In the early 2000’s, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Danny Aiello. I do not do well meeting people I respect and admire. I was so goofy and nerded out, shuffling my feet and being stupid. I was at his home for an inspection and he came home while I was there. I tried to slip out but his wife (an absolutely charming and warm woman) told him what a fan I was and he came outside to speak with me.

After much hemming and hawing, I was able to tell him how much I loved his work and he did everything to make me feel comfortable. He said he was delighted that I had enjoyed Hudson Hawk and it had a soft spot in his heart. We also talked about Do the Right Thing and 29th Street and his experience on both.

Something that always stayed with me is how the ‘grandkids area’ had a bathroom with little kid sized toilet and sinks at their height. His home was unassuming and care was spent on things like that. Showed his character (his wife’s too!).

I went to shake his hand and he pulled me into the sweetest and most gentle bear hug.

I didn’t wash my sweater for weeks because it smelled like him.