Please tell the Hollywood studio marketing bigwigs that they better start to worry, because middle-aged women like myself are tired of seeing middle-aged actors who resemble our husbands making love to actresses resembling our daughters. I'm protesting the only way I know how—with my pocketbook.
Oriella Stillo, Toronto
As a thirtysomething woman married to a much older man, I'm thrilled to see movies with relationships like mine. My father is 20 years older than my mother and my grandfather was 20 years older than my grandmother, so it seems quite normal to me for a man to be twice the age of his partner. Many of my friends are married to or involved with older men as well. We choose to be with someone who brings more life experience, emotional security and confidence that comes with age. We find our older men more willing to accept our personal growth and successes with pride, not insecurity. In fact, it turns my stomach to think of kissing someone young enough to be my brother!
Pegge Michal, Tacoma, Wash.
You should have entitled your article "Geezers and Girls."
Alfred Del Williams, Dallas
Q.: Can an older man attract a younger woman?
A.: If he can afford it.
Marian Corcoran, Cupertino, Calif.
Let's cut all the BS about "age doesn't matter in relationships." The reason Hollywood produces movies with older men/younger women scenarios is reflective of the prevalent sexist attitude in American culture. Our society continues to see women as sexual objects who, once they get a few wrinkles and gray hair, are cast aside for newer/younger models.
Pam Haley, Boca Raton, Fla.
I am 35, and the simple fact is that older men have what it takes! There is nothing sexier than an experienced older man. I would take Robert Red-ford and Harrison Ford any day. The Tom Cruises and Brad Pitts of the big screen remind me of the cute little boys next door I used to babysit for.
Julie L. Robinson, Tallahassee, Fla.
Hollywood must be operating on some Viagra-crazed, middle-aged producer's fantasies if they think these 30-year "love gaps" are realistic. I'll buy it when I see Leo DiCaprio paired with Faye Dunaway.
Janice Fercho, Calgary, Alta.
Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson
Last month I lost my best friend, John Gibson, who was shot to death guarding our nation's home. I am grateful to your magazine for showing the nation the courage and love the family has displayed during this terrible ordeal. I left D.C. a new man, a proud man, knowing that John's spirit will live on in the values he instilled in his children. There will be no more Celtics games, my friend, no more cold beers and no more high school war stories, but John, you will be with me forever.
Bill "Hackett" Connelly, Somerville, Mass.
Robert Young
Your gracious reporting of the death of Robert Young was the first I had read that did not emphasize his personal struggles but rather the grace and dignity of the man. He was a gentleman as well as a fine actor.
J. Mortenson, Sioux Falls, S. Dak.
As a kid from Cuba who spoke only a few words of English in 1960, I needed only to watch Father Knows Best to understand the true meaning of family.
Carmen Zita Aguirrechu, Miami
Thank you for the nice article on Papa, Robert Young. However, the pallbearer identified as his grandson Robert Gleason was my son William Proffitt. Bill was close to his grandfather and felt carrying Papa to his final resting place was an honor.
Carol Young Proffitt, Westlake Village, Calif.
We regret the error.—ED.
Rob and Rita Jurotich
As an adoptee who came to this country at the age of 10 from Korea, I want to say thank you to Rob and Rita Jurotich. It takes a lot of love and courage to adopt five children. As I was growing up learning English and trying to be "American," there were many difficult times for both me and my family. But what I remember and cherish most was how much my parents loved me and having a family. Your children might be too young to articulate their appreciation and love now, so I want to let you know that what you are doing makes a world of difference.
Mea Nelson, via e-mail
I was blessed to adopt a little boy from Poland. He came to me very angry and confused, speaking no English, having learning disabilities and hesitant of trusting any of us. But after counseling, a structured education and lots of love, our Andrzej at 12 is a Boy Scout, an altar boy and even makes the honor roll! Most of all, he has the inner peace and assurance that he is loved and can return that love spontaneously. Your children are just showing what they were taught, but after a few years they will truly reflect the love and security (and most of all, the childhood) that you have given them. Sto Lat! [May you live 100 years!]
Paulette Haenchen, Dover, N.J.
Claudine Woolf
I am very sorry that Claudine Woolf had cancer. No woman should have to live through that. But I'm also very upset because, as a Mary Kay consultant of three years, she's dead wrong in what she's doing! When you sign your agreement, you are told you're "in business for yourself, but not by yourself." I've personally had a director in my city who had a brain tumor the size of a softball removed. She lost her speech for a while, but her unit did their highest production that month. I find it insulting that this woman feels that she should get extra treatment.
Stephanie Luken, Santa Barbara, Calif.
I too was dumped by the "pink giant." I was an up-and-coming associate when I received my "Dear Jane" letter. I have never received a reason in writing. I suspect it came about from a jealous director who wanted me to sign with her unit, but I chose another. Mary Kay should change their motto from "God First, Family Second, Career Third" to "money first, sales quotas second, God and family if you have time."
Janet L. Doyle, Canal Fulton, Ohio
Mailbag
The woman [Barbra Streisand] is talented. She lets us into her home on her wedding day—very generous and clever. She was able to share with her public and still have her privacy. For those who thought and said negative things, I have three words: jealous, jealous, jealous!
Virginia Donham, Santa Rosa, Calif.
I was somewhat irked by Carolyn Johnson, who said she "doesn't understand parents" who give their children names that sound alien to her. Perhaps in her white-bread world all children should have bland names. America has many diverse cultures and languages. Giving a child a unique name is not a symptom of poor parenthood; when thoughtfully chosen, it's the best gift a parent can give a child.
Wendi Winters, Montclair, N.J.
Saved by the Bell Reunion
The hookups, the meltdowns, the memoires
The case reveals what was really going on what they think of each other now!
