New interview with Michele Lee - she doesn't look the same

I was going to watch the vid and reply that you.re crazy, OP. You aren't.

And why does she not want to discuss "Knots Landing"? No one is interested in her stories about The Love Bug!

I cut her a little slack since she’s 83, but then I think about my mother-in-law, who is 89 and never leaves her house without her blonde football helmet hair, dressed to the nines, with full make up.

Towards the end of the interview it's revealed this took place around Mother's Day. She talks about bein in the musical 'Seesaw' (and that's how she developed a gay audience), and the death of her first husband James Farrentino. She talks robotic.

I'm more interested in The Love Bug, r2. Actually, I'd rather hear about Bravo Giovanni.

She's a BITCH!

Why is OP being so hard on Steve Kmetko? Her clothing and wig looked fine to me. Seems like Steve's normal speech as well.

R7. Marry me!

I think she must have had a stroke. And the side of her face looks odd. That's not plastic surgery, that's an injury of some sort.

Let's remember her this way....jazzing it up on the Ed Sullivan Show:

I'd know it was Michele Lee if I saw her in the airport. She looks the same. We all look aged when we are in our 80s.

Yeah, Michele looks different...but THIS was once Steve Kmetko (and not that long ago):

I only know one Michele Le’ and this bitch ain’t her. ????? Dre why you put your hands on this woman. Have you apologized?

Anyone trashing my Pollyanna's looks, post your pic and let us judge. Go ahead, we're waiting.

You really want me to post my picture ?

R12 He not only hit the wall, he demolished it and it fell on him.

This is from even earlier. I would have done all kinds of things with that man.

r10 It's embarrassing for them to post a professional video like that and not spell her name correctly.

Will she discuss "How to Succeed"?

From OP’s description, I’d expected her to look and sound much worse. She’s in her mid- 80s there. I agree that she’s aged much better than that Kmetko fellow.

Ms Lee wanted to do Ingmar Bergman films, not a sleezy soap opera

R20 She hasn't aged as well as her former costars Constance McCashin, Donna Mills or Kathleen Noone - all who are about the same age as Lee (Mills is two years older). Sorry, she looks 'odd'.

Wow. I hope Kmetko wasn't overly vain as a younger man. That's some bad aging that would require some heavy psychological adjustment for a superficial person or a narcissist. He doesn't look like he put himself through the wringer with poor lifestyle choices, just unfortunate genes for later in life. I wonder what he'd look like if he lost weight.

OP check back in with us when you're 83 and see if you still look the same or are even alive.

In better days.

[quote]R20 She hasn't aged as well as her former costars Constance McCashin, Donna Mills or Kathleen Noone - all who are about the same age as Lee (Mills is two years older).

We notice you conspicuously do not list Joan Van Ark.

She looks better than both Joan Van Ark and Joan OF Arc.

Does she mention her nose job?

OP "she doesn't look the same"

Same as what? Same as when she was on Knot's Landing 45 years ago?

Speaking of not looking the same, when did Steve Kmetko turn into Roger Ebert? I actually thought it was Roger Ebert, so I figured it was an old interview and that we'd be seeing a young Michelle Lee.

Donna Mills looks, sounds, and moves like someone 25 years younger. She's truly remarkable.

Steve Kmetko also aged, hon.

People don't stay young and beautiful forever.

Those photos of Steve are 30 plus years old.

People are so delusional about aging...apparently, it's a shock to them that you're not young, taut, and gorgeous your entire life.

Michele looks pretty good for 83...she rambles a bit but....SHE'S 83!

Steve's put on some weight but he's still a handsome man. He's 72 and apparently not interested in starving himself.

Lee is starting to remind me of Rose Marie in her geriatric phase.

Steve Kmetko did NOT age well. Sure we all get older (myself included - I'm ancient) but he really does look like Roger Ebert.

Steve had mama stroke for gods sake.

She must have smoked. And taken drugs. And not used sun screen. And had a stroke. And is autistic.

Steve dated Greg Louganis, so I guess that means he's a top.

r37 Mama strokes are rough

[quote]OP check back in with us when you're 83 and see if you still look the same or are even alive.

I'll be happy to, but keep in mind I'm not a celebrity with access to wardrobe assistants, hairdressers and make-up artists, and I won't be doing television interviews at 83. So once again, your comparison is apples and oranges (good try, though).

However, if I was in that position, I'd do whatever I could to look my best in front of a camera at 83, not my worst. I'd rather take care of my appearance like Donna Mills, Constance McCashin, Joan Collins (92) and even Barbara Eden (at 94) before I do an interview or take photos in front of a camera. I hope this helps you understand the difference.

When I first saw this, I thought Kmetko was Roger Ebert, too. It's uncanny how similar the two look. Steve was quite the hunk in his 30s and 40s when he was on TV as an entertainment host.

After seeing this interview, I Googled him and came across an article from a few years ago. I did read that his sister drowned in his swimming pool years ago, when she was visiting him and he wasn't home. He's the one who discovered her, and they were very close siblings. He had said he went into a severe depression over this (of course, thinking if he was home at the time, it wouldn't have happened), and still hasn't gotten over it after all these years - despite intense therapy over the years. I have a feeling this is what probably led him down the road of an unhealthy lifestyle, and why he hasn't aged well (gaining so much weight by 72).

He had a stroke. He talks about it in many eps of his podcast. The one where they talk about all he’s been through is with Amy Yasbeck.

He’s also in recovery.

No one is too depressed to take a GLP1!

[quote] I'll be happy to, but keep in mind I'm not a celebrity with access to wardrobe assistants, hairdressers and make-up artists, and I won't be doing television interviews at 83. So once again, your comparison is apples and oranges (good try, though).

How profligate of Michelle not to take advantage of her army of stylists and make-up artists to maximise the impact of this high profile appearance.

r44=Mrs. Agnes Carpenter, formerly of Downey, CA

Isn't Steve also a recovering meth head?

I think you meant ridiculous, not profligate.

[quote]I'll be happy to, but keep in mind I'm not a celebrity with access to wardrobe assistants, hairdressers and make-up artists, and I won't be doing television interviews at 83. So once again, your comparison is apples and oranges (good try, though).

[quote]However, if I was in that position, I'd do whatever I could to look my best in front of a camera at 83, not my worst. I'd rather take care of my appearance like Donna Mills, Constance McCashin, Joan Collins (92) and even Barbara Eden (at 94) before I do an interview or take photos in front of a camera. I hope this helps you understand the difference.

OFFS, please go somewhere and sit down. Do you think Michele Lee, at 83, is going to spend her retirement money on hair, makeup, and wardrobe stylists for a Podcast. She looks how she looks, deal with it.

Wow and Unexpected. Aging is indeed not for sissies.

I prefer to remember her slapping that vicious slut Abby right across the face.

R49 You need to get out of the house and smell some fresh air if you really can't have a conversation on this thread. You're spending too much time in Mom's musty basement.

“Sad to see her look this way” OP? “Sad to see Steve Kmetko look this way” should have been the title!

I watched a bit of the interview and I'm worried her teeth are going to slide out.

Her voice reminds me of my mom/‘s before she got new dentures.

I’ve been listening to some of the Knots podcasts Michele has been doing with Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark. Donna Mills seems to have no memory issues whatsoever while Michele seems off in la la land sometimes, sadly. Joan is somewhere in between. But god love ‘em that they are still great friends after all this time. Not everyone is that lucky at that age

How timely the hosts on 'The View' were talking about aging actresses today, and agreed it's best to opt to do what you can to look younger as you age (Joy Behar is the same age as Lee) and feel good about yourself. They focused on 80 year old Helen Mirren and what she's done to prevent aging.

R56 Sad to say, I think Ted Shackleford (who was one of the hottest guys on TV in the 80s and 90s) has some sort of dementia going on, which is why he's never in public (at least that's what slipped out on one of their past podcasts). I saw him as part of a group interview about ten years ago, and he was in rough shape back then - he hardly remembered anything, and he participated very little. It looked like he wasn't even sure where he was.

[quote] think you meant ridiculous, not profligate.

I absolutely didn’t.

This is what Kris Kardashian will look like in 20-25 yrs

R54 Between her teeth, her horrible wig, her pale look - maybe they didn't tell her this was going to be an on-camera interview?

r41 You write like a child whose feelings were hurt. Go outside, seriously.

OP please post a pic of yourself now, and one from 45 years ago. We want to see if you look the same.

Thread fails make me laugh.

Did she discuss her hit single?

R62 You're comparison is still a failure, sweetie.

R63 Why would I do that ? I'm not a celebrity doing interviews and seeking attention. That would make as much sense as me asking you to do the same - no one cares what you looked like now and then.

Michele looks fine. Not great, but not terrible either.

I met and talked with Michele 4 years ago in New York, she was lovely and engaging. Something’s happened since then as she looked a lot better 4 years ago. But I’ve always loved her work, wish she had done more with her singing career.

[quote][R62] You're comparison is still a failure, sweetie.

As is your grammar.

R69 Someone else once said she was a favorite to 'stage-door' when she was co-starring in 'Tales of the Allergist's Wife' 25 years ago. She was very engaging with fans, autographed everything, posed for photos (no camera phones then). She really seems to feel comfortable with her celebrity and appreciates her fans.

R70 As is your comprehension. You still haven't grasped the fact that you don't put brackets around R and the post number when referencing an earlier response.

Steve looks like Roger Ebert.

r72/OP You're trying so hard, dear. Watching you squirm is now the only redeeming part of this thread.

r73 Meet r30, r36, r42, etc.

r72 You're an idiot. I did not put brackets around the number. I copied and pasted, just like this:

[quote][R70] As is your comprehension. You still haven't grasped the fact that you don't put brackets around R and the post number when referencing an earlier response.

The brackets were already there.

Will you 2 queens shut up?

I'm curious what all you cunts look like?

Apparently, you're all gorgeous, fit, perfectly manicured, Greek gods and goddesses who easily pass for 28!

Why do I doubt that?

She looks good for an 80+ year old woman.

He's over 70 and has had some rather serious health issues. Yes, he's fat now. Still a good looking man.

For most people, your choices over 70 are too fat or too thin. If you're very lucky and have good genes and/or are very careful about your diet/exercise you might be very fit over 70. Maybe. For a few select folks. But, if you're over 70, you probably have 5 to 20 years left, tops. Enjoy what you got left.

She look better than Susan Olsen.

Nothing sadder than an old man with an earring. What's the point?

Stealth Leah Michelle thread.

First you bitches came for Brenda Dickson, and I did not speak out—because I was afraid of the Bells.

Then you queens came for Joan Van Ark, and I did not speak out—because I was not a fan of the Verna Ellers storyline .

Then you cunts came for the Vicki Lawrence, and I did not speak out—because I was fantasizing about Bubba's bulge.

Now you whores have come for Michele Lee—is there no bottom to which you will not stoop?

I don't know why but this thread has me howling with laughter.

I am obsessed with teeth and always loved Ms. Lee's teeth- no joke, those are her real (and same teeth) she had in the 80's (I have watched Knots online) Identical- No false teeth, no dentures...

So I suspect her speaking voice sounding different is related to something else.

She sure looks/sounds like a smoker!

DLers: "UGH! Beloved stars who age and get wrinkles/fat/gaunt/scary looky are DISGUSTING and it's shameful they let themselves go and thus remind me that I'm also aging badly but in complete denial about it!!!!!"

or

The truly delusional: "Don't be ridiculous! I'm 58 (actually I'm 70) and I'm fit, trim, taunt, gorgeous and still get carded at liqour stores!!!"

[qoute] "Don't be ridiculous! I'm 58 (actually I'm 70) and I'm fit, trim, taunt, gorgeous and still get carded at liqour stores!!!"

Those guys are out there. I have a friend whose 65 and thinks he still looks 50. Is fit. And ALWAYS says people tell him how incredible he looks. He told me some twentysomething guy hit on him at the gym a couple of weeks ago. He is actually a short weird guy whos colors his grey hair a funky orangish blonde. He is totally insane.

I’ve heard her many times in recent years on Sandra Bernhard’s radio show, as they are good friends.

Her voice throws me because it’s so different from her Knots days.

But she sounds like a fun broad.

Steve is looking different. Has he gained weight?

[quote]Stealth Leah Michelle thread.

She spells it "Lea."

I'm less distressed about Michele and Steve's aging than I am about Steve's ineptness as an interviewer. He just can't keep Michele on track to finish an anecdote. He really needs to do more research into his subject and refer to notes if necessary. While I can appreciate his empathy to allow his guest to chatter, some guests need a little structure and proper prompting to make for a coherent interview.

I wanted to hear about Michele's bravura Broadway performance in Seesaw, replacing Lainie Kazan as the show moved from tryouts to Broadway, and working with genius director Michael Bennett at the beginning of his directing career. But I gave up halfway through the interview because of all the silly unnecessary diversions. Did she ever get to the details on Seesaw? It also would have been fun to hear her reminiscences on How to Succeed and working with Bobby Morse, Rudy Vallee and Charles Nelson Reilly. Or did I miss that?

Also, does Steve need a better chair? Part of the reason he looks bad is his posture all slumped over in that chair, like a bowl of pudding, like Jabba the Hut. And, yes, lose that diamond stud earring, Steve!

r87 "Has he gained weight? "

No, not at all - what makes you think that?

Initially I thought I was watching an old Roger Ebert interview. Kmetko What Happened???

r91 Give it up, sweetie - it's already been done to death.

I’ve been on the road-

[quote]She spells it "Lea."

She also spells it "Michele."

[quote]Now you whores have come for Michele Lee—is there no bottom to which you will not stoop?

I don't need to stoop for bottoms - they stoop for ME.

She looks and sounds like an old monkey.

Our favorite diva whom we love/hate Martha Stewart is aging much better than many other female celebrities including Bette Midler who looks and acts like an OLD BROAD nowadays.

R96! She does have a Pigtail Macaque vibe!

Here is some security video of Michele Lee at home last night I found from TMZ.

What did she look like pre-nose job? I can always tell when an actress of a certain age got their nose jobs in the sixties.

How sad — you spend your life building a great career in entertainment, star on a hit TV show in the ’80s, adored by everyone, only to reach your eighties and read on a gossip forum that you look like an old monkey.

The last time I saw her was on Will & Grace in an episode where she and Chita Rivera were lesbian lovers. Even that long ago it was obvious time was taking its toll on her. Loved her spirit, though.

Was Alice Ripley unavailable for that episode, R100?

Damn, when did Kmetko get so damn big?

I think she looks damn good for her age.

Michele looked better whenever the camera caught her full face. Her nose and wig looked better, anyways.

R104- I've said it many times before here on the datalounge- I do not mind woman or even men who wear wigs as long as.......

they're not RATTY KOREAN WIGS

This is why I only let Maximilian bring a tape recorder.