The Famed Hollywood Museum With LA City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell Present 7TH Annual Real To Reel, Honoring Several Luminaries
Tommy Lightfoot Garrett 10 months ago 9 min read
The seventh annual “REAL to REEL: Portrayals and Perceptions of LGBTs in Hollywood” exhibit is an educational, entertaining and informative retrospective of LGBT images in film, TV, and new digital platforms – featuring costumes, props, photos, and iconic imagery all telling the story of the milestones and influence that LGBT characters and plot lines have had in Hollywood from early stereotypes to modern-day representations. Additionally, REAL to REEL celebrates LGBT Icons – individuals and couples who may be openly LGBT or not, and who support the LGBT community. Of particular interest this evening, was the display of artist Khoi Nguyen’s master artwork in tribute to LGBT Advocate, Harvey Milk, created in remembrance of the 40th anniversary of his assassination. The multi-media interactive display features 43,000 fingerprints for the LGBT community and its supporters.
This year, Tony, Emmy and Grammy winner, LILY TOMLIN, accepted the TRAIL-BLAZER AWARD on behalf of herself and partner, writer, director and producer, JANE WAGNER; restaurateur, philanthropist, author, actress, television personality, and activist LISA VANDERPUMP, star of the Bravo Series Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules, was honored with the HOLLYWOOD LEGACY award. Each appeared in person to accept these prestigious awards.
Donelle Dadigan, Lily Tomlin and Mitch O’Farrell, Donelle Dadigan and Tyler Henry during presentationDonelle Dadigan, Lisa Vanderpump and Mitch O’Farrell during presentation Exhibit highlights include costumes and rainbow inspired personal clothing from today’s hottest stars, from television shows and films such as: Grace and Frankie, Happily Divorced, How to Get Away with Murder, The Walking Dead, The Big Bang Theory, Sordid Lives, Cruising, Orange is the New Black, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Ray Donovan, Mad Men, Arrested Development, Cabaret, as well as Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful, Tyler Perry’s The Haves and Have Nots, Scandal, True Blood, The Good Wife, Bohemian Rhapsody (Costume worn by Rami Malek), One Day at a Time (Costume worn by Isabella Gomez), Special (costume worn by Ryan O’Connor), Transparent (costume worn by Jeffrey Tambour), Vanderpump Rules (wardrobe worn by Lisa Vanderpump), Daytime Emmy(R) Awards (Gown worn by Host Carolyn Hennesy), Hollywood Medium (wardrobe worn by Tyler Henry, Project Runway, RuPaul’s Drag Race (outfit worn by Bob the Drag Queen winner) and this year 5 time Emmy winner including best Drama and Actor, After Forever (costume worn by Kevin Spirtas and Emmy for Best Actor) Additional exhibit items include famous costumes from Hollywood’s leading designers – Bob Mackie, Zac Posen, Ret Turner, Jorge del Busto, Nolan Miller, Mr. Blackwell and Edith Head . This year’s exhibit also includes, LGBT Icons including Ellen Degeneres, Cher, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Freddie Mercury, Judy Garland, Betty Davis, Joan Crawford, Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, Liza Minnelli, Bette Midler, Ramon Navarro, Rudolf Valentino, Charles Laughton, Sam Harris, Bruce Vilanch, Sherman Hemsley, Gere Jewell, Jerry Herman, and many more. Jeri Jewell with exhibit items from “The Facts of Life” and HBO’s “Deadwood” The Hollywood Museum’s REAL to REEL exhibition, which coincides with the annual Christopher Street West Pride activities, offers a historic perspective spanning 100 years from silent films to today’s films, TV shows, and digital platforms. Donelle Dadigan, Founder and President of The Hollywood Museum in partnership with Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell (CD13), proudly unveiled the 2019 salute to the LGBT community’s contributions to the entertainment industry last night to launched Los Angeles’ Gay Pride weekend festivities.
LILY TOMLIN, upon accepting her award, remarked “My partner, JANE (WAGNER), and I are honored and want to thank you for this award. It is amazing to see this whole outpouring for the LGBT community. Jane, couldnt be here tonight, but asked that I share her remarks ‘We love the thought of being called Trail-Blazers. It makes us feel current and something out of Marvel Comics.’ Neither of us has a good sense of direction, so we thought being called trail-blazers implies that we somehow new where we were going. So thank you for thinking of us as trail-blazers, rather than as museum pieces. Of course, there were times, I'm afraid, we got lost on that trail and were more bewildered than blazing. We are still blazing, but we have had to cool down a bit. After all, we need to take care not to add to global warming.”
*** DONELLE DADIGAN (Founder and President of The Hollywood Museum) said, “The museum welcomes the opportunity to create and showcase this important exhibition, sharing with the public the artistic expression and extraordinary significance of the LGBT culture and its effect and impact on the world through the medium of entertainment” Comic Icons, Judy Tenuta, Geri Jewell, Elaine Ballace and Geoffrey Mark Other personalities, who shared their thoughts included:
DARCY DONAVAN (Modern Family / Parks and Recreation) – “I really enjoyed this new exhibit that featured icons like Freddie Mercury, Ellen Degeneres and Cher, that I greatly admire. I especially loved seeing Lisa Vanderpump and Lily Tomlin show their support. It was a wonderful and special night for the LGBT community and I was honored to be a part of it!” FRAN DRESCHER (The Nanny/Happily Divorced) – “I’m just blown away by THE HOLLYWOOD MUSEUMS tribute to LGBT’s representation in the media. And I am honored to Have my television series HAPPILY DIVORCED featured amongst such illustrious company, which was credited by myself and my gay ex husband Peter Marc Jacobson. As we always say. LOVE IS LOVE!”
KATE LINDER (The Young & the Restless) – “It’s always fabulous at The Hollywood Museum and last night was no exception. THE 7TH ANNUAL REAL TO REEL: PORTRAYALS AND PERCEPTIONS OF LGBTs IN HOLLYWOOD was a fabulous event. What a terrific way to kick off LA Pride. I was honored to be the Grand Marshall of the Long Beach Gay Pride Parade and so happy to participate in honoring this fantastic community!” JEREMY MILLER (Growing Pains) – “The Real to Reel Exhibit at The Hollywood Museum is one of me favorite events of the year. It was a true pleasure to be there to Honor two Icons like Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner. As well as Lisa Vanderpump and Tyler Henry. Paying tribute to and remembering the entertainers who have helped bring LQBTQ awareness to the mainstream over the years is so important. Councilman Mitch O’Farrell and Donelle Dadigan do such an amazing job putting on this event!” Costumes from the LGBT iconic film, “To Wong Fu, Thanks for everything! Julie Newmar.” JUDY TENUTA (Comedienne) – “Donelle Dadigan and The Hollywood Museum hit it out of the park tonight! Thrilled to honor Lily Tomlin, Lisa Vanderpump & Tyler Henry! The Hollywood Museum is my home away from home! It could happen!’ LEE PURCELL (Valley Girl/Carol of the Bells) – “Last night gala opening of the 7th annual LGBTQ exhibit at the beautiful Hollywood Museum was as wonderful as ever. It just gets better every year! If you are never seen this permanent exhibit, now is the perfect time! With exciting new additions to the exhibit, such as Fran Drescher’s Happily Divorced display, this is a must see, whether you are a LA resident or a visitor from out of town.’
'Mitch O' Farrell, Tyler Henry, Donelle Dadigan, Lily Tomlin and Lisa Vanderpump'
The Hollywood Museum gratefully acknowledges the following ABC, Amazon Studios, Bravo, E! Entertainment Television, BBC America, CBS, Discovery Life, Focus Features HBO, Logo, NBC, Netflix, OWN, Showtime, TLC and 20th Century Fox, Universal Pictures, as well as organizations serving the LGBT community including ONE Archives, Christopher Street West, The Lavender Effect, The Glaad Awards, amfar and more. ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM See 10,000 Authentic Show Business Treasures spotlighting more than 100 years of Hollywood history – from the Silent’s to Talkies, to Hollywood’s Golden Era, Film Noir, Television and its Pioneer Years, through the rebellious 60s, special effects 70s, evolving 80s, involved 90s, technological 2000s, and beyond to current day heartthrobs! The Hollywood Museum’s exhibits showcase the best in film, network and cable television, and new digital platforms featuring iconic and fan favorites! Named one of the top tourist attractions by LA Weekly, voted one of the Top 10 Museums in LA by the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, and annually receives the Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor. Located in the heart of Hollywood, at the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave – The Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building is the “Official Museum of Hollywood” and offers visitors the most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world featuring the glamour of Hollywood legends and stars – past, present and in the making…. See one-of-a-kind costumes, props, photographs, scripts, stars’ car collections, personal artifacts, posters, and memorabilia from favorite stars, films and TV shows. The Hollywood Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.
