Lesley Gore: An Indelible Imprint

The entire cast of The Donna Reed Show was excited to learn that Lesley Gore would be guest-starring in the 27th episode of our 8th season, “By Line, Jeff Stone.” It was a simple set-up; I had to interview her for my college newspaper and Lesley would sing.

It was a big deal for me. Lesley was a recording star, a very tough racket as I’d already learned. Her hits were an important part of my late-Teens. When she arrived for rehearsal…petite, well-groomed and soft-spoken…I was delighted. If I remember correctly (and I usually do) I told her “We’re going to have a lot of fun, Lesley.” And we did. Our scenes were sharp and funny, and when the time came for Lesley to sing, the whole of Stage One behind the camera was filled by Columbia Pictures employees who found an excuse to come down from all over the lot to see for themselves this enormously popular singing star. No one knew that Episode 27 would be the last first-run broadcast of The Donna Reed Show.

We stayed in touch over the years, bobbing on the tides of our lives. I remember in particular how supportive Leslie was when we started A Minor Consideration. Remember, Lesley was just 16 when “It’s My Party” was released. She knew what ‘kid stars’ were about. She went through it, and came through the process as a solid, fully-functioning adult.

When news of her death reached me I reacted as I did that first day on the set of the show when I discovered that Lesley Gore was younger than me. How can that be?

Our sympathies go out to her family, friends and fans all over the world. A real talent, but a better person…gone too soon.

Paul Petersen