Westport Library & Y's Men Presented Actor And Health Care Activist James Naughton
Monday, August 21st evening was very special as the Y's Men of Westport/Weston and The Westport Library presented noted actors and Broadway performers James Naughton and Carole Schweid to a capacity crowd.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
he audience thoroughly enjoyed a relaxed, friendly and incisive conversation between these two theatre and film veterans. Together, they discussed Naughtons acting and directing history, his long relationship with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward and told stories of his many successful years in the entertainment business.
In addition, Naughton recognized a number of attendees who have worked with him and joined to enjoy this evening with him.
On a more serious note, Mr. Naughton made a strong case for supporting the Medical Aid in Dying legislation which has yet to be passed in Connecticut and provided history and information on how to help.
Guests were then treated to a 16-minute fictional drama film, "Not the Same Clarence”, featuring Jim and his son Greg Naughton depicting the true realities of caring for a parent with dementia, and its impact on their lives.
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Above: Clips from the film.The trailer for the film can be seen here: ”Not The Same Clarence”
Mr. Naughton told WestportLocalPress, "We know that 75% of CT residents want Medical Aid In Dying passed by the CT Legislature. I've been advocating for its passage since my wife, Pam, passed away after battling Pancreatic Cancer for 4 years. On Oct. 16th, I will moderate a discussion on the subject at the Westport Library, with a panel of involved citizens and Legislators. Be there!"
Also in attendance were the filmmakers, Brian Russell and his wife Lisa DeTullio Russell, (above, left) who serves as a producer on all Brian's films. The couple are from Fairfield. Brian told us, "I was a business, business, business guy, and made a career change in 2010, when I accidentally started making videos. I have worked on corporate video, non-profit fundraising and host of other subjects in video production for the past 13 years. I began working with James Naughton about a year ago, and this fall will be collaborating on our 3rd and 4th films together."
The couple's next project will be a documentary about Medical Aid in Dying, profiling Tim Appleton, the head of the CT chapter of Compassion and Choices, as he walks across the state to raise awareness for the Medical Aid inn Dying legislative initiative. We will begin following him in South Windsor.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.