Randy Olsen Blog

I thought it appropriate to start my blog with, what seems to be, the subject I am most often asked about. Oscar Night®.

Perhaps a bit of an irony that the most inquired about event is among one I am most committed to maintaining confidentiality about.

I can talk in "broad strokes", however, about my involvement with the Oscars® and Oscar® after parties over the past 20 years. Which I will do more in upcoming blogs.

Starting over two decades ago valet parking cars for the Academy Awards® I got my first taste of Hollywood's biggest night.
After a short while I was put in change of valet and limousine arrival / return. Before the arriving celebrity would hit the red carpet, cameras franticly flashing, I (along with my, well briefed, team) would quickly get to the limo door telling the arriving passenger... "hold on to this claim ticket! It's the way you'll get your limo back at the end of the night". You see, with hundreds of limousines it's impossible to have them all "standing" curb side. We had come up with a system to call limousines, via two way radio, when the emerging actor was ready to depart the awards venue and head to the various after parties around town.

Working the red carpet for those few years, I met everyone, everyone. The funny thing was, not being big into movies or "Hollywood", I often did not recognize the celebrities I would talk with. Phil Collins was one such person. I remember asking him, as he was out front getting some air, if he was in a movie. He humbly replied, "I'm just a singer". We chatted for a while. Phil was a delight to visit with. As he walked away, one of my associates approached me and asked "wow, what were you talking to Phil Collins so long about?"

It was actually nice to get to know many of the attending actors, producers, directors, and the like, with out the bias of already knowing who they were.

Now, I must admit, to this day someone still has to occasionally whisper the name of the newer talent, into my ear, as they approach.

In more recent years, creating awards events, competing for press attention, and "wowing" a crowd that's seen it all, has been much more challenging than, the early days of, coordinating their arrival and departure.

Thankfully I've learned to slow down, and enjoy the moment... even on Oscar Night®.

Here (above) I am pictured, a few years back, with Chef Wolfgang Puck and his his wife Barbara, at Spago's Oscar Night® party.

And (above) pictured more recently, with three-time Oscar® winner Oliver Stone, at one of the celebrated Academy Award® after parties produced by, our team, Celebrity International Entertainment, Inc.

ACADEMY AWARD(S)®, OSCAR(S)®, OSCAR NIGHT® and OSCAR® statuette are copyrighted property of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

One of the pleasures of my life adventures are the, seemingly innumerable, diverse and interesting people I have met, and meet, along the way.

It is hard to say which experiences are more precious. Meeting the simple "unsung" heros, in life, or the "celebrated" renown figures.

From people like Ann Baker and all the lovely, caring, dedicated volunteers whom, for decades, have selflessly committed themselves to furthering the cause of empowering women and children that have been victims of domestic violence. For years this group has quietly served, asking for nothing in return, no recognition, no compensation. They only ask that you give, in order to help these souls in need. I consider it an honor to know them, and a privilege to have been invited to participate, and ultimately, produce their largest annual charity event, the WINGS Celebrity Classic.

It is hard to gain more renown than the President of the United States. Of the four US Presidents I have had the honor of meeting President Gerald Ford deserves a special mention. President Ford has not only served his countries top office but uses his platform to change and improve lives. Dedicating himself to supporting the efforts of first lady, and wife's, Betty Ford Center and the mission to help alcohol and other drug dependency persons, and their families, onto the road of recovery. Countless lives have been saved, and improved, because of their labor of love.

President and Mrs. Ford are consistently lovely and kind, taking care to show warmth and thoughtfulness for others. It is always a delight to see them, weather they are guests of honor at an event I am attending, hosting a fundraiser, or just seeing them in Palm Springs where they live much of the time.

Bob Hope, said to be the most recognized talent in Hollywood, has lifted the morale of thousands, starting a long standing tradition of, entertaining solders in time of war. Even in his absence the USO continues in the tradition that Bob Hope worked so hard to establish.

Bob Hope and his sweet wife Deloris, have always been gracious and generous.
From the first time I met the Hope's (at age 18) they were kind and hospitable.
Deloris leading me, and my young friends, into their Toluca Lake home's kitchen to make sure we had eaten.

I would see Mr. Hope frequently, over the years, at many events and happening -- and it's no wonder, as it's said that, "In the entire history of show business, no one has traveled so far, so often, to entertain so many."

I consider it a great honor to have met the amazing people that I have on my life's journey. Each day I seem to meet someone more incredible, from quite souls to the "bigger than life". I always enjoy sharing with people and learning, at least part of, their story. Coming away touched, or even changed, by each experience and seeing the beauty, that is surly, in everyone.

What we do in life echos in eternity.
- Maximus Meridius, "Gladiator" hero

Photo by Pat Olsen
Renown & pioneering photo journalist (joyfully retired), and my amazing Mom

Last night I had the honor of being at Claudia O'Byrne-Hill's charming dinner party. Attended by about fifty other lovely and extraordinary guests, the evening was enchanting, at minimum. The weather was perfect, the view spectacular, and the guests delightful. Claudia has a gift for, it seems, just about everything, but obvious this night was her ability to host a most beautiful party. Claudia has that flair for finding the perfect balance between elegance and relaxed, warm hospitality. It's hard to remember when I last engaged in so many interesting conversations in one night.

Claudia's long time, and close friend, Pilar Wayne, widow of actor John Wayne, told me stories of their adventures from over the years. I'm not sure if I was more impressed by Pilar's stories or how sweet, and well behaved, her little dog was.

Interior Designer Marcela De La Torre (see below), like Claudia, has homes in both Lima Peru and California. Marcela's eyes shined when she spoke of Claudia and her passion for life. Assured that Claudia's books, the first of which will most likely release next year, will be enthusiastically received by the reading public.

  

I whole heartedly agree with Marcela. Claudia's writings have a way of pulling you in and whisking you away to long ago and far-off lands. That feeling, that we long for in a book, that just does not want to let you put it down!

Another special guest, who's writings touches us in a different way, the French-born Pro Motocross rider and sweet spirit, Kamy Bruder. Kamy can be seen (below) engaged in conversations with fellow guests during dinner. He and renown, and gifted, literary editor "Chad Edwards (known as "The Book Doctor") are also seen here, with me (below).

  

Here (below) video camera man Pete Arias, nephew to late Beatle, George Harrison, and I are pictured reviewing, just shot, footage. Pete is a lovely, gentle and sensitive being whom captured part of the evening on video.

The photographs where taken by Ryu Kodama whom, as you can see in this entry, has a gift for capturing the essence and spirit of a moment like few photographers I've seen.

That being said, you know the guests were wonderful, and also know the food was delicious, the tables set just so, and there was an energy of welcoming hospitality.

Thank you Claudia for a delightful evening.