Episode 148 – Consider Your Ass Kissed!: Chatting With the Glamorous Ruta Lee – Part 2
In the sparkling conclusion of their two-part conversation, host Tony Miros and 90-year-old Hollywood legend Ruta Lee dive deeper into her remarkable career and her most unforgettable television moments. Ruta revisits her iconic “Twilight Zone” episode “A Short Drink From a Certain Fountain,” sharing memories of co-star Patrick O’Neal, her joy in playing such a wicked character, and her warm admiration for Rod Serling. She also reflects on her time on “The Lucy Show”—how she and Lucille Ball became friends, the precision required for four-camera comedy, and her admiration for Lucy’s ability to run a studio by day and conquer Broadway by night.
Tony highlights fun revelations from her memoir, including her audition for the role of Ginger on “Gilligan’s Island”. Ruta fondly recalls guest-starring on “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” and “The Andy Griffith Show,” where Andy would serenade the cast between takes with his guitar. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from “The Hollywood Squares,” filming five episodes a day with host Peter Marshall, and the risqué ad-lib that left the studio blushing. Ruta continues with hilarious memories from “Three’s Company,” her fondness for John Ritter, and her time on “Mork & Mindy,” where Robin Williams dazzled her with his lightning-fast genius. She also discusses her appearance on “Roseanne” and her absolute joy serving as a guest judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” where she fell in love with the contestants and affectionately calls RuPaul “delicious.”
In the final portion of their chat, Ruta opens up about her lifelong devotion to The Thalians, the charitable organization she has championed for fifty years. She explains how the group built a mental-health clinic, expanded veteran support through UCLA, and honored luminaries such as Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Whoopi Goldberg, and—after two decades of asking—Clint Eastwood. For listeners eager to get involved, Ruta encourages donations or attendance at this year’s Thalians Gala on December 6th at the Bel-Air Country Club, honoring the legendary Neil Sedaka. Check the Notes below for ticket information.
RUTA LEE
Ruta Lee rose from the stages of Hollywood High School to become one of the most recognizable actresses and dancers of her era. After moving to Los Angeles in 1948, she studied acting and soon landed roles on The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, The Roy Rogers Show, and The Adventures of Superman.
Her big break came in 1953 when she was cast as one of the brides in the beloved MGM musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. From there, she built an impressive film résumé that included Anything Goes, Funny Face, Witness for the Prosecution, Marjorie Morningstar, and Sergeants 3, where she starred alongside the Rat Pack. She also made her mark on television with memorable appearances on Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Gunsmoke, 77 Sunset Strip, and 2 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show.
Ruta continued to shine, including her standout Twilight Zone appearance in “A Short Drink from a Certain Fountain,” and her semi-regular turns on game shows like Hollywood Squares, and High Rollers, where she co-hosted with Alex Trebek. Her later decades showcased her versatility—from voice work, to guest roles on Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, CHiPs, and Roseanne, where she played the girlfriend of Estelle Parsons’ character. She also starred opposite Elizabeth Taylor in Sweet Bird of Youth and appeared in the British comedy-drama Funny Bones as Jerry Lewis’s on-screen wife.
Ruta Lee Website - https://www.rutalee.com
The Thalians Holiday Gala - http://www.thalians.org
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Ruta Lee
Actress / Dancer / Author / Philanthropist
Ruta Lee—born Ruta Mary Kilmonis in Montreal to Lithuanian immigrant parents—rose from Hollywood High School stages to become one of the most recognizable actresses and dancers of her era. After moving to Los Angeles in 1948, she studied acting at both Los Angeles City College and UCLA, all while working at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre as a cashier, usherette, and candy girl—until a missing $40 in her register abruptly ended that job. But Hollywood had bigger plans: she soon landed a spot on "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show," followed by appearances on "The Roy Rogers Show" and "The Adventures of Superman."
Her big break came in 1953 while performing in a small theater production of "On the Town," which led to her casting as one of the brides in the beloved MGM musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." From there, Ruta quickly built an impressive film résumé, appearing in "Anything Goes," "Funny Face," "Witness for the Prosecution," "Marjorie Morningstar," and later "Sergeants 3" alongside Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Peter Lawford. She also made her mark on television with standout roles in "Richard Diamond, Private Detective," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Gunsmoke," "77 Sunset Strip," "Wagon Train," "The Wild Wild West," and "The Andy Griffith Show," where she appeared twice.
She continued to shine through the 1960s and beyond, including her memorable "Tw… Read More
