Remembering the author Jerzy Kosiński, who was born on this day in 1933.
Jerzy wrote the novel "Being There", made into the beautiful 1979 masterpiece by Hal Ashby, with Peter Sellers in the role of Chance the gardener.
Peter read the book in 1971, and spent the next few years convincing Jerzy he was perfect for the part and trying to have the film made. Peter said "I read the book every six months. I KNEW Chauncey Gardiner".
Jerzy said: "Being There is to Sellers what Hamlet is to Olivier. Sellers' Chauncey Gardiner is mystical. I didn't believe it could be done. I remember after years of telling me he could play Chance - writing me letters and signing them Chauncey Gardiner - once in Malibu he proved it. We were walking in a garden at a friend's house and he saw a small tree that was drying out. Dying. He bent, stiffly, picked up the hose and began watering the little tree. Very quietly. Complete contentment on his face. He WAS Chance."
Jerzy passed away in 1991.
Photo 1: Peter on the set of "Being There", 1979
📷 Ed Thrasher
Photo 2: Peter and Jerzy at Peter's rented Malibu home, circa 1977-78
📷 From "The Peter Sellers Story Part 3" by Peter Lydon (www.peterlydon.net)
Photo 3: Jerzy and director Hal Ashby on the set of "Being There", 1979
📷 Lorimar Film Entertainment/United Artists
📚 Source and quotes: Peter Sellers by Mitchell Glazer, Rolling Stone Magazine, April 17, 1980
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