Remembering Juanin Clay’s Achievements

* Upon reading T.H. McCulloh’s story, “44 Receive Valley Theatre League Awards,” Oct. 26, I was disappointed that the new Juanin Clay Lifetime Achievement Award was not mentioned, but having attended the show, I can understand why.

The Valley Theatre League opted for a very brief speech about Clay that barely touched on this gifted woman’s accomplishments. The praise and lifetime tribute to recipient Estelle Busch was very deserving, but those who attended needed to know more about who Clay was, and why an award was named in her honor. In her short life, she had attained the star status that all actors dream of.

Those in charge of the event spoke of her being an actress, director and one who believed in action not words, which was just the tip of the iceberg. Besides myself, others, especially her friend, writer Mary Willard, offered insights and information to no avail.

As an actress, Juanin Clay created the role of “Raven” on the soap “The Edge of Night.” Among the films she starred in were “War Games” and “The Legend of the Lone Ranger.” She guest-starred on TV as Jackie Kennedy in “RFK,” and appeared in “L.A. Law” and “Foul Play” among others.

My connection with Juanin Clay started in June, 1991, when I asked her to direct my one-man show on Al Capone. This soon became our show, as she also became co-creator, co-writer, set, sound and music director, producer, publicist. . . . She financed us to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland in 1992, where it was picked one of the “Best of the Fest.” There would never have been a “King of the City, An Evening with Al Capone” without Juanin Clay.

Last year she directed a memorable revival of “I Never Sang for My Father” at Group Repertory Theatre. The acting community has lost a dynamo.

ROBERT GALLO

North Hollywood