Crisperanto: The Life And Legacy Of Quentin Crisp
In June 2007 my wife and I were injured in a car accident. Thankfully my wife was less seriously injured, but I was of work for some months.
I become extremely restless with nothing to do. But I could still write. So I started writing a book on Quentin. I didn't start seriously thinking that it would come to anything. I did it to occupy my mind; to stop myself going even crazier that I already was.
But incredibly here I am two years on and I have a book written and have a publisher.
Preliminary cover design for book.And so Crisperanto: The Life And Legacy Of Quentin Crisp is to be published in the USA next year (2010).
During these past two years I have liaiased with many of Quentin's friends, whom I already had built up a relationship with over the years of running my website, and through them made contact with many more people who had known and worked with him. Using these contacts and reading all his books (there are sixteen) as well as those books written about him, watching as many of his film performances as I could (there are a great deal more than you might think), watching his interviews and documentary appearances, I put together a book which while it treads some familiar paths (most people know the general layout of his life), it also has a lot of bits and pieces about Quentin which I believe have never appeared in print before.
The bulk of the book is a biography of Quentin using the above mentioned sources.
The second part is a look at his philosophy which he encapsulated in his bons mots.
The final part is a series of tributes from those who knew him best.
I owe soo much to soo many people that I must mention them each in turn. (This list is not complete as I have until the end of 2009 to finalise the book and still have content to get from more people)
Performance artist Penny Arcade knew Quentin for the last eighteen years of his life and was a constant support to him, especially during the last years. In 1992 he named her his 'Anima figure'. Penny created The Last Will And Testament Of Quentin Crisp which they performed together for many years until his death. They also appeared together in An Evening With Quentin Crisp And Penny Arcade. You can find out more about Penny at www.pennyarcade.tv
Guy Kettlehack was a friend of Quentin's throughout his time in America. Guy's book The Wit And Wisdom Of Quentin Crisp is a wonderful compendium of all things Crisp and he became known as a 'Crisp expert'. Guy was an influential figure during Quentin's years in America both professionally and as a friend. He was also Quentin's executor for many years. He has, to my great pleasure and sincere thanks agreed to write a Foreword to my book.
Louis Colaianni knew Quentin for many years and ran the Quentin Crisp Museum. He is a prominent voice and text coach in the professional theatre. He is an adjunct associate professor at Vassar College; teaches at The Actors Studio; and was associate professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. You can find out more about Louis at www.louiscolaianni.com.
Phillip Ward knew Quentin during the last fourteen years of his life and particularly during the last years was a constant practical and emotional support. Phillip gave me lots of info relating to those last years, shared aspects of their friendship with me and took the not inconsiderable time required to thoroughly proof-read my manuscript. I also owe him a big thank-you for allowing me to use extracts from Quentin's last book The Dusty Answers and material from the Quentin Crisp Archives. Phillip is Quentin's executor and runs the Quentin Crisp Archives which you can read about at www.crisperanto.org.
Tom Steele first met Quentin shortly after his move to America and the two remained close friends until Quentin's death. Tom was associate publisher and editor of TheaterWeek, Christopher Street (for which Quentin wrote film reviews), Opera Monthly, and The New York Native (for which Quentin wrote a weekly diary). Tom was also one of Quentin's most frequent cinema companions during his years in America. He is also a keen and enthusiastic cook and has written books on cooking. He has a website www.hugeflavors.com.
Writer, actor and producer David Alex Nahmod who produced the film Red Ribbons which starred Quentin and wrote and starred in the short film Aunt Fannie, in which Quentin played the titled character. David proof read my manuscript and provided loads of info on his experiences of working with Quentin and their subsequent contacts. I also owe David a special thank you for putting me in touch with my publisher Ben Ohmart.
Writer and director Neil Ira Needleman who produced the films Aunt Fannie, Red Ribbons and wrote and directed the film Famous Again in which Quentin also appeared. He gave me some wonderful details of his experiences of working with Quentin.
David Leddick whom during an amazing life has been a Navel Officer, librettist, dancer in the New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, World wide creative director for Revlon and L'Oreal, novelist and biographer, actor and cabaret entertainer. He knew Quentin for the last twenty years of his life and has created Quentin & I: a mini musical as a tribute to his late friend. You can find out more about David at www.davidleddick.us.
A special posthumous thank you to film producer June Lang. June was one of the first of Quentin's friends to make contact with me after I launched the site. She was so supportive and encouraging and freely contributed to the site. We remained in regular contact after that talking about Quentin and her latest projects. She produced the short film My Lunch With Quentin Crisp as her tribute to her friend. Quentin also featured in her documentary Farewell To The Deuce. Sadly she passed away in August 2008 from cancer. I'm sorry that she did not get to see the book in print she would have been so pleased. I miss our chats.
John W Mills, who first met Quentin in 1947 and formed a friendship with him which would last for decades. For sharing with me his reminiscences of knowing and working with him. I think you will find some of his memories very interesting! You can find out more about John at www.johnwmills.com.
Maurice Heerdink especially for allowing me to use his beautiful portrait of Quentin on the front cover of this book. Maurice is a dedicated admirer of Quentin and has amassed a wealth of knowledge and material about him which he has shared with me. He proof read my manuscript and gave me some excellent constructive criticism. You can see more of this gifted artists' work at www.mauriceheerdink.com.
Georgina Spelvin who starred with Quentin in the films Red Ribbons and Famous Again. She allowed me to reproduce her story of her experiences of meeting and working with Quentin on set and for allowing me to use her photo of she and Quentin. Georgina has just written her autobiography The Devil Made Me Do It. You can find out more about her at www.georginaspelvin.com.
Sara Moore, who wrote and directed Homo Heights in which Quentin gave his last feature-length acting performance. My thanks Sara for sharing with me your experiences of working with and knowing Quentin.
David Hartnell has had a highly successful career as a makeup artist and has worked with many legends of the film world from Mae West to Joan Collins. In 1978 he was in New Zealand and did Quentin's makeup for his tour there as well as helping out during the stage performances. David is now a Hollywood gossip columnist with a paper column, radio and TV slot and internet site. He has also just written a book David Hartnell's Hollywood Trivia.
Character actor Richard Louis James whose own one man show Tea 'N' Crisp brings Quentin back to life in the format of An Evening With Quentin Crisp, updated for the twenty-first century. Richard proof read my manuscript and allowed me to use his photo in the book. You can keep up to date with Richard and Tea 'N' Crisp at www.quentincrisp.info/teancrisp.
Screen and stage actor Leon Acord who plays Quentin in Jeffrey Hartgraves's play Carved In Stone. Leon reprised his role in Los Angeles in the Spring of 2009. Leon proof read my manuscript and allowed me to use his photo in the book. You can catch up with Leon at www.leonacord.com and at www.carvedinstonetheplay.com.
Film actor and stage performer Stephen Sorrentino who co-starred with Quentin in the film Homo aka Happy Heights for giving me permission to retell his story of how Quentin got his name. Stephen's own book about Quentin - Crisp Conversations will be out soon.
Morgan Fisher for telling me about his experiences interviewing Quentin in London in 1980 and for allowing me to use his photos. Morgan is a composer who began his career in 1968 playing with the bands The Love Affair which had a no1 hit with Everlasting Love and in the 1970s played with the band Mott the Hoople. In 1982 he played keyboards in Queen's tour of Europe. He now lives in Japan and has continued composing and recording.
Actor John Watson, who portrayed Quentin in the New Zealand production of Resident Alien for allowing me to use his photo.
Photographer Maxwell John Osborne for allowing me to use his photo of John Watson in Resident Alien.
David Whitworth for sharing with me his experience of meeting Quentin in New York on New Years day 1997 and for allowing me to use his photos of Quentin.
I also owe a thank-you to both James Burstall, who is CEO of Leopard Films and to actor John Hurt for giving me their permission to use a photo from the new film An Englishman in New York. And to Joanna Nicholas, James Burstall's Personal Assistant, thank you for your efforts on my behalf.
I would also just like to say that all of the above mentioned people were throughout totally and wonderfully supportive and encouraging. They took time out of their busy schedules to respond to my contacts, answer my questions and supply me with so much stuff. I suspect that there were times when I became a nuisance but they never once complained or refused a request. I don't now remember who it was who told me they would have done anything for Quentin while he was alive and still would. When I finally told them that I had found a publisher they were so delighted. Louis Colaianni said 'If Quentin is watching, he is smiling.' It is a testament not just to each of them, but also I think to the person Quentin was, that they soo wholeheartedly participated in the creation of this book.
My sincerest thanks and admiration to you all!
I would also like to thank painter Tommy Barr for putting the idea of writing a book in my mind, though neither he nor I realised it at the time. He was also my first 'public' reader. You can catch up with Tommy and see his work at www.tbarr.com.
I have to particularly thank my long suffering sister Heather who proofread my manuscript so many times, corrected my spelling, grammar and spotted those split-infinitives. Heather quoted Quentin in her master's dissertation and was a valuable sounding board for bouncing ideas off.
My wife Karen, (www.karencurlettkelly.com) who as always has been totally supportive, encouraging and understanding throughout and without whom nothing would be possible.
Lastly but by no means least there is of course Quentin Crisp himself. So many times I found myself floundering not knowing how to proceed, how to phrase something. At these times I would remind myself of Quentin's advice about writing 'All you have to ask yourself is have you said what you meant to say.' It always got me moving again.
I become extremely restless with nothing to do. But I could still write. So I started writing a book on Quentin. I didn't start seriously thinking that it would come to anything. I did it to occupy my mind; to stop myself going even crazier that I already was.
But incredibly here I am two years on and I have a book written and have a publisher.
Preliminary cover design for book.
During these past two years I have liaiased with many of Quentin's friends, whom I already had built up a relationship with over the years of running my website, and through them made contact with many more people who had known and worked with him. Using these contacts and reading all his books (there are sixteen) as well as those books written about him, watching as many of his film performances as I could (there are a great deal more than you might think), watching his interviews and documentary appearances, I put together a book which while it treads some familiar paths (most people know the general layout of his life), it also has a lot of bits and pieces about Quentin which I believe have never appeared in print before.
The bulk of the book is a biography of Quentin using the above mentioned sources.
The second part is a look at his philosophy which he encapsulated in his bons mots.
The final part is a series of tributes from those who knew him best.
I owe soo much to soo many people that I must mention them each in turn. (This list is not complete as I have until the end of 2009 to finalise the book and still have content to get from more people)
Performance artist Penny Arcade knew Quentin for the last eighteen years of his life and was a constant support to him, especially during the last years. In 1992 he named her his 'Anima figure'. Penny created The Last Will And Testament Of Quentin Crisp which they performed together for many years until his death. They also appeared together in An Evening With Quentin Crisp And Penny Arcade. You can find out more about Penny at www.pennyarcade.tv
Guy Kettlehack was a friend of Quentin's throughout his time in America. Guy's book The Wit And Wisdom Of Quentin Crisp is a wonderful compendium of all things Crisp and he became known as a 'Crisp expert'. Guy was an influential figure during Quentin's years in America both professionally and as a friend. He was also Quentin's executor for many years. He has, to my great pleasure and sincere thanks agreed to write a Foreword to my book.
Louis Colaianni knew Quentin for many years and ran the Quentin Crisp Museum. He is a prominent voice and text coach in the professional theatre. He is an adjunct associate professor at Vassar College; teaches at The Actors Studio; and was associate professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. You can find out more about Louis at www.louiscolaianni.com.
Phillip Ward knew Quentin during the last fourteen years of his life and particularly during the last years was a constant practical and emotional support. Phillip gave me lots of info relating to those last years, shared aspects of their friendship with me and took the not inconsiderable time required to thoroughly proof-read my manuscript. I also owe him a big thank-you for allowing me to use extracts from Quentin's last book The Dusty Answers and material from the Quentin Crisp Archives. Phillip is Quentin's executor and runs the Quentin Crisp Archives which you can read about at www.crisperanto.org.
Tom Steele first met Quentin shortly after his move to America and the two remained close friends until Quentin's death. Tom was associate publisher and editor of TheaterWeek, Christopher Street (for which Quentin wrote film reviews), Opera Monthly, and The New York Native (for which Quentin wrote a weekly diary). Tom was also one of Quentin's most frequent cinema companions during his years in America. He is also a keen and enthusiastic cook and has written books on cooking. He has a website www.hugeflavors.com.
Writer, actor and producer David Alex Nahmod who produced the film Red Ribbons which starred Quentin and wrote and starred in the short film Aunt Fannie, in which Quentin played the titled character. David proof read my manuscript and provided loads of info on his experiences of working with Quentin and their subsequent contacts. I also owe David a special thank you for putting me in touch with my publisher Ben Ohmart.
Writer and director Neil Ira Needleman who produced the films Aunt Fannie, Red Ribbons and wrote and directed the film Famous Again in which Quentin also appeared. He gave me some wonderful details of his experiences of working with Quentin.
David Leddick whom during an amazing life has been a Navel Officer, librettist, dancer in the New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, World wide creative director for Revlon and L'Oreal, novelist and biographer, actor and cabaret entertainer. He knew Quentin for the last twenty years of his life and has created Quentin & I: a mini musical as a tribute to his late friend. You can find out more about David at www.davidleddick.us.
A special posthumous thank you to film producer June Lang. June was one of the first of Quentin's friends to make contact with me after I launched the site. She was so supportive and encouraging and freely contributed to the site. We remained in regular contact after that talking about Quentin and her latest projects. She produced the short film My Lunch With Quentin Crisp as her tribute to her friend. Quentin also featured in her documentary Farewell To The Deuce. Sadly she passed away in August 2008 from cancer. I'm sorry that she did not get to see the book in print she would have been so pleased. I miss our chats.
John W Mills, who first met Quentin in 1947 and formed a friendship with him which would last for decades. For sharing with me his reminiscences of knowing and working with him. I think you will find some of his memories very interesting! You can find out more about John at www.johnwmills.com.
Maurice Heerdink especially for allowing me to use his beautiful portrait of Quentin on the front cover of this book. Maurice is a dedicated admirer of Quentin and has amassed a wealth of knowledge and material about him which he has shared with me. He proof read my manuscript and gave me some excellent constructive criticism. You can see more of this gifted artists' work at www.mauriceheerdink.com.
Georgina Spelvin who starred with Quentin in the films Red Ribbons and Famous Again. She allowed me to reproduce her story of her experiences of meeting and working with Quentin on set and for allowing me to use her photo of she and Quentin. Georgina has just written her autobiography The Devil Made Me Do It. You can find out more about her at www.georginaspelvin.com.
Sara Moore, who wrote and directed Homo Heights in which Quentin gave his last feature-length acting performance. My thanks Sara for sharing with me your experiences of working with and knowing Quentin.
David Hartnell has had a highly successful career as a makeup artist and has worked with many legends of the film world from Mae West to Joan Collins. In 1978 he was in New Zealand and did Quentin's makeup for his tour there as well as helping out during the stage performances. David is now a Hollywood gossip columnist with a paper column, radio and TV slot and internet site. He has also just written a book David Hartnell's Hollywood Trivia.
Character actor Richard Louis James whose own one man show Tea 'N' Crisp brings Quentin back to life in the format of An Evening With Quentin Crisp, updated for the twenty-first century. Richard proof read my manuscript and allowed me to use his photo in the book. You can keep up to date with Richard and Tea 'N' Crisp at www.quentincrisp.info/teancrisp.
Screen and stage actor Leon Acord who plays Quentin in Jeffrey Hartgraves's play Carved In Stone. Leon reprised his role in Los Angeles in the Spring of 2009. Leon proof read my manuscript and allowed me to use his photo in the book. You can catch up with Leon at www.leonacord.com and at www.carvedinstonetheplay.com.
Film actor and stage performer Stephen Sorrentino who co-starred with Quentin in the film Homo aka Happy Heights for giving me permission to retell his story of how Quentin got his name. Stephen's own book about Quentin - Crisp Conversations will be out soon.
Morgan Fisher for telling me about his experiences interviewing Quentin in London in 1980 and for allowing me to use his photos. Morgan is a composer who began his career in 1968 playing with the bands The Love Affair which had a no1 hit with Everlasting Love and in the 1970s played with the band Mott the Hoople. In 1982 he played keyboards in Queen's tour of Europe. He now lives in Japan and has continued composing and recording.
Actor John Watson, who portrayed Quentin in the New Zealand production of Resident Alien for allowing me to use his photo.
Photographer Maxwell John Osborne for allowing me to use his photo of John Watson in Resident Alien.
David Whitworth for sharing with me his experience of meeting Quentin in New York on New Years day 1997 and for allowing me to use his photos of Quentin.
I also owe a thank-you to both James Burstall, who is CEO of Leopard Films and to actor John Hurt for giving me their permission to use a photo from the new film An Englishman in New York. And to Joanna Nicholas, James Burstall's Personal Assistant, thank you for your efforts on my behalf.
I would also just like to say that all of the above mentioned people were throughout totally and wonderfully supportive and encouraging. They took time out of their busy schedules to respond to my contacts, answer my questions and supply me with so much stuff. I suspect that there were times when I became a nuisance but they never once complained or refused a request. I don't now remember who it was who told me they would have done anything for Quentin while he was alive and still would. When I finally told them that I had found a publisher they were so delighted. Louis Colaianni said 'If Quentin is watching, he is smiling.' It is a testament not just to each of them, but also I think to the person Quentin was, that they soo wholeheartedly participated in the creation of this book.
My sincerest thanks and admiration to you all!
I would also like to thank painter Tommy Barr for putting the idea of writing a book in my mind, though neither he nor I realised it at the time. He was also my first 'public' reader. You can catch up with Tommy and see his work at www.tbarr.com.
I have to particularly thank my long suffering sister Heather who proofread my manuscript so many times, corrected my spelling, grammar and spotted those split-infinitives. Heather quoted Quentin in her master's dissertation and was a valuable sounding board for bouncing ideas off.
My wife Karen, (www.karencurlettkelly.com) who as always has been totally supportive, encouraging and understanding throughout and without whom nothing would be possible.
Lastly but by no means least there is of course Quentin Crisp himself. So many times I found myself floundering not knowing how to proceed, how to phrase something. At these times I would remind myself of Quentin's advice about writing 'All you have to ask yourself is have you said what you meant to say.' It always got me moving again.