Fred Eberle is a former professional actor and director. He spent nearly 2 years in the original production of Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? Fred currently works as a Concierge and Event Planner, and. sits on the Advisory Council for Concierge Preferred Magazine. He also co-hosts the magazine's quarterly web cast, ¨Unlocking Chicago¨.
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Lauren Cronin & Fred Eberle |
I’ve
known Fred Eberle since 1989, when I was on staff at Chicago House and he was
one of my most dedicated volunteers. He is, without a doubt, one of the most
talented, generous, thoughtful men I’ve ever known (he's blushing right now,
trust me). I’m so pleased that he agreed to share this story
of one of the most important friendships of his life.
My friend, Laurel was…a force of nature. When she entered a room her energy and
charisma filled the space. Laurel Cronin was a brilliant actress and director,
and when she was onstage it was hard to watch anyone else. It wasn’t that she
intentionally pulled focus; she drew it to her. From the first moment we met,
it was as though we could finish each other’s sentences. I don’t know if I
believe in past lives but, if they exist, I know Laurel played a significant
part in mine.
Laurel directed the first play I did in Chicago
after returning from college. It was a
community theatre production, and her creativity and ability to motivate her
actors made it a memorable experience.
We both went on to work professionally in Chicago, and our multi-level
relationship lasted for nearly 20 years.
We had one falling out that resulted
in a loss of contact for 2 years. I know neither of us thought it would be the
end of our friendship, but pride or stubbornness kept either of us from making the
first move. One day I heard that she had walked off stage and passed out in the
wings. Without thinking I picked up the
phone and asked what she needed. The ice
was broken and we were finally able to reconnect and move forward.
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Immortalized by Al Hirschfeld |
Her illness was diagnosed as a kidney issue and,
with some time, medication and a change in diet she was able to resume her
career. A casting director invited her
to come out to L.A. and within a month she was cast in the supporting role of
Liza (Wendy’s housekeeper) in Spielberg’s film, Hook. That opened every door
and you couldn’t turn on the television without seeing Laurel in shows such as
Murphy Brown, Brooklyn Bridge and a supporting role in Julie Andrew’s short
lived sitcom, Julie. She also had roles in films including A League of Their
Own, Beethoven and House Sitter (which got her a feature story on Entertainment
Tonight as a “scene stealer”).
In May of 1992, Laurel was in town and we met for
lunch just before I left for a season of summer stock at the Peninsula Players
in Door County, Wisconsin. The season
would run through early October and, when it was over I was invited to come and
stay with her in L.A. She offered to show me around and introduce me to her
agent and managers. I thought my future
was set.
One morning, as I was heading to rehearsal, I got a
phone call. It was Laurel telling me that her illness had returned and she was
coming back to Chicago to have a kidney removed. Her spirits were good and she
was determined to get back to work as soon as possible. Things seemed to be
going well until the pathology reports came back and it was discovered that she
had been incorrectly diagnosed. The problem was a malignant tumor hidden behind
the kidney.
The day after I got home from Wisconsin I called and
her mother told me Laurel had been moved to the hospice at Northwestern
Memorial Hospital. I visited several
times but was still in denial about what was coming. One afternoon, on the way to a theatre
fundraiser, I decided to stop in for a quick visit. When I got on the elevator I heard footsteps
and held the door and Laurel’s friend, Bridget got on. She said “I’m so glad
you’re here. She’s dying.”
The reality finally hit me. I stood at the foot of
her bed with two of her best friends and watched as Laurel’s mother held her
hand and tearfully told her it was okay for her to let go. We were so amazed by her instincts that it
took a moment for us to realize that the tortured breathing had stopped. Laurel
was gone.
In the years since, not a day goes by that Laurel is
not in my thoughts. I was a product of the era when we were taught that “men
don’t cry.” Even during sense memory
exercises in acting class I was never able to produce a tear. Since that day at Northwestern, I cry at the
drop of a hat. I think that's a good thing. I guess that is just one of many things for which I owe Laurel
my thanks.
2 comments:
Fred asked me to share the following comment:
My post seems to have stirred memories for quite a few people and I have already heard from several old friends. One of them asked me about the persistent rumor that Laurel's death was HIV related. In fact her ex husband had died of complications from the disease just a few years before. She spoke quite openly about it when she hosted the annual benefit for A Season of Concern (Equity Fights AIDS.)
I can officially put that rumor to rest. I visited Laurel in the hospital after the removal of her kidney. She was on dialysis and hooked up to various monitors and IVs. She was weak, but her sense of humor was in tact. She lifted her arm with the tubes attached and wryly said ¨Well, at least they just told me I'm HIV negative.¨ Laurel died as she lived; with courage and humor.
I love to read you this story: Since that day at Northwestern, I cry at the drop of a hat. I think that's a good thing.
God Bless You,
Annabel, UK
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