Soap Opera Weekly

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"Michael loved a full house," said Brynn Thayer, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she addressed the standing room only crowd of family, friends and co-workers at Michael Zaslow's memorial service. No, not a memorial, cautioned the rabbi, a celebration of Michael's life. It was a predictable but never more apt appellation for this night of warm remembrances. The classical music Michael loved was interspersed with recollections by his beloved, beautiful daughters, a few friends and a stirring declaration on Michael's behalf from his wife, Susan, whose indomitable spirit is perhaps outmatched only by her husband's. The sanctuary's cerulean vaulted ceiling was peppered with golden stars, an effect that was at once calming and uplifting. It all seemed right.

The words I pass on will be strictly paraphrased. I didn't take notes; I wasn't there as a journalist, but as a colleague paying my respects. This was a private event. But Michael loved his fans and I don't think he'd mind you knowing he received a lovely farewell. He also sent a message through Susan that I'm absolutely certain he would have wanted everyone to hear, and that is my mission and my missive to you this week.

I'm not going to wax sentimental about Michael. I have already saluted his courage and strength of conviction in this space. We all know that the first warning he had that there was something terribly wrong was his difficulty in saying the line, "I'm not that man anymore." Cruelly ironic, but true. ALS changed forever the man Michael had been. But rather than being diminished by the ravages of this degenerative killer, he was elevated. Always an activist, he was handed the cause of his life and embraced it with his whole being.

When Susan Hufford, Michael's wife, rose to speak, she brought Wortham Krimmer with her -- "in case I break down," she said. She didn't break down. She spoke with fervor and conviction as she explained that Michael wanted everyone to know, especially the PALS (People with ALS), that he wasn't felled by this disease. Mostly he wanted us to know that because of a new medical breakthrough, a cure is within reach. Michael, Susan assured us, wasn't giving up and neither should we. She closed by reiterating the ZazAngels' battle cry: "A Cure By 2000!"

So here I am about to make a pitch. I know how much pleasure Michael's performances gave so many of you. If you would like to give something back you can by sending a donation -- as little as a check for a dollar if that's all you can spare -- to ZazAngels, 116 John St., Suite 1304, New York, NY 10038. If you live in the tri-state area, don't mind spending $150 or more for a great cause and would like to attend the Broadway benefit performance of Love Letters (starring Alec Baldwin and Kim Zimmer), gala party and memorial January 25, call (800) 672-8857. Michael, I know, would thank you if he could.

See you next WEEKLY,

Mimi Torchin
Editor-in-Chief

Speaking My Mind
Soap Opera Weekly
December 29, 1998