My Journey with Farrah - Alana Stewart [75]
May 13, 2009
Tonight was the premiere of Farrah’s Story at the Paley Center in Beverly Hills. I felt like pinching myself; everything has been happening so fast and furiously. Doug Vaughan introduced me, and I made a short speech introducing the documentary. I was nervous about what the reaction would be, but I was completely blown away by the response. Many people in the audience literally cried all through the film, and afterward everyone was raving about it.
I was incredibly proud to be a part of it, but I almost felt like I didn’t deserve the praise I was getting. I wanted to say, “But all I really did was hold the camera.” I almost can’t believe that I actually shot most of this film. But the person who really deserves the credit is Sandy Gleysteen for working so tirelessly to pull it together in time, as well as Ryan for his creative input. And most of all Farrah, for being willing to share her journey and her courage. She’s such an inspiration and has touched people so profoundly. I can’t believe it all started with her filming her doctors that day at UCLA when they told her the cancer had come back. And then she handed the camera to me in Germany and asked me to film. Who would have thought it would turn into this? All that was sadly missing was Farrah. This was really her evening.
May 15, 2009
We watched the documentary at Farrah’s last night, just Ryan, Farrah, and me. She really liked it. She said that she thought we did a great job. She wasn’t very comfortable, but she made it through the entire thing. I have to say, seeing it again, that it’s really an amazing show, and so well done. Dr. Piro came over to watch the end of it with us.
After it was over, I asked her, “So, did you really like it?”
She answered very clearly, “I liked it very, very, very, very, very much.”
God, was I relieved. Then I asked, jokingly, “So you’re still speaking to me after seeing the bald shot?”
She said again that she liked it and thought we’d done a great job. I’d really been sweating that one, just in case she wouldn’t have wanted it in, but I think she sees how powerful and how honest it was. Dr. Piro echoed what Sandy had said earlier, that it was extremely important for any woman who had ever lost her hair to chemo to see Farrah show such courage and power over losing probably the most famous head of hair in the world. And instead of being a victim, she had shaved it herself rather than wait for the chemo to take it.
Today, I’m so tired. It’s more brain tired than physically tired. I’m feeling overwhelmed by all the phone calls and e-mails, but I guess I should be happy.
They were the golden couple.
When they walked into a room, you just knew it from the looks on everyone’s faces. The whole room would brighten up the minute they arrived. No matter what the party was—whether it was just sitting around the house and having drinks or a black tie New Year’s Eve party—it was always more fun with them there.
This photo was taken at the party I threw for Farrah’s birthday on February 2, 1991. They were always a great combination. He told stories and held court, while she was ever the willing and enthusiastic audience. Farrah played off him and they’d banter back and forth.
They had their ups and downs—there’s no denying that. But sometimes you feel like two people are made for each other, and that’s how I always felt about them. Through all their struggles they were there for each other, this perfect match that seemed like they’d been through everything together twice.
KEEPING THE FAITH
May 17, 2009
Melanie Griffith has called me about this man named