(L to R) Millie Perkins, Michael Dante and Ginny Tiu. Photo courtesy Michael and Mary Jane Dante
Actor and author Michael Dante (Winterhawk, Winterhawk’s Land, Kid Galahad), singer Darlene Love and actresses Millie Perkins and Ginny Tiu were among the special guests invited to join thousands of Elvis Presley fans in celebrating the life and legacy of The King as part of this year’s annual Elvis Week, which took place Aug. 13-17 in Memphis, TN. Love and her group performed with Elvis in his 1969 film Change of Habit; Tiu played a young girl in Girls, Girls, Girls; Perkins played Elvis’ mother, Gladys Presley, in the 1990 television series Elvis; while Dante’s friendship with The King stemmed from their six weeks working together on Galahad.
Michael was kind enough to share the following report with us, along with a few photographs:
Michael Dante posing with the movie poster for Kid Galahad. Photo courtesy Michael and Mary Jane Dante
“We had a co-star panel with hundreds of fans in the audience and then signed autographs and my books after all of our interviews on stage. I also was interviewed on Sirius XM, twice, to talk about my experiences working with The King. In addition, we had a private tour through the Complex and Museum, seeing all of Elvis’s memorabilia, awards, vintage cars, one sheets, photographs, 45 records, albums, wardrobe and so many more precious items of Elvis’s on display. It was awesome!
“The Candlelight Vigil at Graceland, which takes place every year the night before the anniversary of his death, was incredible. Elvis’s Fan Clubs members, fans, invited guests and staff of the Guesthouse at
The annual Candlelight Vigil at Graceland. Photo courtesy Michael and Mary Jane Dante
Graceland, all came out and celebrated the life of a man who is still bringing thousands of people together, people who loved him and his music. Forty-one years since his passing and Elvis truly lives on at Graceland and all over the world. Amazing! You could ‘feel the love,’ for sure.
“I was honored to be a part of a magical week and share with thousands of people, coming and going, our common love and appreciation for a most special man. It was my honor to know Elvis and work with him and live on in the memory of his fans and mine that watch and enjoy Kid Galahad.”
2 Responses to via Michael Dante Way: Our friend Michael Dante with a report on his trip last week to Memphis to celebrate Elvis Week along with Darlene Love, Millie Perkins, Ginny Tiu and thousands of Elvis fans from all over the world