The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Los Angeles July 2, 2008

One of the most bizarre aspects of my life in West Hollywood is the odd way that it intersects with Hollywood. In recent months Elizabeth Taylor has become a regular and a fan of the Abbey. Of course I can say that she has good taste since I have been a regular there for nearly a decade. I’m not sure how this relationship started or even why it came about, but there she is again rolling in for another round of martinis. We have entertained many luminaries at the Abbey including actors, musicians and a few politicians, last fall it was Hillary Clinton, but Elizabeth generates the most WOW factor of them all.


Liz’s Infamous Maybach June 2008 1

Even Ms. Taylor’s arrival has a minor WOW factor as she drives up with her entourage in an exotic Maybach. Her handlers call ahead so they can receive the support of management for entry and egress (She is in a wheel chair.). Abbey Ambassador Jesse is her host and he makes sure that she has a wonderful spot from which to hold court. She has become quite fond of Jesse and we theorize that his resemblance to the late Montgomery Clift may be part of the reason for this affection. Jesse is actually one of the nicest people and is most remarkable because he is so comfortable in his skin. Maybe that’s why she likes him so much.

Abbey Ambassador Jesse - Pride 2008 1

There is a striking resemblance between Montgomery and Jesse – Judge for yourself. Here are a couple of pictures from the 1951 Paramount film A Place in the Sun.

Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor 1

That brings me to the gift that keeps on giving. You see Ms. Taylor has become such a patron of the Abbey that she recently phoned Jesse and told him that she wanted to give the establishment a gift. So she sent over a painting of herself to be displayed prominently in the main bar. Now I am continually learning about art and would some day like an extensive collection of works, but this painting is something else. It’s kind of a Sixties acid trip meets Cleopatra with a dash of Disney glitter mixed in. Here is an exclusive first look at this stunning painting of the indomitable Elizabeth Taylor.

Elizabeth Taylor's Abbey Painting 1

My apologies for the glare on the painting but I think you get the idea. My prediction is that this work will become a tourist attraction of sorts as people desire to see the place were Liz gets her martinis. By the way she can polish off 3 or 4, seven and a half ounce martinis in one sitting - Finally the secret to longevity is revealed!

I have gotten used to sharing the Abbey with all sorts of Hollywood types from Britney Spears to Jodi Foster, but the one constant that always stays the same is that this is the place where I go to be with my friends. We’ve all had many great laughs over the zaniness that occurs when Hollywood calls. But in the end it’s just my little corner of the world.

Warren Hohmann