Meeting Patricia Neal at the Regina Laudis Abbey Fair

I remember the first time I met Patricia Neal. My family and I were at the Regina Laudis Abbey Fair in Bethlehem, Connecticut in 1991 during the fall when the Litchfield Hills transform to jewel hued colors that could appeal to wood sprites, not just visitors to the tranquil Roman Catholic retreat. Homemade jellies, breads, tablecloths and napkins by members of the Benedictine order were set up at booths for visitors to purchase and enjoy, while another section contained all kinds of second hand goods from vintage clothing to books of all kinds, not just the collectible prayer book that might grace a nightstand. My mother mentioned to me that Patricia Neal, the famous actress, had her own little booth where she was receiving visitors and requests for autographs. I did not know too much about her personally, except what my mother had told me about her: that she was a three-time stroke survivor and, of course, that she was a talented actress. Having seen her in "The Day the Earth Stood Still", "Breakfast at Tiffany's", and "Eric", I discovered her to be an enjoyable actress. Having the opportunity to say "Hello" to her would of course be a great privilege, a chance not to be passed up at any cost.

After we spent a considerable amount of time at the fair, and before we were ready to go home. I mustered up the confidence to walk over to where she sat and introduce myself to her. Patricia Neal looked fabulous, being 65 years old, still had that seductive, husky voice and a smile that could brighten up a windowless room without any lights in it. I took the time to ask her about another favorite actor of mine, Claude Akins, who I never had the opportunity to meet but heard he was very personable and loved being recognized by his fans. Patricia was quite gracious is responding to any questions had, which were few, and mentioned that Claude was a good man who she has not seen for years, but clearly enjoyed working with him. While I regret not getting Patricia's autograph, it was an uplifting experience just to meet and talk to someone who overcame severe physical paralysis at the height of her career.

Born on January 20, 1926 in Packard, Kentucky, Patricia married Welsh writer Roald Dahl in 1953 and had five children with him. When she was pregnant with her daughter Lucy in 1965, she had three strokes which left her all but disabled. Being a strong woman, though, Patricia overcame her disabilities with the loving aid of her husband to the point where she was able to return to acting. Patricia played the mother of Patty Duke in the successful Broadway play "The Miracle Worker."(1) Patricia was the subject of a second biography by Stephen Michael Shearer titled "Patricia Neal: An Unquiet Life."

Patricia initially entered the Abbey with the intent on rediscovering herself, after a painful divorce from Dahl, in the 1980's.(2) She became close to the order, which in turn allowed her to contribute to the theatre sponsored by the Abbey. The theatre was originally established with the help of former actress Dolores Hart, who took her vows at the Abbey in 1970.(3) Even though Regina Laudis Abbey no longer holds their annual fair, meeting Patricia Neal will always hold a special memory for me.

1. http://www.novelguide.com/a/discover/ewb_19/ewb_19_07425.html

2. Ibid.

3. http://www.answers.com/topic/dolores-hart