The beautiful (and talented) Judi West began in musicals as a dancer ("She Loves Me" "A Family Affair") on Broadway as a protegé of the great Carol Haney. Studying acting under Sanford Meisner, she was Arthur Miller's personal choice over many more experienced actresses for the (Marilyn Monroe) lead in the national company of his "After The Fall", where she received many rave reviews for her great range in the role. Mr. Wilder saw it when she played LA. She could do comedy, as in "The Trials of O'brien" and "The Man from Uncle", drama, and even musicals. While doing "Metamorphoses" in LA (a play), she met John Rubinstein ("Crazy Like a Fox", "Children of a Lesser God") they got married, and had two children (including Michael Weston, the actor). She gave up her career to do this. However, for many years, she has been teaching acting (NYU in NYC, and in LA), and has continued to be involved in dance. She's still lovely, and a very intelligent, interesting lady.
I felt her character was kind of wooden in the "Cookie", and could have been totally unsympathetic, if she hadn't imbibed it with some charm and sympathy. Somehow, turning down $250,000 and Judi West was more than I could have done.....
Another great quote from the film was: "Harry could find a loophole in the 10 Commandments."
reply
share
wheresjohnny (29)
7 years ago
I thought she was very good and gave the most underrated performance in the film. Her character was conniving and yet you can see why Lemmon's character was taken with her and tricked. Her character was sly and ruthless and Judi West plays her convincingly. Her performance holds up each time I've seen the film. She's sexier and more ruthless than more famous actresses who often get praised to the hilt for more obvious performances of these types.
reply
share