Lee Grant is the eighth wonder of the world.
She’s 97 years young and will turn as astounding 98 in November. But the two time Oscar winner and double Emmy Award winner whose life was temporarily wrecked by the blacklist in the 1950s and early 60s, stole the show last night at the New York Film Festival.
The occasion was the screening of two films she directed, a hit feature called “Tell Me a Riddle,” based on Tillie Olsen’s bestseller, and a short called “The Stronger.”
Lee’s Oscars came for acting in Warren Beatty’s “Shampoo” and a decade later for directing the documentary, “Down and Out in America.” She’s published a best selling memoir, has dozens of other acting nominations, and so on. She is a survivor in the truest sense because Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his evil associate, Roy Cohn, upended her life in 1952 when she was accused of being a Communist.
.
Lee looks and acts much, much younger than whatever her numerical age is. She’s full of energy. Bravo, Lee!
It was such a thrill to see these films again. After so long, with all of you. It truly truly meant so much to all of us who made them. Thank you thank you thank you! https://t.co/6kkaxoDVZX
— Lee Grant (@TheLeeGrant) October 1, 2023
