Stamford Advocate (Sunday)

THE NUN WHO KISSED ELVIS REMEMBERS HOLLYWOOD WELL

- MaryEllen Fillo is a Connecticu­t-based freelance writer.

Q: Do you miss being famous?

A: I think in some ways I am more recognizab­le now than I was as an actress. I never lost my sensibilit­y when I was an actress. I saw that in my dad and my Uncle Mario. It wasn’t me. Most of the people I knew in Hollywood have gone to Lord. I think my coming here to the Abbey has kept me more relevant to the fan market than staying in Hollywood!

Q: What do most people not know about you?

A: Gee, I don’t know. I don’t have secrets that I hoard. I played the clarinet and played it well. In fact, you can go to YouTube and there is a video of me playing clarinet with Elvis, who is playing his guitar.

Q: As a devout Catholic, a nun and someone who clearly is exactly where she should be as a nun, do you sit back and have concerns about so many that are losing or have lost their faith?

A: I do worry but I keep going back to the same thing. I think people have to find their own domain, what they are good at, what makes them feel good. You must have your own identity, know how to love another person. I do think there is hope for churches and people will come back. Look at history. We have gone through a lot of different changes and trends. I believe there are going to be new discoverie­s, new inspiratio­n and new ways that will bring people to Mass and their church. That there will be a new capacity for sharing. I think there is a way for human hearts to be together and communicat­e that has not been discovered yet. But it will come.

 ?? Bettmann Archive ?? Above, Elvis Presley relaxes at a recording session with then-actress Dolores Hart for the 1957 movie “Loving You.” Hart has lived as a nun in Bethlehem, Conn., for 56 years. Below, posters and publicity shots from her film career remain. “Francis of Assisi” and “Where the Boys Are” with George Hamilton are among the most memorable.
Bettmann Archive Above, Elvis Presley relaxes at a recording session with then-actress Dolores Hart for the 1957 movie “Loving You.” Hart has lived as a nun in Bethlehem, Conn., for 56 years. Below, posters and publicity shots from her film career remain. “Francis of Assisi” and “Where the Boys Are” with George Hamilton are among the most memorable.
 ?? Jessica Hill / Associated Press ??
Jessica Hill / Associated Press

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