It was a nostalgic evening for actor, producer, and author Griffin Dunne as he hosted a book party at The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica. The event celebrated his latest work, “The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir.” The location held special significance for Dunne, as he completed the book in a suite overlooking the beach cottage where his parents, Dominick and Ellen “Lenny” Dunne, once lived. Their neighbor at the time was none other than Kennedy in-law Peter Lawford.
Dunne reminisced about the days when President Kennedy would land between their houses to visit the Lawfords. He vividly recalled seeing Kennedy swim in the ocean and his mother rushing to the hospital with a pregnancy that sadly ended in a loss. These memories, captured in Life magazine photos, are etched in his mind.
The Santa Monica Courthouse also holds a significant place in Dunne’s memories. It was there that his family gathered daily for the trial of his sister Dominique Dunne’s killer. From the top floor of The Georgian Hotel, Dunne could almost see the courthouse, adding another layer of poignancy to his writing process. He shared that he concluded his memoir when he reached the chapter about his daughter Hannah’s birth, feeling that no ending could surpass that moment.
The event was attended by close friends and family, including Michael Keaton and Sandra Bullock. Keaton, who was filming “Johnny Dangerously” with Dunne in 1984, was the one who called for a production halt on the day the trial verdict was announced. Bullock, whom Dunne directed in “Practical Magic,” also showed her support, posing for photos and enjoying a chocolate chip cookie before leaving.
The Dunne family’s move to Beverly Hills placed them at the heart of Hollywood’s social scene. Dominick and Lenny Dunne hosted their own Black and White Ball in Los Angeles, an event that inspired Truman Capote to throw his famous Black and White Ball at the Plaza Hotel in New York. Women’s Wear Daily even sent a sketch artist to capture the event, a detail Griffin included in his book. Although he couldn’t recall his mother’s exact attire, he speculated it might have been an Oleg Cassini design, a detail his father would have known for sure.
The book is a treasure trove of Dunne’s memories, from being saved from drowning by Sean Connery to his youthful indiscretions with best friend Carrie Fisher. It also chronicles his Hollywood adventures, including working on “After Hours,” and the numerous tragedies his family endured.
The evening was a celebration of Dunne’s life and work, with friends and family raising a glass to his achievements. The presence of Keaton and Bullock added a touch of Hollywood glamour to the intimate gathering. Bullock’s recent announcement about reprising her role in “Practical Magic 2” with Nicole Kidman added an extra layer of excitement to the evening.
The Georgian Hotel, with its rich history and stunning views, provided the perfect backdrop for this full-circle moment in Dunne’s life. As he looked out over the beach cottage where his parents once lived, he couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to his past and the memories that shaped his memoir. The evening was a testament to the enduring power of family, friendship, and the stories that bind us all.
