thank you so very much.
Host:I hope you do find some real estate here.
Host:It's a wonderful place to live.
Host:And thank you so very much for being here today.
Host:Really, really appreciate it.
Kathy Moriarty:You know what?
Kathy Moriarty:Thank you.
Kathy Moriarty:It's very kind of you.
Kathy Moriarty:And I really do love your single.
Host:Okay.
Kathy Moriarty:I hope you at the Bent.
Host:Okay, I will.
Host:All right, Kathy, thank you so much.
Host:And we'll see the rest of you the next time.
Host:On the desert scene.
Bonnie G:The Desert Sea with Bonnie G.
Bonnie G:Meet the stars and feel the beat from the Coachella Valley is the place to be for all the culture, fun and harmony the desert seems.
Bonnie G:Yeah.
Bonnie G:With Bonnie G.
Bonnie G:The desert scenes where you belong with Mutual Broadcastings.
Bonnie G:Bonnie G.
Bonnie G:Just sing along.
Bonnie G:Just sing along.
