Devoted fans, in regards to so many inquiries as to either how to get in touch with Vera or where she is, etc Ms. Miles
-
Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Vera Miles
acshore86 — 15 years ago(January 09, 2011 03:51 PM)
Devoted fans, in regards to so many inquiries as to either how to get in touch with Vera or where she is, etc Ms. Miles is retired and living in Palm Desert, California. As of 1995, Vera has decided to remain in seclusion for the simple fact that Hollywood is not what it once was, and live her life surrounded by family and friends. In regards to her refusing interviews, a lot h5b4as to do with there being so many Hitchcock-obsessed fans wishing to rehash many of the same stories and not focus on Miles' other roles in her career. Her granddaughter, Severa Miles, is an up-and-coming alternative fashion model in the Los Angeles area. Vera is especially kind in signing autographs; providing fans enclose a photo with a SASE and a note. In terms of responding to letters, Miles seldom does unless it be something which grabs her attention.
I hope this answers many of your questions. -
ecarle — 15 years ago(January 09, 2011 08:33 PM)
Has Vera Miles imparted this to you personally? Or a family member?
If so, it is certainly a sentiment to be respected. The Hitchcock fans are legion, and evidently growing by generation.
Still, it seems that perhaps Vera Miles could offer one interview somewhere, to perhaps one interviewer, not only on the Hitchcock pictures, but on the Ford pictures, the Disney pictures, the Columbo performance, her entire career,pretty much whatever she would like to say.
On the other hand, a private life is best lived privately.
Please send her and her granddaughther and other family members our warm regards -
acshore86 — 15 years ago(January 09, 2011 09:49 PM)
ecarle, in response to your note, I'm only a fan of Ms. Miles. Actually, I figured this out regarding older (but scarce) interview excerpts Vera has done. Plus I got a wonderful message from Stephen Rebello on his "Making of Psycho" book. There have been numerous attempts at contacting Miles for a book that was recently published regarding "Psycho," but she did not respond to them one way or the other. She prefers anonymity. I know from reading about other once-famous thespians, they feel if they respond to one inquiry, word spreads fast, then they are the victim of rumors; often referring to them as 'snobbish' for not be responsive other people's probing inquiries. If Vera is the same with everyone no one is left in the dark. I do know from one paragraph I read in that new book about "Psycho" that Miles was and is an extremely wonderful woman, so doubt her seclusion has anything to do with her ego.
-
ecarle — 15 years ago(January 10, 2011 08:13 AM)
Well, fair enough.
If I am correct, at this time, only three of the credited cast members of "Psycho" are still alive: Vera Miles, John Gavin, and Pat Hitchcock.
Pat Hitchcock still makes interview appearances on DVDs and the like to discuss her father(though it occurs to me I've seen fewer of those in recent years, and the last one showed Pat looking quite old); John Gavin, like Vera Miles, seems uninterested in making public appearances anymore, though in his case I understand he has made an exception or two for Republican fundraisers and events. Gavin gave Janet Leigh a few interview quotes on "Psycho" for her book on the film, but has otherwise remained silent on the movieor on the rest of his acting career, which ended early and yielded to a life in business and politics.
Its too bad, but ironic: another Hitchcock classic, "North by Northwest," features two now-elderly actors who have been willing to talk about it and make public appearances up through last year Eva Marie Saint and Martin Landau who appeared at the Turner Classic Movies festival to present their Hitchcock and talk about it.
Perhaps Turner Classic Movies could lure Vera Miles and/or John Gavin out to discuss "Psycho" at a future festival. That might be the "one time only" event we can hope for.
If not: happy retirement, Vera. And John. And, I guess, Pat. -
rokalilbit — 14 years ago(June 06, 2011 12:29 PM)
I just love Vera Miles, especially her part in "Back Street' with my other all time favorite, Susan Hayward. 2000 The movie was kind of corny, but I loved her part. Some said Susan Hayward and Ms. Miles should have swapped roles and let Susan play the alcoholic since she had played one several times before. It would have been interesting, but I think Vera Miles really nailed it.
Also, I was happy to see her on a "Little House on the Prairie" episode a few years back. She was beautiful as ever. I hope she is enjoying her golden years away from Hollywood
-
acshore86 — 14 years ago(June 28, 2011 12:33 AM)
rokalilbit,
I whole-heartily agree regarding Vera in "Back Street." My mother was/is an alcoholic and I wrote Miles how captivating and true I found her performance to be; it being in the same character traits of which my mother unfortunately inhabited during my years as an adolescent.
She was quite gracious, and responded to my letter, signing my photo I forwarded her, and wrote something personal about herself which I shan't divulge out of respect for her.
I suggest you write to her. She is often responsive if something is of unusual merit and not the same old, "So what was it like working with Hitchcock?" jargon.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with the board.
Aaron -
tonner4 — 14 years ago(December 09, 2011 10:12 PM)
i wish she would write a book with a co-author. not a tell-all or the like, but it would be so interesting to find out what it was like to work in the movies of that era, early t.v. and forward.
i would love to know whether it was a hard decision to transition from movies to t.v., how they knew which actors would really shine in guest roles on series t.v, which were her favorite roles, was she a natural or did it take time to hit her stride? how did she raise four kids while being such a busy, prolific actor. where did all the drive come from - love of the work or ??? So many questions that i am sure have intriguing answers.
from the sound of it, she is too private a person to write such a book. but her many fans would be so grateful! Then everyone could leave her alone.
i don't blame her about the Hitchcock thing. Suzanne Pleshette is another favorite of mine, and her body of work and bios are totally dominated by that one performance of hers in The Birds. seems that so many people only know her for that. what a shame.