There’s a new model for the future of the Friars Club[1] — Carol Alt[2]. She and 11 other new members are being inducted Tuesday night at the legendary showbiz hangout on East 55th Street.
“The location and the history, it’s just beautiful,” Alt told me. “I’ve been coming here for a long time, and it’s an honor to be included.”
Expected at the celebration: her pal Joe Piscopo, Joe Torre, Chazz Palminteri and comedians Tom Cotter and Jessica Kirson.
The club is trying to see past recent negative press involving a sexual harassment settlement as well as a separate tax scandal for one of its officers.
“It’s time to laugh again. We have over 1,000 members, and now we have 12 more. And none of them are over the age of 80,” cracks club treasurer Ralph Compagnone.
Hollywood producer and member Michael Tadross agrees: “The Friars is a show-business institution. Show business isn’t going away, and neither is this club.”
References
- ^ Friars Club (pagesix.com)
- ^ Carol Alt (pagesix.com)