Email Exchange with Actor, Beth Grant (No Country for Old Men, Factory Girl, Flags of our Fathers)

Thanks Doug! And Julia tells me that I’m also getting to go in on “Dexter.” You are the man!! Can’t wait to read that one, she sounds like fun. You’re keeping me out of trouble for the next few days!!

Love Beth

How great you were a missionary. What religion? They are so poor over there. My best friend is Slavakian and I have seen their home movies and the people are so sweet. They are Bysantine (Catholic), as was Andy Warhol. A lot of people thought he was Polish but that is not true. What a switch to show business, huh? But to tell you the truth I find show business to be a way to be of service and it certainly makes me keep spiritually fit....or I’m in trouble!!

xxoo



Beth,

I completely agree. There's so much good that we can do through film - so many people to potentially inspire and uplift and teach, and even entertain!

And that's what we tried to do in Ukraine. I served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon, as we're commonly known), and we did a lot of service projects in orphanages and schools for disabled or troubled teens. You're right, the vast majority of the people are extremely poor, and they really appreciated our help.

Most of the people are Russian Orthodox, but there are still many atheists from the 70 years of Communist domination. Luckily, there were many faithful mothers and grandmothers who kept the faith secretly and preserved Christianity for their children and grandchildren. Most of those children and grandchildren are still firm in their faith, and there were a few who didn't much appreciate the whole Mormon thing OR the American thing for that matter. But the hospitality and warm hearts of others (once you made it past the cold, tough exterior) made it all worth it. They are very sweet once you get to know them, and extremely generous despite having nothing.

I learned a lot from them!

Anyway, have fun preparing for your auditions.

Here's to providing uplifting and inspiring service in show business!

Best,
Doug

Douglas Bailey
Assistant to Michael Greenwald
Don Buchwald & Associates
323.602.2319
dbailey@buchwald.com