Ruta Lee has a treasure trove of memories from her days at MGM, including sneaking onto the set of Brigadoon to watch Gene Kelly, Van Johnson, and Cyd Charisse rehearse. "Working at MGM was truly magical," Ruta, who was just 19 when she filmed the iconic musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers on the neighboring stage, tells Closer Weekly, now available on newsstands. "They were mega-stars back then, and I would often wander over to watch them rehearse. Van and Gene eventually became dear friends of mine," she reminisces warmly.
Ruta, now 86, may not have become a household name, but her career has spanned over six decades, making her one of Hollywood's most respected and enduring actresses. Her impressive résumé includes roles in film, theater, and television, and her circle of friends and co-stars reads like a who's who of entertainment legends, from Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to Lucille Ball and Debbie Reynolds.
A Candid Look Back: Ruta’s New Memoir
Ruta shares her remarkable journey and delightful, sometimes scandalous, stories in her new memoir, Consider Your Ass Kissed! "I'm incredibly fortunate to have made friends all over the world," she says, her voice brimming with gratitude. "I wanted the book to feel like we were sitting down together, sharing a drink, and swapping stories. I hope my voice comes through loud and clear in every page," she explains, describing the memoir as a heartfelt tribute to her life and career.
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Writing the Book of Her Life
How long did it take you to write such an incredible memoir?
"It took me eight long years," Ruta reveals with a laugh. "I'm absolutely thrilled with how it turned out. I always wanted to write a book that gave my career and experiences the respect they deserved, and I believe this one does just that."
Frank Sinatra: A Complex Friendship
One of the most unforgettable stories in your book involves Frank Sinatra, your co-star in Sergeants 3. Can you share what happened?
"Frank was an extraordinary talent, but he also had a darker side, and I experienced it firsthand," Ruta confesses. "There was an incident where he tried to seduce me in a rather unconventional way. It hurt deeply at the time. Maybe I should have embraced the moment, but I was too naive and scared back then," she muses, looking back with a mix of humor and nostalgia.
Did Frank ever seem upset that you turned him down?
"Not at all. For him, it was just another day in the life. I had to make it ordinary for myself too. Despite that, I have nothing but gratitude and love for Frank. He did so much for my career and personal life, and I'll always be thankful for that," she says, her tone softening with affection.
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A Passion for Performing
Was acting always your dream?
"Absolutely! My mother used to say I was the most talkative child on the block. I would chat with everyone I met, and performing came naturally to me. I believe I was born to entertain. Singing and dancing were second nature to me, even as a child," Ruta recalls with a smile.
Big Breaks and Career Highlights
What do you consider your biggest break in Hollywood?
"Honestly, I feel like my big break is still ahead of me! Someone once told me I'd become a star later in life, and I'm curious to see how much later that can be. At 86, I still feel like I'm 26 inside. But looking back, working on Burns and Allen, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Witness for the Prosecution were all incredible opportunities. Each of these roles opened doors for me, allowing my career to flourish for over six decades," she reflects proudly.
Despite the ups and downs, Ruta has always managed to make a living doing what she loves. "I've been incredibly fortunate," she adds humbly.
Close Friends and Legendary Co-Stars
Debbie Reynolds was one of your closest friends. What was she like behind the scenes?
"Debbie was a riot! She had a fantastic sense of humor and loved her wine—sometimes a little too much! But she was always professional when it came to her work. After a long day, she'd break out the wine, and we'd sit together, laughing and reminiscing about everything under the sun. She was one of the most generous people I've ever met. If you needed something, she'd give it to you without hesitation," Ruta remembers fondly.
And Lucille Ball?
"Lucy was often seen as this wacky character, but in reality, she was incredibly thoughtful and kind. She loved a good laugh and enjoyed playing games, especially charades. She was truly a gem," Ruta shares, her admiration for the legendary comedienne evident in her words.
Alex Trebek: A Lifelong Friendship
How did you become friends with Alex Trebek while co-hosting High Rollers?
"Well, Alex and I both hail from Canada, so we instantly connected. He had an incredible sense of humor and could mimic accents flawlessly. He'd often tell stories in these outrageous accents, and you could see a glimmer of that on Jeopardy!, but he never fully let loose with his humor during the show. Alex was truly one of a kind," Ruta says, her voice tinged with fondness.
Reflections on Hollywood Legends
Were there any Hollywood icons who didn't meet your expectations?
"Marlene Dietrich was certainly not the warm and effusive person I imagined. She was lovely, but she carried herself with an icy elegance. On the other hand, Bette Davis turned out to be fabulous, despite my initial apprehension. As for Lauren Bacall, she was a bit of a disappointment at first, but after reading her autobiography, I realized she had faced significant challenges in her life," Ruta explains thoughtfully.
Proud Achievements and Legacy
What are you most proud of in your life?
"My work with the Thalians, a Hollywood nonprofit dedicated to mental health, is something I hold very dear. Founded by people in our industry, it focuses on supporting the mental well-being
