Even though she's now a (semi) retiree, Elaine Stritch proves she hasn't lost a bit of the sass, talent and tenacity which made her a stage and screen legend i n an interview with Pride Source's Chris Azzopardi.
Still, the 89-year-old star, whose new documentary, "Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me," is earning rave reviews from critics and fans, says she's surprised to learn that she's considered a gay icon.
"I'm just becoming aware of it," she says. "I really have become very much aware, first of all, what great audiences they are."
She also dishes on a number of other show business figures, and even clarifies details of her relationship with Rock Hudson, who was later revealed to have been a closeted gay man.
"He was nuts about me, and I felt it, knew it," she said. "And I was madly in love with this gorgeous guy. But I couldn't have reacted in any real way because I don't think he was truly in love with me. I think he just loved me and loved that we had fun and loved to be with me.”
On losing the role of Dorothy Zbornak on "Golden Girls" to Bea Arthur, she revealed, "My feelings were very hurt by that, but I'm awful glad I didn't do it ... I could've made a lot of money if I played ball, but I didn't wanna play ball. And I didn't wanna play sitcoms for the rest of my life, and that's what I would've done."
Praising Arthur's acting talent, she quipped, "But I wouldn't wanna be her ... she's dead, so I'd rather be me now."
Read the full Pride Source interview with Elaine Stritch here.