BWW Special: Craig Zadan Presents GLAAD's Vito Russo Award to Ricky Martin

When we found out at BroadwayWorld.com that Craig Zadan (one of the lead producers of this year's much anticipated HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING and last season's PROMISES, PROMISES) was going to be presenting GLAAD's (The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Vito Russo Award to Ricky Martin (who we can't wait to see back on Broadway in 2012 in EVITA as 'Che') we just had to get our hands on a transcript of that part of the special night. Here's what Bravo's Andy Cohen had to say introducing Craig Zadan, and then the text of Zadan's moving presentation to Ricky Martin, followed by a video of Martin's speech. 

Andy Cohen: One of GLAAD's founders was Vito Russo, who was also the author of "The Celluloid Closet." Each year, in his honor, GLAAD presents the Vito Russo Award to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality for our community.

Here to present this year's honoree is a man who, with his producing partner Neil Meron, won two GLAAD Media Awards for "Serving in Silence" and "What Makes a Family," was nominated for his third GLAAD Award for the movie "Wedding Wars," and is nominated tonight for another GLAAD Award for his hit Lifetime TV show "Drop Dead Diva." He and Neil have produced the blockbuster movies "Footloose," "The Bucket List," "Hairspray" and the Oscar winning "Chicago." He's currently producing the Broadway revival of "How To Succeed in Business" starring Daniel Radcliffe. Maybe most essentially, he happened to be one of Vito Russo's closest friends. Please welcome Craig Zadan.

Craig Zadan:  I'm really honored to be here tonight for a few reasons. When I was growing up in New York as a kid and had no idea what activism even was, I met and befriended a charismatic, idiosyncratic guy who, in my eyes, became one of our leading fighters for gay rights, before many of us had any sense of LGBT civil rights politics. Vito Russo and I immediately became best friends and, as time went on, he also--in a heartbreaking way-- became our role model for AIDS activism. There was no one like Vito and though he's been gone for nearly 21 years, he is as vividly part of my psyche today as he was when I'd see him during the short time he spent with us. His inspiring leadership changed my life forever. And what he stood for, changed the culture and the lives of all LGBT people who followed. We are all indebted to him for his selfless bravery and courage.

I can tell you without reservation that I know Vito would find tonight's honoree to be the perfect recipient of the award that is being given in his name. First of all, Vito had a supreme appreciation for beauty. And our recipient is not only one of the the best looking men on the planet but one of those few people whose beauty actually emanates from within his soul.

I met Ricky Martin in 1994 when, in his post Menudo days, he starred in General Hospital. I was struck by his warmth and caring and his indisputable charm. He lit up every room he entered and you instantly knew you were in the presence of a true, soon-to-be, super star. And like Vito, people would instantly fall in love with him at first sight.

Today he is a Grammy and multiple-Latin Grammy Award winner and one of the the leading figures in the Latin music world, having sold over 60 million albums. And as everyone remembers, he exploded on the music scene while performing "Livin la Vida Loca" on the Grammys.

Ricky is equally dedicated to extensive charitable work through the programs of the Ricky Martin Foundation, which advocates for the well being of children around the globe. He is an ambassador for UNICEF and spoke before Congress about child trafficking... and was a principal partner in the rebuilding efforts following the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile.

In March of 2010, driven by his love for his two twin sons, Ricky came out via Twitter, and in a passionate letter on his website, spoke about freedom, love and being a "fortunate homosexual man." And overnight, an activist was born.

I was lucky enough to visit Ricky at his Miami home last year and got to meet his two boys Valentino and Matteo. Seeing Ricky's parenting of his kids and the loving relationship in his household was so moving and inspiring.

And it made me love Ricky that much more.

Ricky's coming out has had a huge impact on the Latino community, not only offering a positive role model for Latino youth... but also to their parents.

Ricky recently made an auspicious debut on the NY Times bestseller list with the publication of his highly praised autobiography "ME," and continued his musical success with his bilingual twelfth album titled "Mas" -- which was released last month as the highest charting debut for a Sony Music Latin release--ever. In his new music video, "The Best Thing About Me is You," Ricky embraces diversity including gay, lesbian and heterosexual couples.

And New Yorkers are soon to be really lucky, because in 2012, Ricky will be starring as in the Broadway revival of "Evita."

And don't be surprised if, after "Evita," you see Ricky working with us on an original movie musical.

For his openness is discussing his sexual orientation and music inclusivity--on and off camera-- along with his support in increasing awareness of LGBT issues, GLAAD is proud to present my friend Ricky Martin with the Vito Russo Award.

(Above: Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, Ricky Martin - Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.)

 

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives. GLAAD Media Award nominees were published, released or broadcast between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010.

More information about the upcoming GLAAD Media Awards events in Los Angeles and San Francisco may be found at http://www.glaad.org/mediaawards. To receive the latest updates on the GLAAD Media Awards, follow @glaad and use the hashtag #glaadawards.

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, visit www.glaad.org.