frontlines
Finally - Fame And Fortune!
D
had been type-cast as a polka bandleader; so much so that I
id you see me? Did ya, huh, huh? I'm currently
actually considered moving to Poland to get work. But things
appearing on 1,000 websites as a spokesperson
have been heating up for this thespian. Just a couple of weeks
for southeastern Michigan's Smart Bus system!
ago, I played the part of a "Dad" in five Art Van radio com-
Somebody pinch me! I mean, I could see being courted for a
mercials. Five!
role on a semi-smart bus system, or even a remedial bus sys-
So I'm sure you're asking yourself, with this sud-
tem, but a full-fledged smart bus? Didn't they see
den
rush of acting success, how is Alan Muskovitz
my S.A.T. score?
keeping his head on straight? Surely, he'll end
I'm featured in a short video where I introduce
up in rehab or, at the very minimum, Weight
other videos starring satisfied Smart Bus custom-
Watchers. Well, you naysayers, rest assured that
ers. I auditioned for the role a few weeks ago, and
success is not going to my head. And it's certainly
now I'm on the World Wide Web. I say put it on
not going to my wallet either. I just got a residual
YouTube and watch me go virus, or viral, or what-
check for my work in Detroit 1-8-7; a check
ever. So, could Smart Bus spokesperson be the role
from Disney, who owns the rights to the show, for
that jumpstarts my "acting" career?
a whopping $2.39!
Yes, I have an acting career, thank you. Those
Smart Bus spokesperson, playing a dad in Art
of you with short memories may have forgotten
Alan
Van commercials, money being thrown at me by
that I played a polka bandleader in the second
Muskovitz
Disney; it's a comeback that rivals Betty White's
episode of the now-defunct ABC series Detroit
Jewish News
incredible resurgence. But there's a big difference
1-8-7. I'll never forget that audition because it was
Columnist
between Betty and me. Unlike Ms. White, I'm not
my very first after my radio career came to a close
about to take every role thrown at me. No sir, I
in March of 2010. There were three of us up for
have my dignity to protect. I've finally earned the right to be
the part that day and, man, was I nervous. So nervous that
after committing my "three" lines to memory ... I forgot them selective about what roles I accept. And selective I will be.
Which is why I'm taking my good old sweet time deciding
during my audition! And I still got the part! Why? Because
whether to accept my latest TV pitchman offer — playing the
apparently I only had to look like a polka bandleader, not
surprise adopted son of personal injury lawyer Sam Bernstein.
sound like one. The rest is TV history.
Until then, you can find me in my dressing room. E.
I've gone on a gazillion TV, radio and film auditions over
the last two-and-a-half years. (Notice I said "film," not movie.
Alan Muskovitz is a writer, voiceover talent and co-owner of C Moon
A real ac-tor never says movie) The truth is, it's mostly a los-
Productions. Visit his website at www.laughwithbigal.com. In loving
ing proposition. And until Smart Bus, I was on a really long
dry spell. Frustrated, I often lay awake at night wondering if I memory of the one and only Victor Lawson.
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Columnist
Danny Raskin
He arrived in Detroit from Poland in
1949, speaking no English, and with
little money, so he came to Hebrew
Free Loan for the financial help to
establish his life. He worked hard,
learned the language, and raised
his family.
"My whole family perished during
the war," Mr. Gruca said. "I lost
both my parents, five siblings, and a
lot of other relatives. I went through
Buchenwald - Dora, Oste Rhoda
Hartz, and others. What saved me
was my training as a tool maker. I
survived, and now I am here, at the
head of four generations.
"In my older years of life, every
day, every week counts to me. My
greatest happiness is my grandson,
Rabbi Aaron L. Starr of Congregation
Shaarey Zedek. Every time I see my
grandson deliver the sermon, my
heart is filled with joy."
In honor of Rabbi Starr, and also
of his good, dear friend, Rachel
Yager, Mr. Gruca donates generously
to HFL, and remembers the "good
deed" the agency did for him many
years ago, that enabled him to
make a future after so much tragedy.
Click. Call. Give Now.
Aug. 2-8, 2012 14-20 Av 5772 Vol. CXLI, No. 26
Around Town
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Arts/Entertainment
Building Community
37
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Calendar
Dining Around The D
24
Food
54
1, 28, 33, 35
Israel
Life Cycles
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Marketplace
59
8
Metro
32
Next Generation
Wolf Gruca is a Holocaust survivor.
56
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