BIO
Born and raised in Chicago, early in life, Reva Rose exhibited an interest in all things theatrical. The "die was cast", when Reva's mother, while working as a riveter in a defense plant during World War II, took part in a talent show to support our Troops. The sight of "Rosie the Riveter" as a chorus girl on stage in a hula skirt was all it took for a very young Reva to be bitten by the acting "bug". From that point on, theatre became a driving force in her life.
Reva completed her education in Chicago, where she attended the Goodman School of Theatre, following such luminaries as Geri Page, Karl Malden, Sam Wanamaker and Steve McQueen. The pull of New York stage was strong and after two years of study and a couple of seasons of summer stock, Reva headed to the Big Apple.
In New York, Reva auditioned for and was accepted into Uta Hagen's prestigious acting class and The Martha Graham School of Dance. Reva auditioned for everything and anything which meant plays, musicals, summer stock and the odd job needed to pay the rent. The hard work finally paid off when an Off Broadway production of TIME OF THE CUCKOO, produced by its author, Arthur Laurents, hired Reva. The show was a huge hit and among those that found their way downtown to view it was none other than Noel Coward, who promptly offered Reva a part in his next production, LOOK AFTER LULU, which he was bringing to Broadway. The French farce starred Roddy McDowell and Tammy Grimes and one of the leading roles went to Reva.
Soon after LOOK AFTER LULU, Reva came to the notice of June Havoc who was about to take TIME OF THE CUCKOO out as a summer package. Reva reprised her role and at the end of a wonderful summer followed June Havoc to California, resulting in TV work and a starring role in a TV pilot with Gertrude Berg. After this TV pilot, Reva headed back to New York, with a short pause in Chicago, which turned into a golden opportunity for her. The field of commercials was just opening to character actors and as luck would have it, Nestlé's Quik hired Reva for a series of commercial spots that lasted for eight years.
Finally back to New York, a class with David Craig was yet another turning point in a career filled with them. The class taught actors the technique of actually auditioning for the musical theatre and this lead to the original Off Broadway production of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN. Reva snagged the part of LUCY. History was made with Charlie Brown and more than a few careers along with it. During that theatre season, the biggest hit far and away both on and off Broadway was Charlie Brown with numerous awards being bestowed left and right. Reva personally won the Clarence Derwent Award and the Theatre World Award.
Hollywood came calling again, this time with an offer of a film that promised three months in Europe, bouncing from country to country in real time. The film was IF IT'S TUESDAY, THIS MUST BE BELGIUM, starring Suzanne Pleshette and Ian McShane and a large cast of mostly New York actors. Back in the U.S.A., Reva headed west again this time landing a TV series at Warner's called TEMPERATURE'S RISING. Many guest star roles followed and then on to series regular roles on the hit TV series MARY HATMAN, MARY HARTMAN, THAT GIRL, LANNIGAN'S RABBI, LIFE WITH LUCY, ALICE and multiple roles on LOVE AMERICAN STYLE, GOMER PYLE, LOVE BOAT, the pilot for PROVIDENCE and an unsold pilot with Stephanie Zimbalist, HOUSECALLS, BUNNY O'HARE and the Mel Brooks hit feature SILENT MOVIE. Reva also appeared in a multitude of National commercials.
Some years ago, Reva traveled to India to adopt, as a single mother, a little girl named Emily, who was given to her by Mother Teresa in New Delhi. Reva also went on to adopt her two sons from India, Noel and Bill.
When Reva isn't out doing her favorite things: auditioning and on-set acting, she can be found at the Santa Monica Airport taking flying lessons. She is also learning to play the piano.
|
