The film opens with Reilly reminiscing about his childhood in the bustling environments of New York City and Connecticut, introducing us to his family—a father who would later be institutionalized, a mother who wielded a baseball bat alongside her racist tendencies, and a lobotomized aunt among others. Reilly cynically quips that Eugene O’Neill would never want to write about this family.
Before his father was sent to an institution, he was a talented Paramount Pictures poster artist who had a chance to collaborate with another illustrator on their debut animated film in color. However, this opportunity came with the catch of relocating to California, which Reilly’s mother quickly dismissed. This missed collaboration was with none other than Walt Disney, creating a pivotal moment in young Reilly’s life as he later reflects on the journey that ensued.
After his father’s descent into alcohol abuse and subsequent breakdown, the family moved from the Bronx to Connecticut, seeking refuge with Reilly’s maternal relatives. At the age of eighteen, Reilly made his way to New York City, where he pursued his acting dreams. He humorously notes that the actors of that era did something rare in today’s context: they actually studied their craft. Fueled by ambition and hunger, he enrolled in an acting class at HB Studios, known for its open-door policy that welcomed aspiring actors regardless of financial means.
Under the tutelage of the acclaimed actress Uta Hagen, Reilly found himself amongst a talented group that included future iconic figures such as Steve McQueen and Gene Hackman. As he candidly states, despite their aspirations, they were a cohort that “couldn’t act for shit.” During this time, a friend set up a meeting with a powerful NBC executive, but Reilly faced outright discrimination, being told, > “They don’t let queers on television.” In hindsight, he regarded it as merely a brief encounter, yet this prejudice couldn’t suppress his talent and perseverance.
Reilly broke through to Broadway, winning his first Tony Award for his performance in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, as well as securing roles in the original casts of Bye Bye Birdie and Hello, Dolly! His television journey included notable appearances in shows like Car 54, Where Are You?, The Ghost & Mrs. Muir, and starring in Lidsville. He also became a recurring guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, ranking just behind Bob Hope in frequency of appearances.
As time went on, Reilly developed a routine of scouring the weekly TV Guide to tally up his numerous television slots, which sometimes surpassed a hundred in a week. He humorously mused about the NBC executive's initial rejection, pondering, “Who do I have to &!$# to get off?!”
His career flourished, allowing him to transform his extensive experience into a teaching opportunity. A generous gift from his lifelong friend, Burt Reynolds, included a theater for teaching acting, which has since brought him fulfillment. As the film draws to a close, we see a poignant portrait of an artist—a man shaped by adversity who overcame prejudice and emerged as a beloved comedic figure. He stands not just as an entertainer, but also as a devoted son, a mentor, and a storyteller, living out what he describes as The twilight of an extraordinary life.
