Nine years ago, my colleague Betty, her daughter Allison and I spent a fun weekend in New York City. Thanks to our former 680 News coworker, Daniela Bilotta who was working at ABC radio in the Big Apple, we were introduced to legendary ABC News journalist Bill Diehl, who got us back stage to meet David Hyde Pierce after catching his hilarious performance on Broadway in Curtains.
Pierce was wonderful. Who didn’t love him as Niles Crane on Frasier?
But Diehl was the real connection, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. He’s retired now but still comes back to ABC radio when someone famous dies. In fact, he emails his reports to me, just to make sure I get them! His wife is a terrific author who’s written several books about little-known aspects of New York City history. And now Bill has written his own life story.
I’d like to think that my pokes and prods at him to tell his tales helped to convince him to do it. Bill has met everyone in entertainment. He’s been in broadcasting for six decades. He has behind-the-scenes stories to tell about the industry and the people in it. “Stay Tuned: My Life Behind the Mic” comes out February 26. My pre-order is in. Can’t wait.
My sister (Jean) told me about your blog – I am now a loyal reader and I have also been reading the older posts and am enjoying all of them. I think I am going to have to read this book – as well as your book that you sent us…looking forward to both.
The picture in this latest post appears to be the Jockey Club – been there but never in there….you?
Hi Suzanne, thank you so much! Yes, Bill and I and Betty and Allison had dinner at the club. Bill got us in and he had to borrow a tie! He says they don’t have that requirement anymore. It was a great night for us tourists.