Don Bachardy was the life partner of writer Christopher Isherwood, whom he met on the beach in Santa Monica. They remained together until Isherwood’s death. A film about their relationship, titled “Chris & Don: A Love Story”, was released in 2008. Mr. Bachardy is a painter whose works reside in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Smithsonian Institute, and the Huntington Library. Below, he takes our In The Green Room Q&A.
Q. What was the last habit you tried to kick?
A. Eating salt. I was having trouble getting my weight where I wanted, and I thought eating salt was holding liquid. So I gave it up, and it made no difference at all, so now I’m back on it.
Q. What surprises you most about your life right now?
A. It’s enjoyable. I always imagined being in ones 70s would be kind of gloomy. But I find there is so much still to do. The day isn’t long enough.
Q. Who was your childhood hero?
A. Various movie stars. I was hung up on movies.
Q. What do you consider to be the greatest simple pleasure?
A. I love reading by myself in the early morning. I get up early in order to read before the telephone rings.
Q. Where would we find you at 10 a.m. on a typical Saturday?
A. Still reading. I don’t go into the studio until 12:30, that’s when I usually start my sittings.
Q. What do you wish you had the nerve to do?
A. Not be nervous about public appearances.
Q. Who is your favorite fictional character?
A. Favorite is such a big word.
Q. What is your favorite cocktail?
A. A negroni.
Q. What profession would you like to practice in your next life?
A. Fred Estaire is a great inspiration to me. I think if I’d seen him early enough and had any encouragement from my parents I might have become a dancer. But then I might not have met Chris. So I don’t want to alter my life. I’ve been so lucky.
Q. What is your most prized material possession?
A. I have first editions of every one of Chris’ books. And he made very personal and special inscriptions in each of them to me. And yes, those I hide away.
To read more about Bachardy’s panel, click here.
*Photo by Aaron Salcido.