RIP My Friend Eileen Brennan! Saying Goodbye To Ms. Peacock & The Private Benjamin Star! You Are Missed!

I’m very sad. Today I lost my friend and actress Eileen Brennan to cancer at the young age of 80. I say “my friend” because I was so fortunate to not only have met Eileen but become acquainted with her over the years.

One of the benefits of living in Los Angeles, is you never know who your neighbors will be. Well, as luck would have it one of my neighbors was Eileen Brennan. I will never forget driving home one day and seeing her walking down the street.

I called my friend and freaked out. “Eileen Brennan is walking down the street next to my condo!” I squealed.

Clue: The Movie, as you all know is one of my absolute favorite movies ever. It’s a classic, and one of the main reasons is the ensemble. Eileen Brennan was pitch perfect as Ms. Peacock. Perfect! I also loved her in Private Benjamin and her role on Will & Grace.

“Should I talk to her?” I asked my friend. After an encouraging yes, I threw my car into my parking space and ran upstairs to grab my Clue cast piece and my laserdisc. I also had to get my Peacock Blue paint pen. I mean hello! That had to be done right?

I ran down the street the whole time, thinking, I’m a crazy person, she’s going to think I’m nuts.

As Eileen Brennan turned to go back into her apartment, I said, “excuse me, but are you Eileen Brennan?” She turned and said, “Yes, oh my, I can’t believe you recognized me.” I told her what a huge fan I was and we spent the next 10 or 15 minutes talking about Goldie Hawn, Clue and a whole host of other stories. She was so excited to chat and I was stoked that Ms. Peacock was living across the street from me.

After that I ran into Eileen Brennan a few more times. Once I saw her and I said, “Eileen, it’s so good to see you!” She said, “Mike! How the fuck are ya?!” LOL… Eileen was so sharp and on point. As we were talking another neighbor was walking out of her building. She said, “Eileen, is this your son?” Eileen grabbed my arm and said, “Hell no… This is my lover!” lol…

She talked to me about winning her Emmy Award, her accident that happened after dinner with Goldie Hawn, working on Private Benjamin, and especially the ensemble of Clue and working on that film.

I will honestly treasure my time having gotten to know Eileen Brennan just a little bit. And I miss her already. ;(