AN ELEPHANT NEVER FORGETS: EPISODE 1: ROBERT 'LOGGIA'

'Lots of stories to tell regarding the journey that led to LADY IN WHITE.

I arrived in Los Angeles in August of 1974 ( I was 20 years old) not knowing anyone related to the film business. It seemed obvious to me that my only way “in” was to pursue an acting career (what I really wanted to do was to make movies) as my amateur acting credits were abundant .

I had been accepted as a cinema major at USC after submitting three short films (one in 8mm, the other two in 16mm) that I had made between the ages of sixteen and 19. The films had won awards at various short film competitions in the U.S. When I arrived at USC for orientation, I was told that I would have to start by making an 8mm single concept film. AGAIN?! Why should I have to do THAT?! I insisted that my experience dictated that I should be able to make a 16mm film as my first scholastic endeavour. They said “no”, so, I split.

Within a few months, I landed the lead in a sit-com pilot for CBS/WARNER BROTHERS titled "SALT & PEPE".We shot on a stage on the Warners Lot. While rehearsing the show, I discovered

that a film was shooting on a stage nearby co-starring Robert Loggia. One day, during a rehearsal break, I decided to seek him out. You see, for years growing up, I was told by relatives that he was related to us. That his real surname was 'LaLoggia' and that he had shortened his name for professional reasons.

I found him seated on a chair inside one of the stages waiting for his call. I approached him and introduced myself. I told him that I was working on a stage nearby and relayed the story that the family told regarding his real last name. He stared at me, expressionless, and said “No, that isn't true. My name has always been 'Loggia'”, got up, and walked away.

Years later, when casting LADY IN WHITE, Lynn Stalmaster, the Casting Director, asked me what I thought about the idea of Robert Loggia as a possibility for the role of Angelo Scarlatti. I told him that I wasn't interested.

What followed were a number of calls to my office from "Loggia's” agent imploring me to have his client in to read. I repeatedly said 'no' without explaining why.

In 1996 a film entitled "SWINGERS "was released to some acclaim. Listed among the credits was a Co-Producer by the name of NICOLE LALOGGIA. The film's publicity made note of the fact that her Uncle was ROBERT “LOGGIA” who had shortened his name for professional purposes, it's originally having been "LaLoggia".

AN ELEPHANT NEVER FORGETS. 'WHAT'S IN A NAME, ANYWAY?'