A LETTER FROM BARBARA KELLY

He was just a non stop running machine. My theatrical father Mr. Broadway loved it as passionately as he did my mother Jean Urban. There were many years apart, rifts of a stepmother, a new second family of steps, half's and whole sister, I stayed away. Years later when I saw my father the first thing I noticed was that his arms had aged his hair was silver and in a pony tail. This was the first stark reality that dad was getting older. He was still running around doing business and knowing everything that was going on. His generosity to others exceeded what people would do. He was known for his fanciful stories that were embellishments of the originals because they were funnier to him and his friends.

In 2001 he was admitted to the hospital for bypass surgery, which, he told his wife Camille was for a rattle snake bite (Oh the wine and fanciful stories). I visited him in New York Hospital, it turned out to be a quadruple bypass and Bob Kelly was up in no time, but those legs were not running but walking at a slower pace. Now at 85 years of age daddy aches inside and out, but he truly is the WWII soldier and as a war horse he got up and went to his shop. During his last hospital stay, it was Guy Bayo a loyal friend who saved his life and stayed when the going got rough. My sister Tracy and myself were there day and night. All he needed was a pacemaker. Popeye wearing Gucci was doing well. The legs were weaker than I had ever seen, rehab helped but he was slower. It was after this operation that I realized that the man’s a living legacy and one of the luckiest people that I ever met.

One thing he always says is “Don't worry I will be around for another 25 years”. With his family living into their hundreds I believe him. At the same time it was hard thinking I was going to be a "midlife orphan". No one told me I was going to feel this way. Now older myself, I can only encourage dad to do what he has always done best SURVIVE and THRIVE. His legs may be walking and not running but, do not underestimate him because he is still in tune with the business. Thank you everyone at #798 for the pouring out of concern and support, and most of all, your magnificent kindness.

Editor's Note:

I'm so happy to read your dad is hanging in there and still the Bob Kelly I and so many other people in our business owe so much to. I think of him every time I use something that I learned from him. He's one of the most generous persons I have ever known and there is no doubt I would have never become a makeup artist without his shared knowledge that initially helped teach me my craft and his support and friendship throughout my entire career. Barbara Kelly tells me Bob still visits his shop 1-2 times a week and would like to squash any rumors about him not being with us anymore.

Those of us who know and love Bob Kelly and even those of us who only know of him and would like to send along a message to him can email his daughter Barbara (a freelance journeyman 798 makeup artist) at barbkellymakeup@gmail.com and she will pass it along to Bob.

Bob Kelly really is a living legend and the impact he has had on our business is incalculable. A true artist with a passion for his craft and business unequaled by his peers. Bob is a "Living History" of our business from his earliest days of working on motion picture, television, commercial and Broadway productions from the 50's and 60's to present day and is a man who worked with and knew it's major players intimately. Bob earned the admiration, trust and respect of an entire industry with his honesty, personality and sheer talent. A one of a kind character who took no pause for fools, I'm proud to know him.

Jack Engel - Webmaster & Editor 798members.com & Journeyman 798 Makeup Artist