Back when there was actually nightlife in downtown Bethesda, crowds would gather on the sidewalk along Woodmont Avenue to get into the Yacht Club. In today's moribund nighttime economy, Curtis' famous lounge space sits vacant in what is today known as The Bethesdan Hotel.
Curtis was also known for his local TV and radio appearances over the decades. But to the nation and the world, Tommy Curtis was also a movie mogul. His production credits included a couple of major 1980s releases with household-name stars: Dreamscape starring Dennis Quaid and Kate Capshaw, and The Seduction featuring Morgan Fairchild.
Plaque above lobby elevator at The Bethesdan Hotel that still mentions the Yacht Club of Bethesda, which was downstairs when it was a Holiday Inn, decades later |
Tommy Curtis was 75, and his brother told WTOP that he had "a history of heart-related problems." But as recently as a few months ago, he was in good spirits and excited about new projects he was working on both in our area, and in Hollywood. Perhaps some of those will still come to fruition under his associates. And perhaps Curtis is now in a good position to get us some divine intervention to restore nightlife in downtown Bethesda to its former greatness. On that, nobody was a higher authority than Tommy Curtis.
Top photo courtesy of Tommy Curtis
10 comments:
I’m so sad to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful person. Full of many great attributes. He’ll be sorely missed.
Marcia and I met at YC. Will miss him.
Bryan Schirmer
Are you serious?
Tommy will be sorely missed. I knew him through his movie-producing Brother Bruce.He was a dynamic and generous soul. Funny and kind. Thanks for your honest tribute.
I worked with him at the Yacht club, so many of us have spend the past few days telling stories and remembering him.
Best Wishes Tommy
Your Blond Top Male Model
Tommy would have been thrilled to know of your wonderful remembrances.
Thank you all.
I met Tommy at Chasens in Hollywood 1984 we became close friends and he enjoyed my family hanging out in Westlake Village. I worked for Ventura Farms and he visited in his shorts sandals and black socks. We were good friends for 36 years I tried to get him to move to North Carolina but he was set in his ways. I was shocked when I called him and another man answered informing me he had passed away.I will miss you Tom.
I worked as a cocktail waitress for Tommy at the YC. He was tough but so sorry to hear of his passing.
Red haired Media Mogul
I tried to get him to move to North Carolina..
Tommy i still miss you my dear Boss. I was your girl at the front dealing with the lines of people outside. Always I will be your Lovely Rita. Blessings....
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