Lori Singer Boulevard Magazine Interview 2009
June of 2009 was nearly over, and on this day the sun opted to hide as it had for most of the month. The clouds dominated, and the morning darkened to a misty gray. This writer had an appointment to lunch with Lori Singer at a Manhattan restaurant, Le Pain Quotidien. The eatery bustled with patrons, but it seemed the incessant summer rains had dampened everyone’s spirits. Suddenly, Ms. Singer nimbly strolled into the bistro donning an ensemble of leisurely clothes and a jovial demeanor, brightening the ambiance as though sunshine had followed her in. What imported the unexpected liveliness was the actress’ cheerfulness that she conveys through a fixed smile, her energetic model-like figure, and ever-youthful face.
June of 2009 was nearly over, and on this day the sun opted to hide as it had for most of the month. The clouds dominated, and the morning darkened to a misty gray. This writer had an appointment to lunch with Lori Singer at a Manhattan restaurant, Le Pain Quotidien. The eatery bustled with patrons, but it seemed the incessant summer rains had dampened everyone’s spirits. Suddenly, Ms. Singer nimbly strolled into the bistro donning an ensemble of leisurely clothes and a jovial demeanor, brightening the ambiance as though sunshine had followed her in. What imported the unexpected liveliness was the actress’ cheerfulness that she conveys through a fixed smile, her energetic model-like figure, and ever-youthful face.
“I’m so sorry for my lateness. My earlier meeting went on and on ... I try not to be late, but, you know, everything piles up all at once,” she charmingly apologized. Lori Singer exudes an agreeable demeanor that can relax even a most frantic personality. For that reason, she is the ideal subject for a talk show host or a journalist would relish to interviewing.
“I’m so sorry for my lateness. My earlier meeting went on and on ... I try not to be late, but, you know, everything piles up all at once,” she charmingly apologized. Lori Singer exudes an agreeable demeanor that can relax even a most frantic personality. For that reason, she is the ideal subject for a talk show host or a journalist would relish to interviewing.
A uniquely interesting but little-known fact about Singer’s entertainment origins is that she did not begin her career as a screen actor. Instead, at 13 years of age, she graced concert halls as a cello soloist. Her parents and one of her siblings are accomplished musicians, so they played as a family quartet at Lincoln Center Tully Hall. Ms. Singer’s father, Jacques, was a popular symphony conductor; her mother, Leslie, a concert pianist. Of the brothers, her twin brother Gregory is a violinist, which, all combined, explains the source and influence of her ardent musical expressions. Her other brother, Marc Singer, is also an actor, who, as of this writing, is a cast member of the play The Little Foxes at the Pasadena Playhouse. Then there’s a cousin, film director Bryan Singer. And lastly, she’s kin to the great Raymond Massey, whose name and face is familiar to the more contemporary generation as Dr. Gillespie from the ’60s TV show Dr. Kildare. With such bloodlines, it’s no surprise Lori Singer possesses the traits for the art of acting. In so far as her attractive face and perennial, model-type physique, well, nature took care of those features.
A uniquely interesting but little-known fact about Singer’s entertainment origins is that she did not begin her career as a screen actor. Instead, at 13 years of age, she graced concert halls as a cello soloist. Her parents and one of her siblings are accomplished musicians, so they played as a family quartet at Lincoln Center Tully Hall. Ms. Singer’s father, Jacques, was a popular symphony conductor; her mother, Leslie, a concert pianist. Of the brothers, her twin brother Gregory is a violinist, which, all combined, explains the source and influence of her ardent musical expressions. Her other brother, Marc Singer, is also an actor, who, as of this writing, is a cast member of the play The Little Foxes at the Pasadena Playhouse. Then there’s a cousin, film director Bryan Singer. And lastly, she’s kin to the great Raymond Massey, whose name and face is familiar to the more contemporary generation as Dr. Gillespie from the ’60s TV show Dr. Kildare. With such bloodlines, it’s no surprise Lori Singer possesses the traits for the art of acting. In so far as her attractive face and perennial, model-type physique, well, nature took care of those features.
Like a chameleon, Singer easily slips on polarizing roles directors assigned to her, a talent that segregrates her from the overcrowded community of most film and stage aspirants. One instantly associates her name with the 1984 screen production Footloose, a box office success. However, this gifted entertainer, besides her acclaimed cello performances, has either starred or played in a long list of films and television series. Moreover, Ms. Singer asserts her abilities as an extraordinary protagonist as she raises her character portrayal to those of the high-caliber actors with whom she has shared the lens of the camera. A feat that was not stroke of faith or a one-time achievement. That roster of silver screen titans includes Kevin Bacon, John Lithgow, Robert Wagner, Mickey Rourke, Don Johnson, Kris Kristofferson, Tom Hanks, Sean Penn and Debbie Allen.
Like a chameleon, Singer easily slips on polarizing roles directors assigned to her, a talent that segregrates her from the overcrowded community of most film and stage aspirants. One instantly associates her name with the 1984 screen production Footloose, a box office success. However, this gifted entertainer, besides her acclaimed cello performances, has either starred or played in a long list of films and television series. Moreover, Ms. Singer asserts her abilities as an extraordinary protagonist as she raises her character portrayal to those of the high-caliber actors with whom she has shared the lens of the camera. A feat that was not stroke of faith or a one-time achievement. That roster of silver screen titans includes Kevin Bacon, John Lithgow, Robert Wagner, Mickey Rourke, Don Johnson, Kris Kristofferson, Tom Hanks, Sean Penn and Debbie Allen.
In the mid-’80s, Lori delighted millions of viewers with her persona in the television show Fame. She then immersed herself in a succession of cinema projects: The Man With One Red Shoe, Trouble in Mind, Heartbeat, Made in USA, Summer Heat, Warlock, Storm and Sorrow, Short Cuts, and myriad others. In 2005, alongside Robert Wagner, Ms. Singer completed a short film titled Little Victim, an award-winning endeavor.
In the mid-’80s, Lori delighted millions of viewers with her persona in the television show Fame. She then immersed herself in a succession of cinema projects: The Man With One Red Shoe, Trouble in Mind, Heartbeat, Made in USA, Summer Heat, Warlock, Storm and Sorrow, Short Cuts, and myriad others. In 2005, alongside Robert Wagner, Ms. Singer completed a short film titled Little Victim, an award-winning endeavor.
Deservingly, she has certainly earned the respect of peers, directors, award academies, friends, and, of course, fans. But despite a tenure in show business that spans over 28 years, Ms. Singer’s calendar is constantly committed. It may be an audition for an upcoming project or a musical engagement at Carnegie Hall; perhaps the reading and contemplation of a new screenplay, or maybe an afternoon of quality time with a family member. She also eagerly volunteers for charitable and humanitarian causes.
Deservingly, she has certainly earned the respect of peers, directors, award academies, friends, and, of course, fans. But despite a tenure in show business that spans over 28 years, Ms. Singer’s calendar is constantly committed. It may be an audition for an upcoming project or a musical engagement at Carnegie Hall; perhaps the reading and contemplation of a new screenplay, or maybe an afternoon of quality time with a family member. She also eagerly volunteers for charitable and humanitarian causes.
A favored activity, one unrelated to music or drama but a pastime that keeps Ms. Singer physically active and fit, is baseball. Indeed, she is an avid player of the sport, a passion she acquired from her brothers while growing up. In fact, schedule permitting, she won’t pass on an opportunity to play in a friendly game. On one occasion, a benefit fundraising event, as the midafternoon August sun scorched the ball field, the batter, unlike a typical contender, was a tall, shapely woman sporting blond hair that flowed out of her baseball cap. She confidently strutted to the plate and assumed a near-perfect batting stance. On the first pitch, she swung with unexpected precision and her long line drive, aided by the mademoiselle’s extraordinarily fast base running, scored a double. The spectators cheered and applauded as the announcer’s enthusiastic voice echoed from the loudspeakers: “Incredible...incredible. This is her second double of the game. Great hit, Lori. Good going! That was Lori Singer, ladies and gentlemen. When it comes to softball, her team sure knows that it can count on Lori to do her part.” Her two doubles during that game drove in six runs.
A favored activity, one unrelated to music or drama but a pastime that keeps Ms. Singer physically active and fit, is baseball. Indeed, she is an avid player of the sport, a passion she acquired from her brothers while growing up. In fact, schedule permitting, she won’t pass on an opportunity to play in a friendly game. On one occasion, a benefit fundraising event, as the midafternoon August sun scorched the ball field, the batter, unlike a typical contender, was a tall, shapely woman sporting blond hair that flowed out of her baseball cap. She confidently strutted to the plate and assumed a near-perfect batting stance. On the first pitch, she swung with unexpected precision and her long line drive, aided by the mademoiselle’s extraordinarily fast base running, scored a double. The spectators cheered and applauded as the announcer’s enthusiastic voice echoed from the loudspeakers: “Incredible...incredible. This is her second double of the game. Great hit, Lori. Good going! That was Lori Singer, ladies and gentlemen. When it comes to softball, her team sure knows that it can count on Lori to do her part.” Her two doubles during that game drove in six runs.
Yes, Lori Singer is predisposed to excel at whatever enterprise she decides to undertake, and does not forgive sub-standard achievements – not that any have ever blemished her artistic résumé. Our luncheon interview lasted just less than two hours; and if it were not for other obligations, Ms. Singer would’ve partaken in pleasant conversation until nightfall. Warmth, sincerity, charm and beauty … Lori Singer is one of a kind.
Yes, Lori Singer is predisposed to excel at whatever enterprise she decides to undertake, and does not forgive sub-standard achievements – not that any have ever blemished her artistic résumé. Our luncheon interview lasted just less than two hours; and if it were not for other obligations, Ms. Singer would’ve partaken in pleasant conversation until nightfall. Warmth, sincerity, charm and beauty … Lori Singer is one of a kind.