We had dinner with Paulette Cooper in Manhattan a few weeks ago, and it felt once again like we could never keep up with her. The woman has so many things going on, we don’t know how she keeps track of it all.
She was in town to celebrate her wedding anniversary with Paul Noble, and they only had a short time before they had to get to a Broadway show (of course). So we ordered in some haste from a bewildering Asian-fusion menu and tried to catch up to Paulette’s various projects between dishes.
Paul is a supreme treat, as anyone will tell you who has spent time with him. And he has the most adorable anniversary tradition: Every year, he writes a humorous love poem for Paulette. He had us in stitches with his puns.
Anyway, we thought of this recent event because we only wish we could spend today with Paulette, which happens to be her 75th birthday. On July 26, 1942 Paulette was born in Antwerp, Belgium, and if you’ve read our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely, you know she was not born into the most fortuitous circumstances. We’ll leave it at that for now, and if you don’t know what we’re referring to, you really ought to read about Paulette’s harrowing childhood, and her truly singular life, when you have a chance.
We asked Paulette for her thoughts on this auspicious day, and she sent us these words…
Big birthday, but I’m not (really) depressed. I have my health, a wonderful husband, my great little dogs, good friends and a terrific life. And I love seeing how something I gave 15 years of my life trying to change now finally is, thanks to the courage of so many along the way.
It’s been almost 50 years that I watched how it seemed that every time we took a step forward we’d go back and they’d win again. But the best birthday present is knowing that they can only keep going down now as they get exposed, and more people come out, and there are brave souls like you and Leah who will tell the world the truth. And the press now has the guts to report it!
Happy Birthday, Paulette Cooper. Never stop kicking ass.
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Bernie Headley has not seen his daughter Stephanie in 4,823 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 2,580 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 1,926 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 2,420 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 1,460 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy in 1,172 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 698 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 4,787 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 1,927 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 2,247 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 2,222 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 578 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin in 4,880 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 987 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis for 1,389 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 1,262 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 843 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike in 1,348 days.
Mary Jane Sterne has not seen her daughter Samantha in 1,592 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 12,701 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on July 26, 2017 at 07:00
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Our book, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2016 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Undergound Bunker (2012-2016), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Learn about Scientology with our numerous series with experts…
BLOGGING DIANETICS: We read Scientology’s founding text cover to cover with the help of L.A. attorney and former church member Vance Woodward
UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists
GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice
SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts
Other links: Shelly Miscavige, ten years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | Scientology’s Private Dancer | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | Scientology boasts about assistance from Google | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Our Guide to Alex Gibney’s film ‘Going Clear,’ and our pages about its principal figures…
Jason Beghe | Tom DeVocht | Sara Goldberg | Paul Haggis | Mark “Marty” Rathbun | Mike Rinder | Spanky Taylor | Hana Whitfield
