from Rondi Reed (actor, The Outgoing Tide)

I read Jack Kevorkian’s obituary today, as mixed emotions swirled around me.  A couple of years ago I was cast in the HBO film You Don’t Know Jack, the story of Dr. Kevorkian and his battle over end-of-life issues and assisted suicide.   I was cast as Judge Jessica Cooper, the woman who sentenced him to prison for the maximum of 25 years of which he served 8 in total.

I did not know the whole story, just the typical news blurbs, jokes from the late-night comedians, and snippets of the infamous 60 Minutes interview with Mike Wallace.  Off I went into my research.  I was able to obtain actual footage of the trial and watched about 16 hours of videos and read transcripts, including the statement of Judge Cooper’s decision and sentencing.

I read books, articles, interviews and other material, both for, and vehemently against Kevorkian’s stance and methods.  Morality was always in the mix, along with religion, politics, and money.  The sheer amount of financial gain by certain factions within the medical and extended care business contrasted with the utter despair of families and individuals who felt powerless towards the fate of their own life and death.   It was one of the single most debated topics in the country at the time and remains so.  One that can turn inflammatory at the very mention of Kevorkian’s name.

I was interviewed the night of the Premiere in New York, where Kevorkian himself was present, side by side with Al Pacino who portrayed him in the film.  I did not meet “Dr. Death ” that evening , but was asked my opinion of him and his work.   I said I felt he was ahead of his time and I believed he was sincere about his cause and committed to his message.  I also said I felt that end of life issues and terminal care in America are not easy subjects on many levels, and remain taboo in certain circles.

The Outgoing Tide wades into these waters with the story of one family and a man that decides to take charge of his life, all the way to the end of it.   I had flashes of Dr. Kevorkian during our rehearsal and throughout the process as we explored the emotional situations brought about by events in these people’s day to day existence.   None of it is easy, not all of it is awful, some of it is heartbreaking and some is full of love and laughter.  My personal verdict is still out on assisted suicide… I cannot stand in another’s shoes and judge what is right for them.   If or when I find myself or someone I love in this spot, I hope I will know how best to proceed.  I am a spiritual person, but fall off the stand of organized religion.  I remain intrigued by Jack Kevorkian, the man and the cause he fought for.  He will not be forgotten for what he chose to do with his life.