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In Part 1 of this energetic two-episode conversation, host Tony Miros sits down with the dazzling Ruta Lee—actress, dancer, Hollywood legend, and author of the delightfully titled memoir “Consider Your Ass Kissed!” Ruta dives into her decades-long career, from her breakout in the MGM classic “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” to her days co-hosting “High Rollers” with her dear friend Alex Trebek. She shares favorite behind-the-scenes stories from her memoir, reflecting on Trebek’s wicked humor, pitch-perfect accents, and why game shows let her be her most authentic self.
Ruta also sweeps listeners into her glamorous Hollywood upbringing—from Hollywood High School and Laurel Canyon to her early job as an usherette at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, where she once admired stars like Betty Grable and Mitzi Gaynor long before befriending them. She tells Tony the hilarious tale of getting fired from Grauman’s & the full-circle magic of later receiving her Hollywood Walk of Fame star right in front of the box office. From her first acting gig on “The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show” to her near-mishap on “The Adventures of Superman”, Ruta explains how professionalism, preparation, & passion kept her working nonstop.
Her journey through “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” is packed with joyful recollections—dancing for choreographer Michael Kidd, working with Stanley Donen, touring the country to promote the film, and even having her name changed to “Ruta Lee”… except in the credits, where her original Lithuanian name remained, a “mistake” that later helped her rescue her grandmother from Russia. And in true Ruta fashion, she caps it all with sparkling memories of Howard Keel, Russ Tamblyn, Leslie Caron, Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, and the Rat Pack—including her unforgettable experience filming “Sergeants 3,” attending Frank’s birthday bash for Dean Martin, meeting Marilyn Monroe, & revealing the one legendary star she wishes she had worked with.
RUTA LEE
Ruta Lee rose from the stages of Hollywood High School to become one of the most recognizable actresses and dancers of her era. After moving to L.A. in 1948, she studied acting at Los Angeles City College and UCLA while working at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre as a cashier, usherette, and candy girl—until a missing $40 abruptly ended her job. But Hollywood had bigger plans: she soon landed roles on The George Burns & Gracie Allen Show, The Roy Rogers Show, & The Adventures of Superman.
Her big break came when she was cast as one of the brides in the beloved MGM musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. From there, she built an impressive film résumé that included Anything Goes, Funny Face, Witness for the Prosecution, Marjorie Morningstar, and Sergeants 3, where she starred alongside the Rat Pack. She also made her mark on TV with memorable appearances on Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Gunsmoke,,The Wild Wild West, & 2 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show.
Ruta continued to shine through her standout Twilight Zone appearance in “A Short Drink from a Certain Fountain,” and her semi-regular turns on game shows like Hollywood Squares, What’s My Line?, and High Rollers, where she co-hosted with Alex Trebek. Her later decades showcased her versatility—from voice work on The Flintstone Comedy Show to guest roles on Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, and Roseanne. She also starred opposite Elizabeth Taylor in Sweet Bird of Youth and appeared in the British comedy-drama Funny Bones as Jerry Lewis’s on-screen wife.
Ruta Lee Website - https://www.rutalee.com
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