In Memoriam —Eric Roberts—

In Memoriam

—Eric Roberts—

 

 

Eric Roberts, longtime member of the Ajijic Writers’ Group, passed away on May 1st of this year. We were unable to reach the survivors for historic data, but we can say for sure that he was born in Hollywood, California in 1930, and he died of cancer 86 years after his birth.  We know that his mother Nora was a friend and confidant of Ingrid Bergman, and son Eric grew up in that exotic Hollywood milieu. 

His readings at the Writers’ Group were particularly popular as his colleagues basked in nostalgia and the light of Hollywood stars.  In telling how it was growing up in Tinseltown, Eric charmed us with stories People Magazine never picked up and often told them in a whimsical way. A star athlete in basketball and the high jump, he recalls with sentiment the Hollywood High School emblem—a heroic profile of Lawrence of Arabia, The Sheik, “…only in those days it was Rudolph Valentino after his 1928 smash hit movie. And so we athletes became The Sheiks. I see that Vintage Sheik Condom tins are now selling on E-Bay for a pretty penny.  But I digress…”

“Next to the Chinese theatre was an Ice Cream Shop serving the Best Hot Fudge Sundaes.  And if you were lucky, Lana Turner would shake your—I mean make your shake…Oh, you know what I mean. After the movie we drove far west on Sunset Blvd. On our way home we listened to radio songs like ‘Star Dust,’ ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ and ‘Paper Moon’ by the King Cole Trio.”

We Members of the Ajijic Writers’ Group believed in Eric and loved his anecdotes and loved him.  We shall miss his tall Hollywood tales and his lanky gentle grace. We extend our sincere condolences and best wishes to his gracious wife Patsy.

Submitted by Mark Sconce