Chet Walker Focus of GoFundMe Campaign
Chet Walker Focus of GoFundMe Campaign
#1Chet Walker Focus of GoFundMe Campaign
Posted: 7/9/22 at 8:41pm
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
#2Chet Walker Focus of GoFundMe Campaign
Posted: 7/9/22 at 8:49pm
I started my professional carrier at 9 years old, thanks to the one and only Louigi. He introduced me to Perry Como’s Producers and I got my first Christmas TV job. Who knew?
At 16, I got my first Broadway show with Bernadette Peters, Donna McKechnie, Ron Husmann, Leonard Bernstein, Phyllis Newman, Adolph Green, Betty Comden and the extremely talented, yet controversial, Ron Field. I have been a very lucky boy!
I also worked with Zoya Leporska, Bob Fosse’s first dance captain. Because of her I got into the revival of Pajama Game, with Hal Linden, the beautiful Barbara McNair, Cab Calloway, Willard Waterman, the ridiculous Mary Joe Catlat and one of the most brilliant musical directors, Joyce Brown, who was one of our first female conductors of color. The show was directed by Mr. Abbott (That’s right, Mr. Abbott, not George Abbott).
I then got to work with the amazing and talented Carol Channing, Leroy Reams, Tamara Long…. and one of the most delightful humans in musical theatre, Peter Genero.
After that I was drawn back to Mr. Fosse for PIPPIN, DANCIN’, the revival of Sweet Charity 1986 and the creation of his name sake, The Broadway Show FOSSE.
Along the way I have done TV, movies, been a spokesman for Dr. Pepper for decades, industrials, fashion shows, and international shows as director and choreographer. Not to mention, having the honor of working with such luminaries as Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, Cyd Charisse, Mickey Rooney, Ann Reinking, Cy Colman, Steven Schwartz, John Rubinstein, Michael Rupert, Bibi Neuwirth, Joel Grey, Dorothy Loudon, Jennifer Holiday, Debbie Allen, Ben Vereen, John Kander, Fred Ebb, Lucy Arnaz, Patina Miller, Crystal K and Keiko and the list goes on and on and on… Needless to say, it has been an amazing life and carrier.
So as a dancer, actor, singer, director, choreographer and creator, I have always needed my body to make this work.
Now, I have an issue… My left arm and left leg aren’t working (so no more Fosse hands or pigeon toes… for now!) My balance is off but is being corrected so I can get back to my Jack Cole work. But one thing I have to get rid of first is this cancerous tumor in my head. Make no mistake, she’s going! And then I’m going to be back doing what I love doing most, sharing all the knowledge I’ve learnt from all those amazing people (and the many others I haven’t mentioned).
I have helped, guided and mentored so many amazing people. I have a beautiful husband and an amazing, talented daughter. I am so proud of them both. My daughter has my feet, she has my legs, and oh yeah… she dances! Yup, I get to leave a legacy! My life is full.
Most of you who know me know I have a hard time asking for favors. I’m in therapy and working on that, but I know now I need to take the leap and ask for some help. I am in need of some financial aid to get through this cancer scare and rehabilitation, and to move into this new chapter of life. My dear friend Camden Loeser and my beautiful husband have been helping me formulate a way of asking for help, and here is where we landed!
Anything at all you can offer would be so appreciated. And listen, if you can’t help I understand. The one think I do ask of you is that you speak kindly of me, of the time we’ve spent together and the work we may have done together. And understand that I’m not going anywhere. This is just a setback. Most of you know that I’m a fighter. I will change my weight and hair color again and I’ll be back! I just need a little time. (The only thing I won’t ever change is my two toned black and white shoes!)
Thank you for anything you can do to help me and my family. I am truly blessed and I’ve always been blessed because I know and have been touched by you all. I made it through the 1980’s and I know I’ll make it through the 2020’s.
As my dear friend Cy Coleman said: The best is yet to come!
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
#3Chet Walker Focus of GoFundMe Campaign
Posted: 10/6/22 at 8:49pm
I saw this on Rachelle Rak's Instagram page...regarding the health of Chet Walker: "This post is to celebrate this incredible talent Chet Walker. As some of you know, he has been battling a tumor and is now in hospice care. He cast me in Fosse, he brought me into the incredible world of Jack Cole and brought me in to the beginnings of the revival of Pippin. Chet changed the course of my life many times over. He is loved and respected as he respected the work of others and the craft itself. I never knew anyone with such detail and information to share. Today I ask you to send prayers to him and his family. Thank you Rosie for letting me know."
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
ErmengardeStopSniveling
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/18
#4Chet Walker Focus of GoFundMe Campaign
Posted: 10/6/22 at 10:52pm
Very sorry to see this. May his passage be comfortable and peaceful — and we know his memory will be a blessing.
ErmengardeStopSniveling
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/18
#5Chet Walker Focus of GoFundMe Campaign
Posted: 10/23/22 at 1:02am
Chet Walker has passed, leaving behind an historic body of work. May he rest in peace.
#6Chet Walker Focus of GoFundMe Campaign
Posted: 10/23/22 at 10:48am
wow, that was a heart-wrenching plea, so sad. His credits are quite astounding, so he definitely left his mark. RIP.
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