When Hollywood Legends Visited Rose Marie’s Home
Back in 1953, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz stopped by Rose Marie’s house during the filming of their movie The Long, Long Trailer. Picture this: two of the biggest stars of the era showing up unannounced, ready to make magic happen in someone’s living room. "Desi brought some wine, and they filmed a scene right there," recalls Georgiana Rodrigues in an exclusive interview with Closer. "It was just my mom, dad, and me, living our best Hollywood life." This wasn’t just a casual visit—it was a glimpse into the close-knit world of early show business, where legends mingled like family.
From Child Star to Decades-Long Icon
Rose Marie wasn’t just a star; she was a trailblazer. Born Rose Marie Mazzetta in 1923, in bustling New York City, her journey into entertainment began as a child prodigy singing on the vaudeville circuit. Her talent didn’t stop there—she went on to dazzle audiences for an incredible nine decades. Whether it was gracing the stages of Las Vegas or captivating TV viewers with shows like The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Doris Day Show, and Hollywood Squares, Rose Marie became a household name. "My mom loved working," says Georgiana. "She lived for the stage and the screen, and she brought that passion home with her every night."
Homemaking with a Twist: Rose Marie’s Life Offstage
When the cameras stopped rolling or the curtain fell, Rose Marie transformed into the ultimate homemaker. But don’t picture her sitting idly—this woman cooked, knitted, and even collected serving plates like a pro. "The moment she walked through that door, she'd ask what we wanted for dinner," Georgiana reminisces fondly. Family dinners were sacred, a time to connect and unwind after long days in the spotlight. It’s this balance between stardom and home life that made Rose Marie so relatable and beloved.
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The Heart of Hollywood: Hosting the Stars
Rose Marie and her husband, big band trumpeter Bobby Guy, weren’t just a power couple—they were the ultimate hosts. Married in 1946, they threw legendary dinner parties that brought together some of the biggest names in entertainment. "We had costume parties once where guests dressed as their favorite song," Georgiana shares with a laugh. "The outfits were outrageous!" Imagine sitting at the same table as Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, or Frank Sinatra. For Georgiana, these moments were part of everyday life, though she admits, "Outside of Frank Sinatra, I wasn’t really starstruck."
Grieving Gracefully: A Widow’s Courage
Life took a devastating turn in 1964 when Bobby fell ill. Despite comedian Jerry Lewis’s best efforts to bring in top doctors, nothing could save him. At just 48 years old, Bobby passed away from a blood infection, leaving Rose Marie heartbroken. "She went into a deep depression," Georgiana reveals. "She didn’t think she could go back to being funny, especially on The Dick Van Dyke Show." But with the support of friends and family, Rose Marie found the strength to return to the stage. One of her first performances after losing Bobby was on The Dean Martin Show, where she sang "Little Girl Blue." "Dean held her hand while she sang, and they both cried," Georgiana remembers. "But it was the start of her healing process."
Legacy in Music and Memories
Though Rose Marie didn’t earn royalties from reruns of The Dick Van Dyke Show, her impact on the industry and her fans was immeasurable. Her daughter proudly notes that a new collection of her mother’s music, Rose Marie Sings, includes that emotional rendition of "Little Girl Blue." "Her music is a testament to her resilience and her love for performing," Georgiana reflects.
Friendships That Lasted a Lifetime
Even after Bobby’s passing, Rose Marie stayed active and cherished the friendships she’d built over the years. Her costarring role on The Doris Day Show led to a lifelong bond with Doris. "One day, she told Doris, 'You’ve never had my tomato sauce. I’m shipping it to you,'" Georgiana laughs. And who could forget her unforgettable run on Hollywood Squares? For 14 years, Rose Marie was a mainstay, with "Rose Marie for the block" becoming a catchphrase that resonated with fans. "Betty White, Allen Ludden, Paul Lynde, and Peter Marshall—they all became part of our family," Georgiana fondly recalls.
A Legacy of Wit and Warmth
Rose Marie’s sharp wit carried over into the digital age, earning her over 100,000 followers on Twitter before her passing in 2017 at the age of 94. In one poignant tweet, she wrote, "I was asked what I wanted my legacy to be. My answer: 'That I was good at my job & loved every minute of it.' I wish that for everyone." Her words continue to inspire, reminding us all to embrace passion and purpose in everything we do.
