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BORN

1926

DIED

2012

Eileen Pollock Obituary

As Eileen celebrated her 12th wedding anniversary in the Persian Room of New York's Plaza Hotel, Mike Pollock was serenaded by Ted Straeter's orchestra with his theme, "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World." A dozen years before that evening Mike had been Eileen Prince, a young radio actress who had left her career in Hollywood after World War II for New York and "big time" radio. At the same moment a young lieutenant colonel who had served in Europe as Eisenhower's chief of radio public relations headed for New York to try his luck as an actor. They met on an ABC radio drama, "My True Story," fell in love and wed seven months later. "Miss Prince" became "Mrs. Pollock" and husband Bob changed "Eileen" to "Mike" because they had met across a microphone. A charmed marriage followed for sixty-five years. In their first year together Mike starred in an ill-fated Broadway production that closed in less than a week. Disillusioned with acting as a career, she reacted with an idea for a "Mr. and Mrs." radio show to be done in Paris for an American audience. It would succeed, she argued, as tourism revived in war-ravaged Europe. Bob agreed and three months later they were crossing the Atlantic. Mike loved Paris. And Paris loved Mike - her wit, her glowing smile, her beauty. Their program, "Two Americans in Paris," interviewed the giants of French fashion, Christian Dior, Elsa Schiaparelli, Pierre Balmain and movie stars Louis Jourdan, Michelle Morgan and Jean Gabin. Mike's show idea would change their lives. A year of writing their programs in Paris had drawn them to writing as a career instead of performing. By the time Mike and Bob returned to New York "radio" drama had become "television" drama. They entered the exciting new "Golden Age of Television," scripting dramas for "Robert Montgomery Presents" "U.S. Steel hour" "Philco Playhouse" "Hallmark Hall of Fame" and many others. Then abruptly the landscape changed. "Live" television as done in New York became "filmed" television and production moved to Hollywood. Rather than leave their beloved Manhattan again, Mike and Bob found new writing fields. They began a series of articles for Reader's Digest, interviews with renowned European personalities they had met during their "Two Americans in Paris" sojourn. One interview brought an extra dividend - a deep friendship with Maurice Chevalier. They collaborated with Chevalier to write "With Love" a well received book of the romantic side of his life. Its publication brought an offer to write another as-told-to autobiography of Tyrone Power's divorced wife, Linda Christian who lived in Italy. Mike and Bob intended to stay in Rome only for months of research. Instead they fell in love with the Eternal City and its "la dolce vita" and remained for four years. Finally returning to America they took over as writers of a daytime soap opera, "The Doctors" won the first Emmy awarded for daytime drama. A second one followed in their five years with the show. Then came "General Hospital," filmed in California, which brought them to Hollywood and their next writing adventure, "Dynasty". Mike created the memorable character "Alexis", and the show starring Joan Collins, Linda Evans, and John Forsythe won People's Choice and Golden Globe awards. It is still playing around the globe as is "The Colbys" a spin-off devised by Mike and Bob starring Charlton Heston. After decades of working together Mike and Bob opted for a long-delayed journey-around-the-world vacation. Their writing collaboration was not to stop however. As they flew over a tiny uninhabited South Pacific island where a plane could have crashed and never been found, Mike had an idea that was ultimately to become a play. Back at home they were writing again. Once completed "Hey, That's Amelia Earhart Down There!" was presented as the inaugural production of College of the Desert's Pollock Theater. There would surely have been more collaborations had fate not intervened. Six months ago Mike suffered a massive stroke, followed by two more strokes. Finally, three weeks after her 65th wedding anniversary she left this life. It had been a sparkling run, a blessed one. Following Mike's long-expressed wishes there would be no funeral services. Instead Bob stood, bereft, as her coffin was placed in its crypt. He said a last goodbye to his "most beautiful girl in the world".

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Desert Sun from Dec. 5 to Dec. 7, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Eileen Pollock

Sponsored by Steven Kilcullen.

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Steven Kilcullen

December 1, 2020

Remembering you fondly and with love Mikey!!!

Steven Kilcullen

November 30, 2019

Thinking of you always my Dear Friend Mike!!!

Steven Kilcullen

August 31, 2013

I had the GREAT pleasure to call Mike my friend for many years here in the desert. A BEAUTIFUL soul that will shine forever! I feel so blessed to have known her, and to experience the TRUE love and admiration shared between Mike and Bob. I shall cherish always the laughs that we shared. RIP my friend, you will be missed but never forgoten.

Peter Bochnewich

December 31, 2012

I had only few occassions to meet the very wonderful Mrs. "Mike" and Mr. Bob Pollock. However, I had the greatest fortune in years past to spend much time within and about the theatre which carries their name at College of the Desert, with many young people and some not so young, who all found meaning and joy with the great gift that Mike and Bob provided. It is with this sense of appreciation that one receives word of the passing of a great lady, Mrs. Eileen "Mike" Pollock. That, and a sense of reverence for her warm spirit and kindness, which she showed to everyone, even to a passing acquaintance.

The truth of Mrs. Mike and Mr. Bob Pollock's love for each other, their artistry, and their mutual love for life, was easily seen in Mrs. Mike Pollock. It shone through her to all who were blessed to meet her.

Sandy Beach

December 17, 2012

I worked with Bob and Mike on DYNASTY but never knew much about their past, so I was fortunate to find this obit after hearing of Mike's passing. What a wonderful life they've shared! Mike was truly a lady and my deepest sympathy goes out to Bob.

December 16, 2012

What an amazing and wonderful story of obvious true love. Scott and I will never forget the morning we came to place something in your mailbox @ 7:00 a.m. The two of you were are in arm, Bob in fancy pressed pajamas, and Mike in a beautiful silk robe "surverying" your pretty yard and the new day. How appreciative she was and you are of the simple things life blesses us with each and every day. We're here for you Bob. Much love, respect and admiration. Mark Anton & Scott Histed

Harold J. Meyerman

December 16, 2012

Dorothy and I had the good fortune to meet Mike and Bob several years ago. They were a model couple exuding bliss wherever they were. We were fascinated by their life's experiences and could hardly imagine a more accomplished couple. Mike and Bob were great supporters of our Palm Springs Art Museum and in particular loved and supported Annenberg Theatre Opening Night where we surprised them a few years ago by publicly recognizing them. Mike will be missed.Bob has our condolences, our love and our support.

Gloria Greer

December 12, 2012

I just realized that on Dec. 5 when I wrote my feelings of love and joy for our friendship and the fun we had, I apparently didn't sign my name & city before submitting. I can only repeat that your friendship was very special and the joy and laughs were so meaningful that life here in the desert can never be quite the same. Please check out the unsigned posting on Dec. 5 - that is me.

Frank Furino

December 6, 2012

There is a sadness at the loss of anyone we care about - but in Mike Pollack's case, there are also wondrous memories of fun and collaboration when I worked for Mike & her husband/Bob as a writer on Dynasty. I will always remember her with a smile. Frank Furino

Bob & Penny Wiese

December 6, 2012

Always the consummate lady. We will remember her quick wit, great smile and the twinkle in her eyes. We send our deepest sympathy.

December 5, 2012

One of the joys of living in our beautiful desert has been the friendship shared with Bob and Mike Pollock. Mike was always beautiful, and always funny with her wonderful sense of humor. Even after her stroke, she spread humor and sunshine. The Angels must be singing to have such a wonderful, joyful, beautiful new friend. Our lives here will never be quite the same or as much fun.

Bill & Barbara Marx

December 5, 2012

You have been the perfect personification of what a "couple" can be and what love is really all about...Mike will always in our fondest of memories...........

Elaine and Dan Fox

December 5, 2012

What an honor it was to care for such a beautiful, gracious woman. We will miss her but our fond memories will always remain.

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