In his forthcoming memoir, THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER NEWKIRK, a veteran publicist confronts all aspects of his life including bouts with depression from 1978-2013, 4 hospitalizations between 2004-2012, the paralyzing and overwhelming fear of becoming homeless in 2011, his gay relationships from 1978-present day, in addition to his PR career in the fine and performing arts with backstage stories.
Newkirk states: "The title of my book refers to the 1947 film THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY starring Danny Kaye. The book has backstage stories with actors and celebrities including Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis, Louis Zorich. Eartha Kitt, Academy Award winners James Ivory & Ismael Merchant, Ron & Betty Galella, Quentin Crisp, Paul Cadmus, Arlene Dahl, Deborah Gregory (THE CHEETAH GIRLS). Connie Francis, Kim G of THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY, Pat Loud, Edie Beale, Bob Paris, Celeste Holm, Richard Dupont, Richard Wesley, Nikki Haskell, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Sarah Jessica Parker, Andrea McArdle and Lena Horne.
The book will include Newkirk's interviews for The Rutgers Daily Targum ,his college newspaper, with Pat Loud of the landmark TV series "An American Family"( PBS 1973), Jon Voight (1978) and Divine (1974).
"It's funny, sad, and goes all over the place. Ithas a happy ending which is my life now without medications," said Mr. Newkirk
A graduate of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ , Walter Newkirk spent his wonder years in Mt. Laurel NJ and is now a resident of Chatham, NJ. He is the author of 2 books memoraBEALE A Private Scrapbook about Edie Beale of Grey Gardensand Letters of Little Edie Beale.
www.greygardensbook.com His book memoraBEALEIa has endorsements from Bryan Batt, Michael Korie, Christine Ebersole, Scott Frankel, Doug Wright, Joey Arias and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
His interview with Little Edie at Grey Gardens in 1976 is available on CD - Little Edie Live! A Visit To Grey Gardens
www.greygardenscd.com He is the owner of Walter Newkirk Public Relations LLC and will begin a film/lecture series about Little Edie Beale and Grey Gardens on July 19 at The Staten Island LGBT Community Center. He will also appear at The Duval Bar & Lounge on September 14. A date in London during October -date and venue TBA - will presented by Ellis Collins.of HAVE A WORD Productions.
THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER NEWKIRK is now available for pre-order. Hardcover , approx 250 p[ages with b&w/color photos and images Autographed copies avail for $25 which includes s/h. 500 copies available. Please contact Walter Newkirk newkirkpr@aol.com
Publicist/author Walter Newkirk with actress Doris Roberts, 2003
actress Arlene Dahl Walter Newkirk and the late Marian Burden
Walter Newkirk with Little Edie & Big Edie, 1976
custom towels given to Walter Newkirk by Ron Galella & Betty Galella
Walter Newkirk w/ Little Edie Beale, 1978
Walter Newkirk with Pat Loud, 1974
Walter Newkirk with actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, 1982
a thank you note from DIVINE
Walter Newkirk with Pat Loud, 2012
Walter Newkirk with Pat Loud, 1985
Walter Newkirk with Lena Horne, 1982
cover photo for THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER NEWKIRK
Annies Reunion: left to right Alyson Krik Shelley Bruce Alyson Smith Sarah Jessica Parker Walter Newkirk and Andrea McArdle (and Sandy)
