Picture this: Ruta Lee, suspended high above the stage, waiting to make her grand entrance as Peter Pan. Suddenly, chaos erupts below. The young actors playing The Lost Boys, distracted or simply overwhelmed, fail to catch Wendy after she’s shot down during a pivotal scene. With a sickening thud, the actress playing Wendy crashes to the ground. “I’m not even aware my mic is live,” Ruta recalls with a chuckle to Closer. “So I blurt out, ‘I’ll kill those little [buggers]! I’ll kill every last one of them!’ And, just like that, my tirade echoes through a 10,000-seat theater.”
As Ruta approaches her 90th birthday, she remains as lively, witty, and captivating as ever. This legendary actress, dancer, and author, best known for her unforgettable roles in 1954’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and 1957’s Witness for the Prosecution, is not slowing down anytime soon. When asked how she plans to celebrate this milestone, her response is pure Ruta: “The only way to approach any birthday after 21 is to work. I’ve decided to perform my show as a benefit for The Thalians, an organization I’ve been proud to support since its very beginning.”
For those unfamiliar, The Thalians is a charity founded by actors who were tired of being labeled as party animals with nothing to contribute to society. “We wanted to prove that we could make a difference,” Ruta explains with a smile. “And we’ve done just that, raising over $50 million for mental health causes over the years. It’s something I’m incredibly proud of.”
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Legendary Tales from a Hollywood Icon
Ruta’s journey in Hollywood has been nothing short of extraordinary. For decades, she worked alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, including her dear friend Debbie Reynolds, who co-chaired The Thalians for many years. “Debbie was one of those rare gems—a truly wonderful person,” Ruta reminisces fondly. “She had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand.”
After Debbie’s passing in 2016, one of her assistants paid Ruta a heartfelt visit, bringing with her a cherished gift: a pair of candlesticks that Debbie knew Ruta admired. “It’s such a beautiful gesture,” Ruta says, her voice filled with warmth. “Every time I light those candlesticks, I’m reminded of Debbie’s kindness and the warmth she brought into my life. It’s like having a piece of her with me always.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Ruta has worked alongside some of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history, from Marlene Dietrich to Audrey Hepburn. “Audrey was simply divine,” Ruta gushes. “She had this magical aura about her that was hard to describe. I once asked her how she managed to stay so effortlessly slender, and she shared her secret with me. ‘I order everything on the menu I want,’ she told me, ‘but I only take one bite.’ That was her little trick, and it worked wonders for her.”
Ruta’s Commitment to Giving Back
Ruta emphasizes how much the entertainment industry has changed over the years, particularly when it comes to charitable work. “Back in the day, actors were eager to give back without expecting anything in return,” she says. “Frank Sinatra, for instance, would cover all the costs for his performances for us, including bringing his entire orchestra. These days, it’s tough to find anyone willing to do anything for free.”
Despite the challenges, Ruta remains committed to supporting causes close to her heart, including UCLA’s Operation Mend, which provides vital mental health services to veterans. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate in life,” she reflects. “I believe part of that fortune comes from working hard to help those who can’t help themselves. That’s why I’m thrilled to perform at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood on my birthday, May 30, as part of a benefit show for The Thalians.”
