Ellie

She was by nature a reserved, even shy person, who, when she married her love in 1963, never dreamed that her new name was soon to be among the most recognizable in the world.

When I saw her name on the list for the first workshop she took with me in 2013, I wondered how she would handle the shiver of awe and intimidation that would surely ripple among the younger filmmakers in the class when they found out who she was. It was a class I always kept deliberately small. I always began by having the participants sit in a circle and say something about themselves. I thought she might introduce herself with first name only and I was prepared to protect her if she chose anonymity. But when it was her turn, she got up from her chair, looked around with a warm smile, and said, “I’m Eleanor Coppola and I know you recognize that name. I want you to know that I am delighted to meet you all and I’m looking forward to learning from each one of you. And that you must call me Ellie.”

I think that’s what you call a Class Act.

I was fortunate to work closely with her over two years as she prepared to make her first feature film, Paris Can Wait. I loved and treasured her artistry, her openness and honesty, her vulnerability and bravery.

Farewell and thank you, Ellie.