I was recently invited to a dinner party at The Penthouse in The Huntley Hotel , for a very special surprise 90th birthday celebration.  The guest of honor for this intimate sit down dinner was none other than June Lockhart. Since I arrived early, I took the opportunity to explore the Hotel which I’d never been to before. I have to say that I really loved  their interior spaces,  especially the tented garden patio on the second floor. I can see why this chic destination was chosen for our dinner.

Ms. Lockhart was born in June of 1925 after her parents were introduced by Thomas Edison… yes that Thomas Edison, inventor of so many things including the light bulb and the motion picture camera.  I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that June is one of the most vibrant women I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. When her granddaughter Christianna walked her into the bar at The Penthouse where 15 guest were eagerly awaiting her arrival, she lit up like a christmas tree and screamed with joy. Guests included architect Harry Gesner,  her son and his wife, daughter June who organized the soiree,  her trainer Linda with whom she’s worked out 3 days a week with for at least 2 decades, loyal family friends, and myself, her occasional hairdresser when her regular gal is out of town.

Our hostess, daughter June, had reserved us a table at the end of the restaurant by the massive picture windows, giving us a magnificent view of Santa Monica. Name cards were in place, and our specially designed menu was already taken care of.  Hors d’ oeuvres came out platter after platter, the wine was poured, and we enjoyed our salads and entrees during the coming hours.  I thought our 6:30 reservation would easily have us out by 9:00 … wrong. It was 11:30 before we all rolled out into the lobby of the hotel. It was one of those magical evenings that no one wanted to end. And I feel so lucky to have been included.

Did you know that the Lockhart family has 5 stars on Hollywoods Walk of Fame? June’s father Gene Lockhart has 2, one for Motion Pictures, the other for Television. Her mother Kathleen Lockhart has one for Motion Pictures, and June has 2, one for Motion Pictures, and the other for Film. June made her stage debut at 8, and has been making a living as an entertainer for over 80 years as she so eloquently told me at the salon one day. What a truly inspirational woman.