Barbara Eden Instagram – Saturday, we lost a star. From the stages of New York to the big screen and small screen, my dear friend Rita McKenzie did it all. Many of you may remember the two of us touring together in Neil Simon’s Odd Couple (Female Version). Rita’s stage career spanned decades however and her tour of Ethel Merman’s Broadway is still considered the longest-running one-woman show in history as Rita toured her show across the world.
Outside the theater Rita opened for greats such as Steve Allen, Don Knotts, Milton Berle, and countless others. On the small screen she appeared everywhere from Frasier, Caroline in the City, and Daddy Dearest among others.
Beyond those and so many other accolades and professional accomplishments, Rita was my dear friend. I have such warm and delightful memories of our years touring together. Rita was larger than life, a magnanimous woman whose warmth of heart, kindness and compassion flowed with abundance. When you spoke to Rita, she spoke with a sincerity and familiarity that proved Rita did not care if you were a stranger, or a longtime friend; you got the genuine article. Rita was a breath of fresh air full of boisterous laughter that warmed you to the core.
My deepest condolences to her dear husband Scott, in this difficult time. Thanks to Scott, I am so very thankful that Rita and I were able to do two more shows together last year. Rita and I had an unspoken understanding of each other, our chemistry together was undeniable and a joy to have. When you act for a living, working with other actors you have a rhythm with is so very important. It makes the production much smoother, and, in our case, it fueled a friendship off-stage as well.
Rita, you marched to the beat of your own drum and thankfully my drum just happened to keep in time with yours… and I’m so very thankful to have known you, worked with you and called you, my friend. While your star on the stage may no longer shine in theaters, it is sparkling brightly in the heavens above us.
Barbara | Posted on 19/Feb/2024 08:40:28
