* Watch and Listen to Ruta's Interview with Dean! *
Featured Guest: RUTA LEE
Photos courtesy of RutaLee.com
In the world of classic Hollywood, few stars shine with as much warmth, wit, and enduring grace as Ruta Lee. Known for her iconic roles in cinematic masterpieces like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Witness for the Prosecution, and Funny Face, Ruta has navigated the highs and lows of show business for decades. Recently, she sat down with songwriter and radio host Dean Olson to discuss her life, her career, and her spirited new memoir, "Consider Your Ass Kissed."
This conversation wasn't just a trip down memory lane; it was a masterclass in resilience, gratitude, and the importance of keeping a sense of humor when things go sideways—literally. Whether you are an aspiring performer or a fan of the Golden Age of Hollywood, Ruta’s insights offer a refreshing perspective on what it means to truly "make it" in the industry.
The Meaning Behind a Bold Title
When people first hear the title of Ruta’s memoir, Consider Your Ass Kissed, they might expect something provocative or edgy. However, Ruda clarifies that the sentiment comes from a place of deep, sincere gratitude. In an industry often characterized by ego, Ruta chooses to focus on the people who supported her along the way.
"I always felt like I made friends, not fans," Ruta explains. To her, the title is the highest compliment she can pay. It is a "thank you" to the directors, choreographers, fellow actors, and audience members who bought tickets and sent fan letters. It’s a reminder that no one reaches the top alone, and acknowledging those who helped you is a vital part of a fulfilling life.
Survival Tips for the Modern Artist
Dean Olson, who focuses on helping songwriters and artists stay "musically fit," asked Ruta how she managed to stay relevant and active across every decade of her career. Her advice for those trying to break into show business is both practical and sobering:
Prepare for the "No": Ruta emphasizes that show business is "damn tough." For every "yes" that changes your life, you will likely encounter a hundred "no's." Resilience isn't just a trait; it’s a requirement.
Get an Education: While she encourages artists to "aim for the stars," she strongly advises having a backup plan. Having an education in another field provides a safety net, ensuring you aren't "hungry" while chasing unreachable stars.
Work Ethic: Whether it’s waiting tables or washing dishes, Ruda respects the hustle. Those early jobs teach you the value of a dollar and the importance of service—skills that translate even to the red carpet.
The Comedy of Live Performance
Even the most glamorous stars have moments they’d rather forget—or, in Ruta’s case, moments she’s happy to share for a laugh. She recounted a hilarious experience from her early days as a dancer in a production of On the Town. Wearing a highly "enhanced" strapless bra for a sexy ballet finale, Ruta’s costume decided to take on a life of its own during the choreography.
"I had one boob coming out here and one boob coming out the back," she laughed, describing how the audience shifted from applause to hysterics as her wardrobe malfunctioned in every direction. It’s a perfect example of her philosophy: when life throws you a curveball (or a shifting bra), you just have to keep going and find the humor in it.
Finding Her Voice: From Dancer to Leading Lady
Though she started her career as a dancer, Ruta eventually had to find her voice—literally. She admitted to being "scared to death" of singing, but she didn't let that stop her from taking on massive roles in Kiss me Kate, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and Annie Get Your Gun.
She shared a technical insight that many vocalists will relate to: the struggle with musical keys. In her early years, conductors refused to lower the keys for her, fearing the orchestra would sound "muddy." This led to chronic laryngitis. It wasn't until her name was "above the title"—giving her the star power to demand changes—that she insisted on lower keys. From that moment on, her voice remained healthy, proving that knowing your own instrument is key to longevity.
A Compliment from a Legend
One of Ruta’s most cherished memories is a compliment from Meredith Wilson, the writer of The Music Man and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Wilson stated in print that Ruta was the "best of all Mollies" and that if she had played the role on Broadway, the show would still be running. For Ruta, these moments are "hosannas" that she keeps in her pocket to fuel her confidence during tougher times.
Honoring Her Roots
Beyond the glitz of Hollywood, Ruta remains deeply connected to her Lithuanian heritage. Born in Canada to Lithuanian parents, she has traced her family tree back to her great-grandparents, despite the challenges of lost records during the Russian occupation of her ancestral home. She remains a celebrated figure in Lithuania, bridging the gap between her Hollywood success and her family’s humble beginnings.
Key Takeaways from Ruta Lee
Gratitude is a Superpower: Staying humble and thankful keeps you grounded in a volatile industry.
Don't Fear the Pivot: Ruta moved from dancing to acting to singing, proving that versatility is the key to a long career.
Advocate for Yourself: Whether it's asking for a lower musical key or a better contract, you must be your own biggest supporter.
Humor Heals: If you can laugh at your most embarrassing moments, nothing can stop you.
Conclusion
Ruta Lee’s career is a testament to the power of a positive attitude and a relentless work ethic. Her memoir, Consider Your Ass Kissed, is more than just a collection of celebrity anecdotes; it is a love letter to the industry and the people who make it possible. As Ruta continues to shine, she reminds us all to keep reaching for the stars while keeping our feet—and our hearts—firmly on the ground.
To hear more incredible stories from Ruta’s life and her experiences working with Hollywood legends, be sure to watch the full interview.
Soon after, she was signed by MGM as the youngest of the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and subsequently in Funny Face with Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn, as Tyrone Power’s secret love in Witness for the Prosecution, and Frank Sinatra’s leading lady in Sergeant’s Three, to name but a few of the many films in her credits. Simultaneously, Lee launched into television, with over 2000 appearances on shows from Perry Mason to Power Rangers, Twilight Zone to Murder She Wrote, Hogan’s Heroes to Love Boat, and Roseanne. Lee was also co-host on NBC’s High Rollers with Alex Trebek, a regular on Hollywood Squares with Peter Marshall and made several television movies. She had series leads in CBS’ Coming of Age and HBO’s 1st and Ten. Her stints on the Bonnie Hunt Show remain among her favorites.
As a young starlet, Ruta made international headlines when she convinced Khrushchev to release her 90 year old grandmother from the Soviet Union. She brought her to the U.S. where she lived her remaining years in the sunshine of freedom. She is grateful to all for the prayers that helped in that effort.
Lee has headlined around the country in many musicals as Dolly, Annie, Molly, Peter Pan, Mame, Irene, Nelly, Irma, Rose, The Woman of the Year, and Madame in the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, these are just a few of her leading lady roles.
Critics have raved about all of her stage roles, but two stand out as favorites, The Unsinkable Molly Brown and Goodbye Charlie. Lee’s performance in the former was described by composer Meredith Willson as “the greatest Molly of them all and had Ruta Lee created the role on Broadway, the original production would still be running.”
More recently she took a star turn in the critically acclaimed Steel Magnolias at Garry Marshall’s Falcon Theater as well as Fort Worth’s Casa Manana and Funny Business at the L.A.’s Coronet. She headlined 4 seasons to the hit musical revue, Senior Class at the Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs.
Lee is highly acclaimed for her leadership role in The Thalians, a charitable organization which is committed to good mental health from pediatric to geriatric. She has been either chairman or president for over 45 years… roles exchanged between herself and Debbie Reynolds. The Thalians honored Ruta Lee for her dedication to mental health, where she joined the ranks of previous honorees, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Mary Tyler Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, Angela Lansbury and and Clint Eastwood, to name just a few.
She has served as Commissioner on the Los Angeles Board of Environmental Quality and as a member of the Economic Development Board, acted as a national spokesperson for the American Cancer Society, was honored Woman of the Year by B’nai B’rith, received the Humanitarian Award from the Beverly Hills Business Women’s Association as well as top honors from the City of Hope. Ruta is very proud to be the recipient of the prestigious Yellow Rose of Texas from President George W. Bush. Recently, she received Lithuania’s highest honors from President Valdas Adamkus at a magnificent ceremony in the Vilnius Presidential Palace. Ruta is also the proud recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which added to her stars on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars and the Celebrity Walk at the Thalians Mental Health Center, Cedars-Sinai, makes it a Triple Crown for a super gal. More recently, Ruta was honored as a “Woman of Achievement” by Northwood University, joining a roster of some of the most prestigious women in America.
Lee and husband Webb Lowe have homes in Hollywood, Palm Springs, Fort Worth, and Las Hadas, Mexico… She says, “We sleep around!” Ruta considers the Metroplex her neighborhood, having played Casa Manana and other venues for over 35 years. She loves Texas & Texans. She also loves all animals and is the proud mother of 4 dogs, 2 cats and a big white cockatoo.
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