Like everyone of my generation I had a favorite Beatle, and about a year ago we actually met.
My husband and I were having lunch at Lexington Candy Shop on Lex @ 83rd, a favorite local coffeeshop. The place prides itself on it’s celebrity patronage with signed photos on the walls of Woody Allen and others, and stills from a scene in Three Days of the Condor that was actually filmed there.
At lunchtime the coffeeshop is usually crowded and we were lucky to get two stools at the counter. Then my husband tapped my arm. “There’s Paul McCartney.” he said.
Sure enough there he was walking towards the door followed by an entourage of three of four beautiful young things, and looking pretty young himself for his (gulp) 75 or so years.
I’ve seen other celebs in New York and no big deal – Robin Williams at an art exhibit at MOMA, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward in the row in front of us watching modern dance at the Joyce, Jackie Mason eating dinner at Sammy’s Romanian, Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson at a Szechwan restaurant on upper Broadway, and Woody Allen himself walking a few feet ahead of me on Madison. Once I even saw Salvador Dali at the old Huntington Hartford Museum.
But this was different – I’ve had a big crush on Paul since I saw him on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, and now he was just a few feet away and coming closer.
I don’t know what possessed me, but as he passed I grabbed his sleeve and heard myself actually saying to Paul McCartney, “Can I kiss you?”
“You certainly may not.”he said. And with that he left the coffeeshop, turned down Lexington Avenue, and my secret crush walked out of my life — possibly forever.
Needless to say I was crushed.
– Dana Susan Lehrman
That’s funny.
Thanx Vivian!
Stay safe!
That’s such a great story. He should have been more Cary Grant and kissed your hand! Really good to hear you talking about all those wonderful places in New York and reminding me of the fantastic time Christian and I had with you both not that long ago……Hope you’re both keeping well xx
Thanx Caroline!
We spoke to Michael the other day and told him again how much we treasured our time with you! Hope to see you again when this dire time is over!
Stay safe ❤️
I am struck by your boldness. Almost an out of body experience.
Thanx Judy, I think it was adrenaline! And boy did he look electric!
The important thing is that you tried.
Ah yes, and I did touch that holy sleeve!
Stay safe!
Now Dana, you shouldn’t personalize. Paul was a visionary. Perhaps he was just exercising social distancing ahead of his time. I am sure he was crushed he couldn’t say Yes!
Thanx Mike, maybe you’re right, but he never calls, he never writes!
Stay safe!
I would let you kiss me. would you like MY autograph ? ( LOL )
Maybe if you use your title DEAN!
Super wonderful story
Glad Danny had a fabulous surgery result,
Ciao
Thanx Bob!
And it’s good to have you both at the other end of the phone these days!
Stay safe California dreamers!
I was most impressed that you saw Dali. When I was working, I saw several celebrities but haven’t for ages now.
The unfortunate thing is when I saw Dali that day I asked for his autograph and he scrawled it on a museum brochure … and now I have no idea where it is!
Thanx Dana. My happy memories of New York are helping me get through this difficult time. Love to you both and stay well ❤️
May we meet soon again, maybe in Chobham! ❤️
I think your request was a little above and beyond reasonable. I’ve met several celebrities in nyc and las vegas when we moved here, and wanted to connect with them, but a kiss is something I’ve never considered!
You’ve got a lotta chutzbah Dana, and that I admire.
Don’t know if it was chutzpah or adrenalin but it was fun!
Great story Dana… I too “met” my favourite Beatle…. I was on reception for a company in London when George Harrison walked in. He called the lift and gave me a huge smile and then disappeared into the lift forever… if I could have the moment back I would call “ Mr Harrison hold the lift I’m coming up too!”
Brava Claudia!
May you all keep well and safe until we meet again!
❤️
I love the stories of your family and childhood, and your endearing sensibility! (Caught up a bit and read some of the older posts as well.)
Thank you for sharing your world. It is a blessed one, indeed, and a lovely way to get to know you better.
Thanx Doreen, how sweet of you!
Stay safe until we can meet again!
Paul? Paul??? THE Paul????
I probably would have fainted dead away, the passing decades notwithstanding (or perhaps because of them).
You did good!!
Thanx Lynn, I think too much adrenalin was at work to let me faint!