Robert Quarry, the talented actor who starred in genre movies like COUNT YORGA, VAMPIRE, THE RETURN OF COUNT YORGA, DEATHMASTER, DR. PHIBES RISES AGAIN, and MADHOUSE, has moved from his home of 40 years into the Motion Picture Country Home. He could sure use some cards and letters at this time! If you care to send anything (and we hope you DO), here is the address to send it to:
[Edited to replace old address. Correct address is below]
Robert Quarry
C/O Motion Picture & Television Fund
Lodge Room 405
23388 Mulholland Dr.
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Do share some time with this amazing actor by writing to him. The address above is the one you should use for cards or letters, according to Mr. Quarry's own niece, Julie.
At this time, it may be inadvisable to send flowers or gifts of food; the retirement facility may not allow them. Will be posting more info as it comes in!
Count Yorga and Dr. Phibes were my favorite films, anything that will cheer him up will be an honor and a pleasure.
It was "Christmas in April" this past weekend at the new digs of one Count! And in addition to the calendar date being unusual, it was not your usual brand of elves doing the toting... fellow horror fans Joe Moe, Tim Sullivan and Ryan Fleming loaded up their sleigh and headed over to the Motion Picture and Television Country Home on the first wave of a house/crypt-warming mission! To follow is their recap of wonderful day, in their own words:Yesterday I paid a visit to Robert Quarry to deliver all the goodies you guys have sent for his new Crypt. It was an amazing day, made even more so by the presence of none other than Hucklebilly himself, Ryan Fleming, and my tremendously kind and talented colleague, Joe Moe (producer and co-writer of RED VELVET which wowed everybody this past weekend at the Fango con). Joe wrote an amazing update to TEAM QUARRY this morning, so I figured I would "hand the microphone over" and let him take it from here.
Bleeding Love,
Tim
Hey, gang!
A spectacular Sunday at Bob's! I left the RED VELVET booth at the Fangoria Con early to meet Tim Sullivan and Ryan Fleming (who plays Hucklebilly in Tim's 2001 MANIACS) at the Motion Picture Home. When I got there at 3PM , the guys had already stacked heaps of presents all over the room. Tim had taken the time to wrap each and every gift that wasn't already wrapped. It literally looked like Christmas in April with all the dozens and dozens of boxes big and small(many of which were CDs and DVDs from the movie studios and other loving and generous individuals).
Bob was ecstatic to see all the stuff. Tim had gone beyond the call of duty and put a copy of every single e-mail note he'd received from all of Bob's fans and contributors into bright, colorful envelopes which he attached to each present. In addition to printing out these emails, Tim somehow found photos on My Space of everyone who wrote them so that Bob could associate the gift giver with the gift. (He also compiled a separate bound booklet of all these letters to remind Bob just how loved he is.)
Bob opened letters and cards and was baffled whenever money fell out - as it often did. Some of the notes were read aloud and I got choked up hearing them on more than one occasion. Ryan passed each gift to Bob and Tim acted thrilled and surprised every time one was opened (even though he'd wrapped all of them)
My job was assembling items that needed to be constructed (a gorgeous sofa, an entertainment center,CD/DVD tower). I had brand new 8X10 photos printed and Bob really loved them! I was touched when he took one with him to dinner to show it off. I knew then that he really did approve and would be happy to sign them and send them out as THANK YOU's to everyone kind enough to contribute. Bob was so excited and energetic, but eventually his legs began to hurt, so for the rest of our visit we made him lie down and tell us where to put items and how to arrange things.
We straightened up and arranged furniture as best we could on this one visit, promising to return and bring more and do more later in the week. We left at around 8PM feeling very accomplished and proud of everyone in our amazing community of caring folk. I took pictures of the event which Tim uploaded to his site.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ROBERT QUARRY PHOTO ALBUM (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=27107093&albumId=1723212)
As much as Bob has received, because he is literally starting from scratch, there are still several very crucial items that he requires. The registries are still up, so continue to give to the Count! We've all moved houses. It's the most stressful time for anyone. And a vulnerable time for dear Bob. This outpouring of love really sustains him. I know we'll have that little room looking like a palace in no time, thanks to all of you!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP AT TARGET FOR COUNT YORGA (http://www.target.com/lists/3V30HZVLSA5NE)
CLICK HERE TO SHOP AT AMAZON FOR COUNT YORGA (http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/PBTH9DKZOE7Z)
[Edited by moderator]
Once Bob is rested, we plan to have him sign one of his new photos for each and every one of you who has contributed even a penny. He WILL get back to everyone.Tim and I will take this task upon ourselves and at our own expense to express our personal gratitude for your support and trust in this effort to keep Bob healthy and happy. We feel so lucky to be part of a family that takes such good care of their own.
Meanwhile, anyone who would like to purchase a photo signed by Bob should simply make out a check for $22.50 (postage included) to ROBERT QUARRY, and mail it to the above address as well. All proceeds naturally go directly to Bob.
Finally, get out the word that Bob has directed Tim to be his official spokesperson for the immediate future. That simply means that, if anyone is making claims or proclamations on behalf of Bob, we can all turn to Tim and know that he will give you the real word or set the record straight per Bob's implicit instruction.
Mahalo (thanks) to all of you for your Kokua (help). Aloha (big sloppy kiss, 1960's style)! I only wish you could have been their to experience, first hand, the incredible impact you've had on Robert Quarry's life.
Joe Moe
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Some other points and questions that have cropped up...
-Mr. Quarry's decision to move to the Motion Picture and Television Country Home was his choice. It is a choice many of us may face down the road, when we are grappling with the physical effects of aging-- but it is a life change no one should face without support.
-Although Mr. Quarry has directed Tim and Joe that his mail is to be directed to the office of New Rebellion, be assured NOTHING directed to Mr. Quarry is being opened at New Rebellion. The offices of New Rebellion are simply the collecting point for that mail. Everything that arrives at that address (packages, letters, etc.) will be taken to Mr. Quarry UNOPENED; Mr. Quarry will open his mail himself.
-The Country Home has some regulations regarding what can come in the home. To protect residents, they seem to prefer things be new, and Tim has said receipts have been helpful in proving that when needed. If you are sending a package privately, something not from the gift registry, it may be helpful to include a dated gift receipt, to help demonstrate the item is newly purchased.
-As for memorabilia and such... at present, it's best to hold off on sending anything original, until Mr. Quarry is more settled. However, good quality reproductions (where appropriate) would be wonderful, as Mr. Quarry has received some scrap books where these items can be collected, easily viewed and enjoyed.
-Finally, to repeat what Tim & Joe shared... there is still a need here. Mr. Quarry has, for many years, been grappling with some serious life challenges alone. Now is the time when we can demonstrate to him that he will not be beginning this new chapter of his life alone. This move is not an end-- it is a fresh, new beginning, and his friends and fans stand with him in spirit.
Please consider sending a gift if you can. Whether you can or not, PLEASE drop Mr. Quarry a card or letter to let him know he is in your thoughts. There is no way to emphasize strongly enough the wonderful impact those cards and letters have had.
Elizabeth makes some excellent posts.
However, after speaking with Mr. Quarry on the phone myself, the UMA suggests that you send all cards and gifts directly to Mr. Quarry. Her specifically requested that anything from anyone be sent to him and no one else. The opening post above has been edited to reflect this.
The address:
Robert Quarry
C/O Motion Picture & Television Fund
Lodge Room 405
23388 Mulholland Dr.
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Mr. Quarry loves music and theater. I had a recording of a Shakespearean play, and I asked him if he liked Shakespeare. He replied, "Well, he was a lousy dancer." When I mentioned it was Boris Karloff doing Cymbeline, he made a crack about the play being not too hot (it's true, Cymbeline is far from the Bard's best), and that he didn't like Boris in it, even though "we all have our gods and goddesses." He was very witty.
He has most of what he needs. I offered to send him CDs of music of his choice, but he did not want CDs. Another moderator and I sent him a gift of art, instead.
Thank you for taking the time to post this information. So little of it gets out to the fans. I met Robert at Monster Mania and we shared a few laughs. He is an awesome guy.
You know, I sent a check for $25 and a well wishing letter to the direct to Mr. Quarry address requesting one of those nifty signed photos and never got anything in the form of a reply. The check was cashed and all, so I know they got it. But no signed photo for me. Is he doing all right ?
I'll ask about him and contact you off-list.
It has also just occurred to me that his room number has changed. Will post more soon.