Tonight at the CFA: Gregory Peck and Kerry Grant

by Kerry Grant

We've had some really exciting people here at our Center for the Arts. Gregory Peck, for instance, came here in a one-man performance, and he reflected on his entire career. It was a fascinating performance, and Gregory Peck was as thoughtful and gracious in person as he's always seemed on screen.

Performers come in various types. Some come with very specific requirements - they have to have a certain room reserved for them, with orange juice, and particular meals; they won't meet with anyone ahead of time, and they leave immediately after the performance. Gregory Peck came and said he'd be happy to attend a reception afterwards; he even had family in the region. We put together a very nice event that brought family members together - there was a large family reunion. He also shook hands and signed autographs well beyond the time that had been set aside for the reception.

I tend to stand back at these kinds of events. The College of Arts and Sciences often presents them, but then the University President is there, and other important dignitaries from the campus and community. My sense is that it's their moment to represent the University to these stars, and my job is to present and facilitate these moments. But at this particular event, one of our visitors really couldn't let go of the notion that Gregory Peck was standing there, and Kerry Grant was the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. So she basically dragged me a little unwillingly up to Gregory Peck and said "This is Kerry Grant." And there is this wonderful photo taken of Gregory Peck and Kerry Grant shaking hands, which I do treasure. We talked just a moment there as the photo was being taken. He leaned over to me and said, "You know - I liked Cary very, very much."

Heaven knows the name has been a source of comments my entire life. When I was younger and I would be introduced in class, I would just cringe until they got to my name; so in a way it was very rewarding to sit there with Gregory Peck and share the humor with him.