CHICAGO-‘ STYLE’ MEMORIES
‘ Going in Style’ stars recall time spent living, working in Our Town
NEW YORK — They may have been in New York, where their new film “Going in Style” ( opening Friday) was shot, but Chicago was on the minds of the principal actors as well as director Zach Braff.
Perhaps the most enthusiastic booster was Swedish native Ann
Margret, who moved to America at age 6. The veteran actress, who grew up on the North Shore, graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka and attended Northwestern University, literally jumped out of her chair when she realized she was about to be interviewed by a fellow Chicagoan. “Oh goody!” exclaimed Ann- Margret, as Braff — who was seated next to her — laughed out loud.
In the film, the former AnnMargret Olsson has most of her scenes with Alan Arkin — who, along with Morgan Freeman and
Michael Caine, takes up bank robbery as the senior citizens attempt to recover funds from their canceled corporate pension plans.
“I loved being the only girl with ‘ Da Boys,’ those three guys,” she said. “I can look at them, and I see them as 17- year- olds. They’re such kids at heart!”
Arkin, of course, launched his career in Chicago in the very early days of Second City. “Chicago? Chicago!” exclaimed Arkin. “I owe everything to Chicago! That was where I got my start.” As he reminisced about Our Town, Arkin did turn somewhat morose, remembering the late great Second City teacher and director Sheldon
Patinkin. “Sheldon was one of my very best friends. I spoke to him all the time,” said Arkin. “I miss him so much. I miss hearing his voice. He’s someone I miss as much as almost anyone I’ve ever called a friend.”
Flashing back to her own Chicago- area roots, Ann- Margret noted she treasured her years working with William J. Peter
man, the longtime chairman of the musical theater department at New Trier. “He’s the first person who ever told me I would be an actress. It came at a funny time. I was 16 and had just lost a big part in a show at New Trier to another girl. In front of the whole glee club, Dr. Peterman said, ‘ Olsson! You’re too urban!’
“But then, he took me into his office and reassured me. He looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘ You’re going to be an actress in the movies!’
“I didn’t get that part in high school, but it sure worked out fine in the end.”
Co- stars Freeman and Caine both have spent a lot of time in Chicago during their careers. “After making ‘ Chain Reaction,’ when I got pneumonia, I swore I would never again work in Chicago in the winter,” said Freeman. “Basically, I haven’t — at least not outside.” Sitting alongside his co- star, Caine nodded. “That’s right. We did shoot a lot of Chris Nolan’s ‘ Batman’ films in Chicago in the winter, but …” [ as Freeman chimed in simultaneously] “we only worked indoors!”
Braff explained that despite his strong acting background, he could not insert himself in “Going in Style” — even in a small role. “This movie was just too big. I had to concentrate completely on the directing.”
However, during his interview with the Sun- Times, he couldn’t help showcasing his performance skills as a mimic.
Egged on by Ann- Margret, Braff did deliver a spot- on impression of Caine. When told he should get the two- time Academy Award winner to record an outgoing voicemail message for him, Braff winked and said “I’ve got this one,” as he easily slipped into his other star’s voice and said, “This is Morgan Freeman. You’ve reached Zach Braff ’s line. He can’t come to the phone right now.”
Schwimmer and wife taking ‘ some time apart’
After being a couple for a decade — and married for nearly seven years — David Schwimmer and his wife, Zoe Buckman, have confirmed they have separated. The actor, director and co- founder of Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre, and his wife released a statement to Us Weekly that they are not currently living together.
“It is with great love, respect and friendship that we have decided to take some time apart while we determine the future of our relationship. Our priority is, of course, our daughter’s happiness and well- being during this challenging time, and so we ask for your support and respect for our privacy as we continue to raise her together and navigate this new chapter for our family.”
Schwimmer, 50, who gained international fame thanks to his role as Ross Geller on the smash hit sitcom “Friends,” met British photographer Buckman, 31, when he was directing the 2007 romantic comedy “Run, Fatboy, Run” in London. Their daughter, Cleo, was born in May 2011. This is both Schwimmer and Buckman’s first marriage.
Seen on the scene
While in town doing his “Spend the Night” show, Billy Crystal was spied by fans dining at Joe’s Stone Crab on Grand — joined by a group that included Chicago native
Bonnie Hunt, who was an added feature to Crystal’s show.