![Senior Planet talks to…James ‘Jimmy’ Carrozo Senior Planet talks to…James ‘Jimmy’ Carrozo](https://149472331.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/JImmy-moon-scene.jpg)
A lifelong entertainer and authentic forged member of Hair, New York-born LGBTQ+ activist Jimmy Carrozo lastly makes his large display screen debut in dramedy Moon Manor – at 84 years outdated.
A heart-warming story a few man with advancing Alzheimer’s who decides to throw himself a superb FUNeral earlier than his intentional loss of life, Carrozo tells SENIOR PLANET he has no plans on leaving us any time quickly, particularly now he’s had his first style of movie fame:
Q: When did you first uncover your love for track and dance?
JIMMY: As somewhat boy, I’d sing on the subway and my mom beloved it. After I was eight years outdated I used to be in a present and sang, ‘Daisy, Daisy, Give Me Your Reply Do’. I beloved the enthusiastic reception and informed my mother I needed to be in present enterprise. However then her angle modified as she in all probability noticed a future stuffed with issues.
Q: And then you definitely joined the military?
JIMMY: I come from a navy household so it was anticipated of me. My great-uncle Jim was one among Teddy Roosevelt’s ‘Tough Riders’ storming up San Juan Hill in Puerto Rico, and my three older brothers have been all within the service. My brothers Matty and Charlie have been each in WWII and noticed motion and my brother Billy was concerned in Korea. However after I joined the military, there was three years of peace on the planet and I used to be stationed in Okinawa. I used to be a great soldier however didn’t see any motion.
After I was outed as homosexual, to keep away from a dishonorable discharge, I agreed to give up all rights to my VA advantages.
Q: And also you have been capable of entertain within the military?
JIMMY: Sure with FENO (Far East Community Okinawa). We equipped information and leisure all through the Far East. We have been a part of an elite cadre of Military, Air Drive and Marine personnel. I discovered some English songs in Japanese and sang with a trio in an off-limits Japanese membership, singing Tokyo Boogie Woogie. After I was outed as homosexual, to keep away from a dishonorable discharge, I agreed to give up all rights to my VA advantages. I later was on the forefront of campaigning to have my advantages returned, which now gives a modest earnings.
Q: And after you left the military?
JIMMY: I lived in Miami for ten years the place I used to be employed by a rep firm, performing in Pajama Sport, Rattling Yankees and The Music Man. You identify it. In 1968 I went to California to do Hair and by no means appeared again.
Q: Did you ever come out to your dad and mom?
JIMMY: No, I don’t suppose they’d ever even heard the phrase ‘homosexual’, however I’m certain my mother knew. I’m not estranged from my household however I left New York as a result of I couldn’t be homosexual and specific myself freely and that’s why I got here to California. There I met Rick Granat, my late companion, and his household took me in. They have been a great liberal Jewish household and when Rick was alive we went to Passover and Thanksgiving and Christmas – at all times on the Granat dwelling.
Q: What do you consider right now’s LGBTQ+ motion? Did you ever envisage this taking place?
JIMMY: Again within the olden days, no. I used to be hiding as a lot as I might. However society goes by way of modifications. We get conservative, then we get liberal, then we have now a few a long time of conservatism. I hold watchful as a result of we by no means know after we may need to cover in anyone’s cellar. I don’t imply to be destructive – simply sensible. However so far as the motion itself? God bless it, man. Rick and I labored with APLA (AIDS Mission Los Angeles) and did the marches and entertained at features – the identical right now with the LGBTQ+ motion. I’ve had spectacular occasions with homosexual mates through the years. However I needed to hold it a secret from my household.
Q: Co-directed by your “niece” Erin Granat, Moon Manor is impressed by your personal life together with your 18-year relationship with Rick. What took you so lengthy to interrupt into movie?
JIMMY: When Rick handed away from AIDS in 1986, we have been completely broke as a result of his sickness took each cent we had. The quickest method to generate profits was to exit to sea the place I labored a few years as a cruise director. Necessity created a state of affairs the place I by no means actually bought concerned with movie. However, boy, I’m certain I glad I lastly did it as a result of I’m having the time of my life.
Q: You keep younger by persevering with to be taught?
JIMMY: Sure, after I turned 60 I enrolled in Los Angeles Valley School in 1998. I bought an awesome GPA and had a weekly column within the faculty newspaper referred to as “The Senior Freshman” – my outdated man’s tackle being 60 years outdated in school with younger folks.
Q: And also you met your future husband at Valley School?
JIMMY: Sure, Marcus and I’ve been collectively nearly 25 years – and married three occasions, first in 2003 exterior the Immigration courthouse in downtown LA. Then we began to display for homosexual marriage and went to San Francisco in 2004 and bought married a second time when everyone was there for St Valentines Day weekend, together with Rosie O’Donnell – however a few month later they annulled it. When the federal legislation was handed we went to Van Nuys courthouse on April 19 2015 and this time the wedding occurred for good.
Q: Are you able to share any knowledge with fellow seniors?
JIMMY: I haven’t eaten purple meat in 40 years however I’m not a vegetarian. I eat fish, hen and many veggies. I believe that’s a giant a part of it. I’m not one of the best at train however I hold my weight down. I used to do yoga and was capable of stand in Tree Place for 4 minutes however now I fall over standing on two ft!
Q: What’s your secret to getting older with angle?
JIMMY: I assume I’m simply terminally immature! Getting outdated just isn’t for sissies and my physique is falling aside. However I’ve at all times been concerned within the arts and I believe that retains me modern.
Moon Manor is obtainable for hire on most platforms: https://gooddeedentertainment.com/moonmanor/
Need to know extra? Right here’s a peek:
Photograph: Nonetheless from Moon Manor, courtesy Good Deed Leisure
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Gill Pringle started her profession as a rock columnist for in style British newspapers, touring the world with Madonna, U2 and Michael Jackson. Transferring to Los Angeles 27 years in the past, she interviews movie and TV personalities for prestigious UK retailers, The Unbiased, The i-paper and The Sunday Occasions – and, after all, Senior Planet. A member of Critics Alternative Affiliation, BAFTA and AWFJ, she wrote the screenplay for 2016 Netflix household movie, The three Tails Film: A Mermaid Journey. An award-winning author, in 2021 she was honored by the Los Angeles Press Membership with 1st prize on the NAEJ Awards.
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