I LOVE this interview and the warmth of the conversation between the two of you. Age schamge. This is so inspiring and entertaining. I lost my dear friend this week who was only 64. She said, anything over 55 is gravy. We need to cherish every moment and every moment with the two of you was well-spent! Brava.
Thank you, Lisa. And I'm so sorry for your loss. I think you friend was right. My grandmothers both died in their 50s. I'm anxious about turning 60 in October, but at least I'll be out of this anxious decade...
Great interview! Annie Korzen was a scene-stealer on Seinfeld & now she’s stealing the show on aging. Sharp, funny, and full of heart. 💫 @Annie Korzen @Oldster Magazine
I also spent some time in the loony bin. Two years ago I took a medicine that made me suicidal. It was not fun. But I recovered, put myself back together, and, somehow, life has been even better since then.
I was just at my favorite Dairy Queen, chatting with the GM Amber and having a small cone. I was wonderin' how you been 'cause I hadn't seent you in ' while you doin' okay? she said. Yes, doing just fine, I said. And then I asked about the birthday party she had last week for her daughter at an amusement park followed by a sleepover at a hotel and she said it was a blast. Sounds like hell to me, I said, but I am glad you had fun! Oh, Miss Polly! she said, you so honest what I like about you! What you readin' now? I showed her your book. I always bring a book to read at DQ. I seen her before! Amber said. And I went on to describe your career as best I could. This kind of thing makes my day.
The importance of lifting people up instead of tearing them down cannot be overstated. This is really heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. When I was in high school (and on a few occasions afterward) a few people made fun of my protruding eye tooth. I was devastated and convinced I was ugly. (Yup). When I published an essay a few years ago about this, I could see how distorted this was. Brava Annie - and the young TikTok fans - for righting this wrong. I’m ordering your book now. ❤️ and PS I loved your character on Seinfeld. I never get tired of the reruns.
I’m 46 and freaking out about aging the way these 20 somethings freak out about not having their lives together at 26 😅 It’s so wonderful to read this and see a perspective from someone twice my age who is still going and still doing, and with joy. Thank you for sharing! 🥰
I also agree totally with your distinction between a memoir and a journal. I have been keeping a journal for 35 years. I use it to record and to do some reflection but if I am writing any kind of memoiry thing that is a lot more reflection and processing. I am currently editing a collection of writing I did about time with my mother toward the end of her life when she was dying of dementia and depression. I know it sounds gloomy but it was often such a funny time! Anyway, the writing is excerpts from my journal. There is some reflection and rumination but for the most part the writing is a kind of recording or catalog or chronicle. It’s very immediate. I don’t consider it a memoir and I am working with my editor to try to find another word to characterize the writing. Suggestions welcome!
I discuss '60s rock groups with the letter carrier, I compare detective novels with the librarian, and I suggest acting classes to the waitress at my favorite restaurant. These people are not technically my friends, but I figure any sociable human contact enriches my life. Am I right? Of course I'm right.
Yes, you are! I do the same thing, and that's how I have become chummy with the staff at my favorite Dairy Queen and other places I frequent. They are not my friends, per se, but they are community, and having that is very important to enjoying life.
I finished your book this morning. Please write another one! Even if it is about salsa, I will read it. I laughed out loud several times but I really hooted when you were startled by the man in the bathroom in Italy. I can just imagine your surprise! And I remember my own experiences in those eco-friendly European bathrooms, groping for the light switch and so on. I also applied your Yeah, why not? approach to my dad’s invitation to join him and his wife and some friends of theirs for dinner last night. I was feeling tired when he called to invite me but then I thought, Yeah, why not? so I rallied and went over and it was a crazy good evening of interesting conversation with interesting people. Thank you for writing your book - it’s a pleasure and an inspiration.
More refreshing candor from an oldster! I LOVED Thelma, and, aside from the acting, I thought the music was superb, and I don't know anything intellectually or compositionally about music. Her birthday wishes remind me of those of my father. He will be 87 in August. For decades now he has said all he wants is gasoline and shotgun shells - he's a lifelong hunter who tows a duck boat behind his truck. So that's what we've been giving him, at least in the form of gift cards, not actual materiel. Stuff he actually wants. For experiences he enjoys. Thanks again for a great interview!
Some of those memories are in my book and on TikTok. Thanks for your interest!
I LOVE this interview and the warmth of the conversation between the two of you. Age schamge. This is so inspiring and entertaining. I lost my dear friend this week who was only 64. She said, anything over 55 is gravy. We need to cherish every moment and every moment with the two of you was well-spent! Brava.
Thank you, Lisa. And I'm so sorry for your loss. I think you friend was right. My grandmothers both died in their 50s. I'm anxious about turning 60 in October, but at least I'll be out of this anxious decade...
We share the age...exactly. I'm also anxious about it. Some feminists tell their age proudly and others conceal it and I see merits in both arguments.
Let's do a European Oldster River Cruise with Annie! I'll teach Yoga!
Include me in!
Love it!
For real...Sari, let's talk about a river cruise Oldsters, including writing workshops, lots of laughter and yoga. I think it would be fab.
I love the idea!
Me too!!!!
I'd love to do a workshop on the personal humorous essay while we sail past ancient castles.
Thank you for this sweet comment!
Great interview! Annie Korzen was a scene-stealer on Seinfeld & now she’s stealing the show on aging. Sharp, funny, and full of heart. 💫 @Annie Korzen @Oldster Magazine
Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated!
I also spent some time in the loony bin. Two years ago I took a medicine that made me suicidal. It was not fun. But I recovered, put myself back together, and, somehow, life has been even better since then.
That can happen.
I was just at my favorite Dairy Queen, chatting with the GM Amber and having a small cone. I was wonderin' how you been 'cause I hadn't seent you in ' while you doin' okay? she said. Yes, doing just fine, I said. And then I asked about the birthday party she had last week for her daughter at an amusement park followed by a sleepover at a hotel and she said it was a blast. Sounds like hell to me, I said, but I am glad you had fun! Oh, Miss Polly! she said, you so honest what I like about you! What you readin' now? I showed her your book. I always bring a book to read at DQ. I seen her before! Amber said. And I went on to describe your career as best I could. This kind of thing makes my day.
Mine too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!❤️
The importance of lifting people up instead of tearing them down cannot be overstated. This is really heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. When I was in high school (and on a few occasions afterward) a few people made fun of my protruding eye tooth. I was devastated and convinced I was ugly. (Yup). When I published an essay a few years ago about this, I could see how distorted this was. Brava Annie - and the young TikTok fans - for righting this wrong. I’m ordering your book now. ❤️ and PS I loved your character on Seinfeld. I never get tired of the reruns.
https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2020/09/getting-braces-and-finding-my-smile-at-42/
I loved this essay. I have written, "Don't be poisoned by other people's negative opinions of you." We're definitely on the same page!
I greatly appreciate this comment, and I do hope you enjoy the book. Thanks so much for sharing! I look forward to reading your essay.
Question for Annie Korzen: Any memories working with the so-called "stars" of the cast of Seinfeld that stand out to you all these years later?
So lovely that the captions spelled Annie's last name as "Corazon" at one point. Indeed!❤️
That's funny. I missed it. Thanks for sharing!
I love this. Annie is perfection and #lifegoals
She’s amazing. <3
Many thanks!
I’m 46 and freaking out about aging the way these 20 somethings freak out about not having their lives together at 26 😅 It’s so wonderful to read this and see a perspective from someone twice my age who is still going and still doing, and with joy. Thank you for sharing! 🥰
Thanks you. Much appreciated!
Love the interview!
I can help you find a perfect river cruise.
Thanks for the offer. Can you help find someone to pay for it?
Gosh, Sorry that isn’t in my wheelhouse. Find a partner. It is such an enriching experience.
I am watching the actual interview now. "I was born. Then shit happened." Truth!
Yes - and I am a lucky daughter.
What a lovely and BEAUTIFUL lady!
Thanks. Much appreciated!
Right?!
I just ordered her book. I read the first paragraph of the Author's Note and related immediately. Sold!
Awesome! I love when Oldster subscribers buy the books of people I feature!
Me too!
I am so glad you bought the book. Hope you enjoy it!
I also agree totally with your distinction between a memoir and a journal. I have been keeping a journal for 35 years. I use it to record and to do some reflection but if I am writing any kind of memoiry thing that is a lot more reflection and processing. I am currently editing a collection of writing I did about time with my mother toward the end of her life when she was dying of dementia and depression. I know it sounds gloomy but it was often such a funny time! Anyway, the writing is excerpts from my journal. There is some reflection and rumination but for the most part the writing is a kind of recording or catalog or chronicle. It’s very immediate. I don’t consider it a memoir and I am working with my editor to try to find another word to characterize the writing. Suggestions welcome!
The most successful memoirs are about survival. How does one get through life's dark challenges? The audience wants to be inspired.
From your book:
I discuss '60s rock groups with the letter carrier, I compare detective novels with the librarian, and I suggest acting classes to the waitress at my favorite restaurant. These people are not technically my friends, but I figure any sociable human contact enriches my life. Am I right? Of course I'm right.
Yes, you are! I do the same thing, and that's how I have become chummy with the staff at my favorite Dairy Queen and other places I frequent. They are not my friends, per se, but they are community, and having that is very important to enjoying life.
Agreed!!!!
I finished your book this morning. Please write another one! Even if it is about salsa, I will read it. I laughed out loud several times but I really hooted when you were startled by the man in the bathroom in Italy. I can just imagine your surprise! And I remember my own experiences in those eco-friendly European bathrooms, groping for the light switch and so on. I also applied your Yeah, why not? approach to my dad’s invitation to join him and his wife and some friends of theirs for dinner last night. I was feeling tired when he called to invite me but then I thought, Yeah, why not? so I rallied and went over and it was a crazy good evening of interesting conversation with interesting people. Thank you for writing your book - it’s a pleasure and an inspiration.
I hope my audience will be amused and feel as if they have been on a bit of a journey. It’s not about survival. No big lessons. Just life. And death.
More refreshing candor from an oldster! I LOVED Thelma, and, aside from the acting, I thought the music was superb, and I don't know anything intellectually or compositionally about music. Her birthday wishes remind me of those of my father. He will be 87 in August. For decades now he has said all he wants is gasoline and shotgun shells - he's a lifelong hunter who tows a duck boat behind his truck. So that's what we've been giving him, at least in the form of gift cards, not actual materiel. Stuff he actually wants. For experiences he enjoys. Thanks again for a great interview!
Youre father is a lucky guy!
So glad you enjoyed it!