Thirty Years

March 14, 2021

After thirty years, it’s hard to know how to mark the day Howard died.  Over these years, it has gone from a day of personal loss for me and Bill and Howard’s many friends – people who knew him well and intimately - to a day marked by thousands (maybe I’m being modest with that number) of people who have discovered Howard posthumously and come to feel they know him well.

Maybe I’ve even helped make that happen in my own small way.  But so has Bill Lauch – whose friendship is the best gift Howard left me – Bill has given of himself and shared so many of his memories in the many interviews he’s done.  Bill’s voice is soft but his words are precise and   unforgettable.

Alan Menken never fails to mention Howard with love, respect and gratitude when he gives interviews.

And Don Hahn’s brilliant documentary, HOWARD (well worth a one-month subscription to Disney+, in my opinion) has introduced Howard’s work and life to generations. Allowing them to go beyond Google seaches to meet the real man. I will be forever grateful to him, not only for his film but for the respect he gave me and Bill while he was  working.  While we tried to make sure he had access to everything he needed and not interfere, Don made sure he was accurate by sharing clips and rough cuts with us and asking lots and lots of questions.

Thirty years is a long time. Take your age and subtract thirty years.  If you’re not yet thirty (and I’m guessing many of you aren’t) go look at photos of your parents thirty years ago.  It never ceases to amaze me how fresh memories remain and how easy it’s been to fill those thirty years with life. Life of course, that Howard didn’t get to live.

Howard at age 30

 I had decided not to publicly mark March 14 any longer.  I’d much rather celebrate  May 17, the day Howard was born.  But as Howard has posthumously gained more and more fame, the world has decided to ignore my point of view, so I’m joining in.

But as we mark March 14, please remember this:  Howard Ashman’s death was tragic but his life was fulfilling and joyful.  Let’s celebrate the joy.

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