Saw the great Jimmy Webb when he was in London recently. Got him to sign his new book THE CAKE AND THE RAIN and attended his concert at St James’s Church in Piccadilly. Marvellous evening.

James Joyce. I feel fortunate to come from Dublin because of the access to him.

J Krishnamurti

Shook hands with this man twice. The second time, at The Felt Forum, Madison Sq. Garden in New York he spoke to me. “I don’t know why you want to shake my hand?” he said. I replied, “It is out of respect, sir.” He shrugged his shoulders and moved along the crowd at the stage door.

Ramana Mahrishi. Only discovered him through Dr Paul Brunton.

I saw The Beatles at the Adelphi Cinema, Dublin, 7 Nov 1963 and I ‘bunked in’ with a mate of mine. John Lennon, at one point, said to the screaming girls, “Shut the FUCK up!” I was astounded and a life long fan ever since. ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE will  ring through forever.

Spencer Tracy, great actor, learnt a lot of tips watching him.

Charles Winninger, another great actor, makes me laugh, brilliant talent.

*****

I

“AS I WAS SAYING TO THE QUEEN, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAM”.

+

I have worked with some amazing people. One of the first who impressed tremendously was LUKE KELLY.

Niall Toibin, Luke and me did a midnight show in the Peacock just before Borstal Boy opened at the Abbey in the Dublin Theatre Festival  ’67.

Me as the young Brendan Behan.

Toibin and Grimes in the Broadway production of Borstal Boy, Lyric Theatre, NY. 1970

*****

Bette Davis and me on the set of THE WHALES OF AUGUST.

Two great ladies, Lillian Gish and Bette Davis in a still from the film.

The Great Gambon and myself with Dustin Hoffman.

*****

Dirk Bogarde and me in A BRIDGE TOO FAR

*****

Sir John Gielgud and John Mills I worked with in my first play in England, Veterans at The Royal Court . A terrifying experience.

*****

Peggy Ashcroft was also in John Gabriel Borkman.

*****.

***

.

Eileen Atkins and me when we did ALL THAT FALL in New York.             Michael Gambon and me at the Arts.

                                                                                                                                *****

[ MORE TO FOLLOW]