Larry and ‘William’

Excerpted from Production Journal - July 2006 “…Larry Strauss, one of our first choices, basically came in for the audition, nailed the scene – and told Zak and I that we should cast him because he understands William better than we do….“ 

In real life, Larry Strauss is very different from the character of William. What we see in Larry is a dancer, a kid, a comedian – a man that is full of life. Even though he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s before the film, he’s shared with us his unstoppable child-like spirit from the first day. Larry brings a lifetime of acting experience to William, and I’m so thankful to have had the experience of working with him. He’s currently directing Death of a Salesman in Laguna Woods (see email below). 

From: Larry Strauss Subject: 
Re: A White Knuckles Christmas? 
Date: December 24, 2007 6:50:42 PM EST 

Dear Kevin and all…….. 

What a lovely holiday present to receive! thank you! yes of course you can use my footage and I would like to get that myself. frankly i didn’t even know it existed. i remember like it was yesterday when Martie & i sat on the couch at the audition and ran lines. it’s one of my favorite memories. Before i go on, congratulations to you and Neha and g-d bless you. Kevin, i trust that we will still be able to show the film here in Laguna Woods as a Parkinson’s fund raiser, perhaps this spring? As soon as you have a date for me, i will arrange with mgt. to book the theater. I’m directing Death of a Salesman her in mid march & you are all invited. I believe I told you sometime ago that I was directing here but what I didn’t tell you was how much of your wisdom and humanity I have borrowed to make me a better director. thank you. and finally, I can’t wait to see you all….. and White Knuckles. 

Love, 

Larry