“Dad Said I Could Move If I Had an Apartment and $200” — Marietta LaFargue’s West Side Story

From Beauty Contests to Broadway: Actress Marietta LaFargue’s journey has shaped her love of Hell’s Kitchen. She has lived at Manhattan Plaza since it opened in 1977. This is her West Side Story.

So what’s your New York story? Born here, or just arrived?
I am from Margate, NJ — right next to Atlantic City. In 1960, I was accepted into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and wanted to move to NYC. My Dad said I could move if I had an apartment and $200. That summer, I entered and won three beauty contests in Atlantic City, earning $300. So he drove me to my new apartment with a roommate I had met the previous year, in a boarding house for women.

What was your first job? What do you do now?
I served tea and ginger beer and checked coats for Elsa Lanchester in her one-woman show, Elsa Lanchester Herself . I met so many wonderful people because of her — she was such a joy and [so was] her husband, Charles Laughton, who sat backstage with me for two weeks at the beginning of her show and discussed theatre with me. I also met Hans Conried there and went on a bus and truck tour with him for five months in Generation ! I am an actress and also have a Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College. I previously worked at John Jay College and Columbia Law School, counseling students from all over the world.

What’s your favorite New York minute (or moment) so far?
Moving into Manhattan Plaza when my daughter, Aleta, was four months old!  When I first saw the apartment I was six months pregnant, living in a fourth-floor walk up on W76th Street. Walking into the two-bedroom apartment with a view of the Empire State Building almost caused me to give birth right then and there!!!

Share with us why you love Hell’s Kitchen
We moved here when it really was “Hell” in 1977. Experiencing the change this building (created by Irving Fisher) had on this area was astounding.  Within just a few years, everything began to change for the good and everyone wanted to move here!  Those of us first here truly supported each other with a Babysitting Exchange, Organic Food Program, and pre-school. When the horror of AIDS came, I was one of the founding members of the Manhattan Plaza AIDS Project, which truly was a one-of-a-kind miracle.

What’s your superpower or hidden talent?
Listening and knowing when to keep my mouth shut!

What else should we know about you?
As a counselor for international students at Columbia Law School for 20 years, while still acting, I was given the gift by many of my students to travel all over the world — Brazil, Thailand, India, even the Republic of Georgia.  Misha Saakashvili and his wife, Sondra Roelfs invited me to travel there for three weeks after he became President.  When he was at Columbia, they were extremely poor so I gave his wife clothes and a job in my office to help them financially.

Marietta’s Favorite Hell’s Kitchen Places

West Bank Cafe — 407 W42nd Street (bw 9/10th Ave)
Steve is an amazing host, the food is divine and the atmosphere is delightful. I also see many friends when I go there.

Manhattan Plaza Winery — 589 9th Avenue (bw W42/43rd St)
Pedro and his staff are such a pleasure to talk with while I am perusing the wines and he has a great knowledge of his stock.

The Landmark Tavern — 626 11th Avenue (corner of W46th St)
It has been there forever and the food is consistently delicious and inexpensive. Patah, the waiter, is one of a kind, always smiling and with great suggestions for what’s good on the menu.  Also, in 1976, I was married there on the second floor living room setup.  It was a truly magical wedding reception!

Stile’s Farmers Market — 476 9th Avenue (bw W36/37th St)
The absolute BEST produce market in this city!!

International Grocery — 543 9th Avenue (bw W40/41st St)
The staff is wonderful and very supportive with great suggestions for what’s good that day. The Taramasalata is the best in the city and the olives are the best in town as well.

Marietta is not active on social media, but she is active at Manhattan Plaza! Say “Hi” if you see her around! If you know someone who would make a great West Side Story (or you would like to nominate yourself), please fill in this form — w42st.info/WSSnominations .

You can check out more West Side Stories and reader recommendations on W42ST’s Hell’s Kitchen Local App .

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