When Ruta Lee walks into a room, the room gets a little make-over.  Your surroundings seem brighter, warmer, friendlier.  And the air just seems more vibrant.

     This lady, veteran stage and screen actress, tireless philanthropist and the pride of her home state of Texas, is about as down-to-earth as they come.  During our morning conversation, she is gracious and funny, and clearly unafraid to call it like she sees it.  Ruta is one of those people you could talk to for hours, and then wonder how time flew by so quickly.

     Just a year out of high school, the young Ruta was cast in her first film SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, and thus began her long and varied career.  She starred in dozens of motion pictures with some of the biggest names in the business--Audrey Hepburn(FUNNY FACE), Natalie Wood(MARJORIE MORNINGSTAR),Tyrone Power(WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION),Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin(SEARGEANTS THREE),Audie Murphy(BULLET FOR A BADMAN).  Her television credits total over two thousand, and include guest-star appearances on classics like GUNSMOKE, PERRY MASON, TWILIGHT ZONE, THE FUGITIVE, BONANZA, ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS, THE LUCILLE BALL SHOW, HOGANS HEROES, MARCUS WELBY, THREE'S COMPANY, LOVE BOAT, MURDER SHE WROTE and ROSEANNE.  Additionally, she's appeared in many TV-movies, such as SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH, PEOPLE LIKE US and A HOWLING IN THE WOODS.

     Her sparkling personality also brightened up many game shows, most notably HIGH ROLLERS, which she cohosted with Alex Trebeck. "Doing that show was so wonderful because it brought me into people's homes every day not as a character but as myself.  The audience for those shows really get to know you, and when I'd tour the country in a play or musical, my fans from the game shows would always be in the house.  It was fantastic!" 

      Ruta has crossed the U.S.A. starring in classics like HELLO DOLLY!, MAME, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, and her personal favorite, THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN.  She even got to recreate two roles made famous by her idol, Mary Martin, Nellie Forbush in SOUTH PACIFIC and the title role in PETER PAN. 

      What's even more impressive about Ruta is that, from a very young age, she was not content to merely reap the rewards of a busy and fulfilling career.  At the same time her career was heating up, Ruta began her lifelong involvement with the Thalians, the charity organization nearing its 50th year of philanthropic service. 

     "The Thalians started when a small group of industry people decided that if we were getting together for fun, why not help others at the same time?  And here we are, 48 years later and going strong.  It's really wonderful  because we are an all-volunteer organization.  Aside from two VERY underpaid secretaries, it's the same small, loyal group of volunteers who keep this running every year.  It's like a well-oiled machine.  And the real miracle is that everything is GIVEN to us--we really don't pay for anything."

     For the last thirty years, Ruta has shared 'president' and 'chairman of the board' responsibilities with her friend Debbie Reynolds.  They have proved a formidable duo, working with the other volunteers and adding star luster to the annual Thalians Ball, the grandaddy of celebrity fundraisers held every year at the Century Plaza Hotel. 

     At the annual ball, Ruta says, "someone is honored who has dazzled us not only with their stage and screen performances, but with their philanthropic work as well.  They are named our 'Mr. or Ms. Wonderful' of the year, and we've honored many of the greats--Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Mary Martin, Angela Lansbury, Whoopi Goldberg.  There are some lovely people who we'd love to honor, but they can sometimes be hesitant.  I certainly know it can feel awkward to be saluted for doing something from your heart, but all we ask of our honorees is to simply show up, look glamorous, smile to the international media, and accept a valentine of music, laughter and love presented by their peers."

     This year's event featured Phyllis Diller as its "Ms. Wonderful", and everyone from Red Buttons to Bonnie Hunt to Roseanne to Camryn Manheim to Tony Danza paid tribute.  Next year's event is already in the planning stages.  And Ruta and Debbie will once again be working all year to make it another huge success.

     "The Thalians Mental Health Center at Cedars-Sinai is so important because mental health affects each of our lives more than all other diseases put together.  The center deals with emotional and mental problems from pediatric thru geriatric, and we are very much into research to see if poor mental health can be prevented genetically.  It's an exciting frontier.  So much bad physical health is connected to bad mental health--that's why the work the center is doing is even MORE vital.  Mental illness has for centuries been such a hidden disease.  Still is.  Not everyone is quick to talk about it."

     Ruta is thrilled that her friends and neighbors from Texas, where she lives, are so supportive of the Thalians year after year and fly in to attend the ball.  She is also grateful to all of the stars who come and perform, salute the honorees, and buy tickets.  "While they have Debbie's thanks and my thanks, they also have the thanks of the many, many people whose names they may never know, but whose lives they helped."

     What Ruta is not so thrilled by is the response of the younger actors in Hollywood.  "I'm finding that the new generation is not really stepping forward to help us.  Debbie and I feel that if you've been blessed by success and opportunity you have to give back.  You have to make opportunity and hope for others.  Where is the generosity of spirit?  We've kept Thalians going for decades, and frankly I'm worried about who will be taking the reins in the future.  I've been trying to find someone to replace myself and Debbie for years now, and can't get anyone to do it.  It definitely takes a level of commitment, but there's such a feeling of satisfaction in doing this."

     "The press has also not been there for us like they've been in the past.  That's a shame.  Americans are wonderful--they'll give if they hear your song, but if the press doesn't help get your song out there, who will hear it?

     Ruta Lee is not only someone who talks the talk, she also walks the walk.  "Well, I've certainly been blessed in my life.  How lucky I've been to know the people I've known.  To work in a business like this, and to be able to help others through my work with the Thalians."

     "When someone comes up to me at an airport or a restaurant and says 'thank you--you helped save my life, or my brother's life or my cousin's life, well, that is just so incredible to hear.  All these years later, almost fifty years since the Thalians Mental Health Center was built, we are going strong."

     As we finish up our chat, I am impressed by the passion and humor this lady excudes, whether she's discussing her performing career or her beloved Thalians, or simply sharing a laugh with her loving husband Webb.

     If we're lucky, the Thalians will thrive for ANOTHER fifty years, saving and improving lives.  And Ruta Lee will be there, entertaining us, making us laugh, and brightening a room with her smile. 

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