So I watched this new NBC show on Thursday night, "Raines", with Jeff Goldblum.....this was the pilot episode and Alexa Davalos was the guest star. I liked it a whole lot! Jeff Goldblum is a very arresting actor. Quirky is a word often used when describing him.....my take is a little different. For me, he has this immediacy about him that draws you in from the first second you see him on screen....something is happening...in his face, in his being...he can just be standing there doing nothing, and he demands your attention. I happen to think he is a wonderful wonderful actor and I am happy and grateful to see him in a weekly series on television that is so very well written---funny and serious all at the same time. In his hands, this is a terrificly engaging series. It is Goldblum that drives this show along, with the very amazingly talented supporting cast that surrounds him and in this very first episode, the help of the stunningly beautiful Alexa Davalos as the guest star.
She is most certainly a beautiful young women and wonderfully talented too and she comes by her talent naturally....Okay. Let's start with her Grandfather, the stupendously talented Dick Davalos, (often listed as Richard Davalos), probably known best for playing James Dean's brother in "East Of Eden"....a film that has quite a pedigree, in and of itself....Directed by Elia Kazan, Starring James Dean, Julie Harris and Davalos, with a cast of superb supporting players....(Raymond Massey, Jo Van Fleet, Burl Ives, Lois Smith, and Barbara Baxley, to name just a few....) 
Let me say that Davalos would hate that I am writing this about him. He is an extremely private person and has never appeared on camera talking about James Dean, though asked to participate in every documentary, biography, etc., ever contemplated, filmed or published....I think he would be thrilled and happy that I am writing about his grandaughter, Alexa, and also Alexa's mother, (Dick's first daughter,) Elyssa.
I've known Dick for over thirty years....and was familiar with his Broadway career and film career before we ever met....Dick is close to the Parks family and that is really how we became friends....And in fact, Garrett used to date Elyssa, before she met and married, (and before he met and married the lovely Karen), and of course before Alexa....Look Elyssa up by clicking on her name, and see all that she has done. Alexa, too, and Dick, as well....Look at these three faces:
Here is the very young Davalos..(We have always all called him just, 'Davalos')...this from East Of Eden.....
Then...
:
The Beautiful Elyssa....
And then:
Elyssa's daughter....The stunning Alexa... All are in 'the family business'....All, getting wherever they are on their own....on pure talent and as you can see, none of them are hard to look at, either.....but, it is the 'talent' that has worked here, in all three cases....Actually, I should say, in all four cases because Davalos has another daughter, also in 'the family business', Elyssa's younger sister....
The very exotic and beautful Dominique Davalos....He is the proudest of Papa's and Grandpapa's, too....here below is Dominique Davalos....
And this picture of Dominique, too.....
She is a Bassist, Singer, and Actress....The family resemblence is uncanny, isn't it?Watching Alexa Thursday night, I was struck by this wonderful legacy....and as it is in many family's, the pride one has in your children following in your footsteps by their own choice---in other words, when that is what they want to do....very exciting. It is not an easy life---this acting/performing business, but when there is a passion, you cannot imagine doing anything else! It must be in the genes, too, this passion....cause they all---the Davalos' that is---have it, big-time, I'm happy to say....And three generations of them, to boot.
I have a couple of pictures of Davalos from one of my birthday party's....I believe they are from 1996....Another big birthday number...another big party....!
Something hilarious must have been said and whoever took this picture caught the moment. That is me of course, Davalos, and the ever dear and sweet Dom DeLuise....
And here below, another rather memorable threesome....
Dom and Davalos and the late, Carroll O'Connor....all old friends of mine and of each other, too.
And here below, is Davalos and Betty G., the morning she recieved her Star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame....A special event to be shared by close family and great good friends....
They give you a plaque that you can take home with you and hang in your home or office or wherever, and that is what they are holding.....
The Davalos Dynasty as you can see from this post, is alive and well, and flourishing....! And the best part is, Davalos himself never put any of this into play, except that his offspring just happen to love the family business. Not an uncommon happening, and like I said, sometimes it is in the 'genes'.
And how lucky we all are that that is the case here....
And one last thing before I close....
.
More To Come.....
- had this to say:
I have always loved Jeff Goldblum and I enjoyed this new show of his, as well. I agree with everything you say about him. And, he's easy on the eyes, too. I find him extremely attractive and sexy. I hope this show makes it!
- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 2:47:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy St Paddy's day Naomi!
Alexa looks so much like her mum.
Once again it hs been a pleasure to be "introduced" to your friends and hear your stories!
Michele sent me this time!- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 2:59:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy Saint Patrick's Day, Naomi!
I also like so much Jeff Goldblum but I did not see "Raines", yet.
Alexa looks gorgeous! Davalos's family is very beautiful too!
As I always say to you, my dear Naomi, this great post is another chapter of your book!- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 5:21:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What beautiful people!
Thank you for sharing them with us.
Happy St.Patrick's Day!
Huggles- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 6:31:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
As always, you talk about your friends with such pride and enthusiasm, the reader begins to know them too. This thing we call "friendship" is blessed' in every sense of what it means to those who share it. Is there anything that fills the human heart more?
- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 6:46:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
I watched Raines and I thought it was great. Jeff Goldblum is one of those actors that is so totally watchable - it doesn't matter how good or bad the show is, he is always wonderful. I think I called him a "yummy" actor actually...lol! Just sooo good. I enjoyed learning about his co-star from the first episode through this post. She was wonderful. :)
- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 8:45:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Beautiful grand daughters. I will look out for this programme if it crosses the atlantic. I was really surprised at the long list of jobs that the Mum/Daugther had been in (?good English?) I recognise a lot of the programmes and recognise her characters
- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 9:10:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I thought about watching that show, but then mr. kenju was watching basketball, so I deferred to him. Alexa is really gorgeous!
Happy St. Paddy's, Naomi!- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 10:15:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Two things come to mind as I read another in a long line of your exquisitely detailed perspectives on the gifted souls who inspire others with their talent:
1 - Beauty and talent definitely run in some families.
2 - We all benefit from your gift of not only knowing and befriending these amazing people first-hand, but from your great ability to observe and share facts and perspectives. I feel like I know all these people now.
You're a very cool individual, Naomi.- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 10:42:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Your posts are like a window into things we wouldn't know otherwise.:)
And I have to say, your description of Goldblum is spot-on. Definitely an immediacy that draws you in... somthing going on. Perfect description.
We're off to that premiere tonight... at The Wilshire (I'm taking ear plugs, just in case! lol).
House posted today!
~S
~S- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 11:59:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
I watched a TV film today that reminded me of your post.
A recent widow was raising needed funds by selling home baked goods and there were 3 women purchasing them who reminded her that she could earn a great deal more by selling her hand stitched quilts, to which the widow replied "With one pair of slow hands I would not be able to make a profit". One by one the three women replied, "not with mine, and mine and mine added". The widow looked up at them, smiled and said, "What dear friends you are, thank you"
I suddenly felt quick tears come to my eyes which brought to mind another line from a famous film; "Beauty does that to me"
How much more beautiful can friendship be?- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 12:36:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I do see the family resemblance! Quite amazing!! I loved that picture of you laughing!!
Thanks for this wonderful post Naomi. I learn so much here!!
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!!!- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 1:15:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you as well. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories. You are blessed with some wonderful friends!
- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 1:24:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Happy St. Patricks Day to you Naomi!!! This is so nice when you talk about celebrities and stuff. It makes me more eager to meet you in person as well and learned alot about the Hollywood before. I have heard that Hollywood before is way better than now.
I think I saw some tv series with Alexa in it. I just cant seem to pin point it- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 2:25:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Fascinating reading as always! Alexa is such a beautiful young woman and Jeff Goldblum is such an interesting, sexy man!
Love your bday picture, it must have been a lot of fun. Happy St Paddy's Day to you!
(blogger is giving me a hard time trying to leave this comment, pretending I do not exist, ha!)- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 2:32:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
i really like Jeff Goldblum too and hope the series goes well as it sounded like an intriguing premise. It was interesting to hear the family story you told also. Neat when families are like that and makes a person feel good to hear about it.
- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 3:01:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
OMIGOD - what a beautiful girl!!.......
Isn't she just........breath-taking?
And such a beautiful family! I love hearing about your friends - and adore seeing those happy pictures of Dom :-)
:-)
And yet another TV show to look out for. Heroes is finally here (good, but quirky), we are still waiting for Studio 60 (is it called? Matt Perry?) and now Raines.....
cq- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 3:13:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I'm constantly amazed by the people you know. :) You are blessed to be surrounded by such talent.
I think Jeff Goldblum is an excellent actor. I have enjoyed seeing him in many movies through the years. i'll have to catch this new show you've written about.
Kendra- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 7:55:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Cool story! I watched that show! I love Jeff Goldblum. You're right, you can't take your eyes off him, something is going on, in his face, his eyes, his body movements and posture. I also called at the opening of the show that his partner was dead. My partner said they kept showing them down at the beach because that's probably where he was shot and killed. We'll have to wait and see if that pans out. I really liked the show alot! I loved how we got to go through all the questions, reasoning and conclusions with the detective. I liked especially the scene where she turns from the wholesome girl next door to a cheap looking whore to reflect the detective's notions on what a whore would look like and then being called on his prejudicial stereotype. I'm definitely tuning in again!
- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 9:44:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
You, young woman at heart, still fascinates a youngster like me. Here I'm sitting around the same table as RennyBA, and thinking about your exeptional garden.
you can, if you have, visit us in Oslo,
blogwise;))- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 9:48:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, dear, I don't watch TV but sometimes after reading your blog, I'm tempted. (The new Eddie Izzard/Minnie Driver program does tempt me. . . .) I love reading about your life, both now and 'then.' It's like find a fantastic nonfiction book, full of pictures, and no matter how many pages I turn there are still wonders and facts and personal narration not to be found anywhere else in the universe. My lucky day was the day I discovered YOU.
- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 11:00:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I haven't heard of that new show starring Goldblum, but I've always liked him. He can be very funny in movies; he has great comedic timing and facial expressions. He's good in serious roles as well.
I love the photo that includes Carrol O'Connor.
Thanks for sharing that!!
I enjoyed reading about the Davalos's.
I hope your weekend is LUCKY and filled with an Irish jig or two. :)- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 11:31:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I thought maybe you'd continue sharing more about Sammy.
I'm ready for part 2 of that story.- Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 11:33:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
The top of the morning to you and thank you for such a fascinating and informative post. Nice to meet you - almost in the flesh. Lovely photos as usual and lovely folk.
Betty G must be Betty Grable - she of the marvellous pins. She looks great!
Came from Michele's.- Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 1:22:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What a wonderful story! I love that I know someone who knows so many famous stars... It's almost as though I know them myself through your fabulous stories.
Michele this time,
Mike- Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 3:04:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I love your narratives, so full of warmth and pride for your talented friends! What a wonderfully talented family!
I will have to look out for Raines. I have always liked Jeff Goldblum as an actor adn you are spot on - he draws you in from the first second he appears on the screen - so engaging!
Michele sent me to see you this time but I would have shown up anyway. I never like to miss a post of yours! :-)- Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 3:53:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy St. Patrick's Day! I always like reading your posts about the famous people you know. What beautiful memories fill up your life.
Happy Sunday!- Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 7:26:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I wish I really could COMMENT your posts, like this one. It tells a great story, but outside my reach in sense of "closeness". You know, living here up north in Norway, is not just a taxi-drive away from where you live and the main business "Chez toi".
However, you should know, I do read your posts - all of them - so may be I should only comment with:
Read. Tor the Viking.
hugs from the viking;)- Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 8:40:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh Man. And all I got passed down from my family was depression, divorce, and a crazy crackwhore. Maybe the Davalos' can adopt me!! =)
- Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 9:04:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I taped the show and I haven't seen it yet but I'm looking forward to it I'm a big fan of Jeff Golblum, there's something about him so captivating and so charismatic.
He's a wonderful actor.
Your stories of your friends are beautiful and you're right good genes run in that family...oh boy they are so beautiful!!!
Have a great weekend:)
Maria- Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 10:20:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Hey :)
Thanks for the lovely comment :)
A Locum is just a stand in for the usual guy ;)
Sounded good though :)
Enjoy the rest of your weekend :)- Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 10:58:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
I really enjoyed your post! You apparently have some very cool friends, as they are some of my most favored actors :)
And I love Goldblum's eyes!!
Here from Michele's- Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 4:22:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Alexa is really beautiful.
- Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 6:34:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy belated St. Paddy's Day!!! :)
I was in school on Thursday night so missed Jeff's show. I don't get to watch a lot of TV these days.
Thanks for sharing yet another story :)- Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 7:15:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
I like Jeff Goldblum too and I was happy to see he had a show coming out. I'll have to remember to get the time down and watch it.
I always love reading your stories about your fabulous friends. Your life is amazing. Alexa is very beautiful...the Davalo family has been very blessed with good looks!- Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 7:22:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi... Just one last trip back over from Michele's. I hope you had a great weekend,
Mike- Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 11:02:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I, too, have enjoyed Jeff Goldblum in many of the roles he has played though I haven't seen this new series. He does, indeed, possess a unique on screen presence.
A very nice tribute to the Davalos family. I recall the role Richard created in "East of Eden" which gave just the right contrast with that portrayed by James Dean.- Monday, March 19, 2007 at 12:47:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
I love to see family resemblences. I learned some new things here. I must say, I did recognize Dom D. but not Carrol O'Connor because he looked much thinner than I thought he was. Remember the mysterious Jeff Goldblum in Nashville? There was a rumor that he was Bob Dylan.
- Monday, March 19, 2007 at 3:32:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
What a wonderful family & it's so nice they're all still living. I absolutely love Dominque's hair in the 1st picture. You're right a strong family resemblance. Oh gosh, I LOVED Carroll O'connor & was so sad when he died. He was so hysterical in All in the Family; they'd never get away with those shows nowadays, lol.
- Monday, March 19, 2007 at 6:15:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
The anonymous was me Naomi. I was having some Internet issues this past weekend.
- Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at 8:16:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Ohhhhh! Another GREAT post! You are SO right! The talent runs very deep in this family! Alexa is just flat out gorgeous! LOVE her!
I've always loved Carroll O'Connor and Dom DeLuise too! Carroll O'Connor as Archie Bunker was, I think, the funniest thing ever! When he and Rob Reiner would go at it, I just thought I would die laughing!- Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at 3:36:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Another great post, Naomi. Fascinating to read "behind the scenes" so to speak. What a handsome and talented family!
- Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 8:35:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Really enjoyed this Naomi. I am a big James Dean Fan... but on first seeing "East of Eden" i have to tell you i was torn between Jimmy and Dick Davalos. He actually was more the kind of guy i'd flip over!!! But then we didn't seem to see much of him on film. Gorgeous family and as you say 'they can Act too!' Hope you're feeling better. Am commenting on this late as my Comp. went down and i'm only just back on line. Best always, Jan.
P.S.hope this goes through as i cannot get your 'visual verification letters to show.- Monday, April 9, 2007 at 4:59:00 PM PDT
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