A Moving Tribute

Through the years I have never ceased to be moved by Charles Champlin’s tributes to entertainment stars who have left us sorely bereft.

Champlin’s salute to Jack Lemmon (“A Legend Who Defied Time, Type,” June 30), a masterpiece of poetic, eloquent understatement, is perhaps his most poignant and heartbreaking. The final paragraph alone is evidence that Champlin has elevated the craft of newspaper writing to literary art. His memorable words are worth repeating:

“Our friendship began in Hollywood and I grew to admire deeply the man as well as the actor. This is, in fact, a homage I had hoped I would never have to write, because capturing adequately the warmth and talent of Jack Lemmon, actor, public citizen and friend, seems beyond the power of words, mine or anybody else’s.”

Right, Chuck, yet somehow you managed to achieve this. We are all in your debt.

PEGGY PHILLIPS

Dana Point

What a delight to see Charles Champlin again in print, and twice in one week, albeit with two sad topics. The remembrance of Jack Lemmon (beautifully done) and his own touching Sunday piece of his personal visual condition.

He has always been a brilliant writer and a joy to read. Obviously his visual problem hasn’t hampered his way with words. Please, let’s keep ‘em coming, “By Charles Champlin.”

HARRIETTE SMITH

Los Angeles