HOLLYWOOD — Frank Sinatra’s legendary, uncompromising tough-guy persona completely dissolved into rare public emotion when tears filled his eyes during a star-studded testimonial dinner party surrounded by his wife and children.
Global television viewers will soon have an unprecedented opportunity to witness this profoundly uncharacteristic display during the broadcast of the “All Star Party For Frank Sinatra.”
The hour-long televised event serves as a humorous yet deeply touching tribute to “Old Blue Eyes,” bringing together Hollywood’s elite to raise a toast to his illustrious entertainment career and his extensive, low-profile charitable contributions. As a permanent monument to his philanthropy, a brand-new medical wing will be officially added to the Seattle Children’s Orthopedic Hospital in Sinatra’s honor.
Richard Burton’s Emotional Tribute
It was a powerful speech delivered by acclaimed Welsh actor Richard Burton that ultimately broke through Sinatra’s famously stoic armor. Speaking not merely to praise a public icon but to honor a deep personal friendship, Burton addressed the one subject that Sinatra notoriously dislikes discussing: his immense, secretive charitable work.
“Frank is a giant,” Burton declared, looking directly at the singer. “Among the givers of the world, you stand tallest. He has more than paid rent for the space he occupies on this planet, forged as he is from legendary loyalty and compassion carefully hidden… Other than himself, there is no one who knows of the magnitude of his generosity.”
Burton further captivated the audience by describing himself as a representative for the grateful, silent multitudes who have received unexpected financial lifelines from the star. He spoke movingly of those who have opened special-delivery envelopes answering desperate prayers, and those awakened by late-night phone calls that resolved their deepest problems—always on the strict condition of total secrecy.
“Those who were surprised by signed checks with amounts not filled in,” Burton continued, painting an intimate portrait of Sinatra’s anonymous benevolence. “Those performers down on their luck, who suddenly landed that role they never expected and still don’t know whom to thank.”
Presidential Praise and Musical Milestones
Sinatra’s composure was tested once again when his long-time Hollywood pal, Cary Grant, took the stage to read an official telegram from President Ronald Reagan. The presidential message stated in part: “Your legendary talent has entertained millions the world over, but, most important, you’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty to make life a little better for others.”
However, the event—sponsored by the show business charity organization Variety Clubs International, which successfully raised the necessary funds for the new hospital wing—was far from just a somber, sentimental affair.
The undisputed musical highlight of the evening featured powerhouse vocalists Steve Lawrence and Vic Damone performing a dazzling, fast-paced duet medley of 26 classic Sinatra songs, cleverly arranged from A to Z. Additionally, pop icon Dionne Warwick and stage star Michelle Lee contributed a sprightly, high-energy medley of alternative Sinatra tunes.
Sharp-witted comedy routines by legendary Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tom Lasorda, Bob Newhart, and Foster Brooks injected a wave of laughter into the room, each taking affectionate comedic swings at the guest of honor to lighten the emotional weight of the evening.
An array of Sinatra’s closest contemporaries, including Jimmy Stewart, Carol Burnett, Florence Henderson, Monty Hall (representing Variety Clubs), and Burt Reynolds, made memorable stage appearances to pay their respects.
Reynolds, Stewart, John Wayne, Miss Burnett, Ingrid Bergman, Jack Lemmon, and Elizabeth Taylor represent an elite fraternity of previous Variety Club honorees whose names have also been permanently affixed to specialized hospital wings across various American cities.
A Rare Glimpse Behind the Persona
Paul Keyes, the veteran producer responsible for the seven previous all-star televised specials, has produced numerous musical television specials alongside Sinatra over the decades.
“I’ve known Frank for 45 years,” Keyes remarked after the taping. “And I know Frank steels himself against showing emotion. So I was really surprised at his reaction to Burton’s speech. When you think of the seven previous parties for people like Duke Wayne and Ingrid Bergman, you’d think Frank’s party would be the least emotional. But his response added a personal glimpse of the man not often seen.”
Keyes specifically characterizes these high-profile Variety specials as “parties” rather than formal “tributes” because they are designed to authentically represent the tight-knit Hollywood community. Invited guests do not purchase commercial tickets, and no outside public relations hype is utilized to manufacture artificial excitement.
Sinatra’s devotion to the Variety Club organization spans back to its inception.
“Frank volunteered to host the Wayne party,” Keyes recalled fondly. “He called out of the blue and asked if he could do it for his friend Duke. Four years ago he asked for a piano player and a white dinner jacket like Humphrey Bogart wore in Casablanca so he could sing ‘As Time Goes By’ for Ingrid Bergman.”
Because Sinatra is widely recognized within the entertainment industry as the most quietly generous celebrity in Hollywood history, Keyes had actively pursued him as the subject for a televised party for several years. However, it was not until this year that the elusive singer finally agreed to sit in the honoree’s chair.
“This time I told Frank we simply didn’t want to invite anyone else for the honor,” Keyes concluded. “There isn’t anybody more deserving, nor another star to whom so many people, knowingly and unknowingly, owe so much.”