Donna Reed

I had not seen Donna Reed in person for about 45 years when I read that she had passed away. I was deeply touched by the news. I cannot believe that this sweet person is gone. I met Donna (then Mullenger) in Jerry Blunt’s beginning acting class in Los Angeles City College’s famed Drama Department. I was a stage-struck youth with limited ability, while she was a beautiful young lady with a natural talent.

We were assigned to do an acting scene together as our final exam. We chose from Elmer Rice’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Street Scene.” I was Sam Kaplan, a young man in love with my neighbor, Rose Maurrant, played by Donna. Rose left Sam and the slums of New York, saying, “It’s not what you do that matters so much; it’s what you are.”

We rehearsed the scene over and over before the exam. Donna was patient and helpful. With her skill, the scene worked and I passed the course.

She was discovered shortly thereafter, and went on to become a star. I realized my limitations and switched to a business career and never saw her again. But ever since I have enjoyed telling friends about my brief encounter with this fine person.

HARVEY J. TEITZELL

Santa Monica