By Winkie Miller O'Brien

   I knew and worked for and with Rege, Bob Trow, Karl Hardman & Marilyn Eastman over the years; experiences that I will forever treasure.
   I met Rege Cordic through my mentor and dear, dear friend, Bob McCully. The result was a delightful period in my life doing Olde Frothingslosh TV commercials, short subject films, personal appearances, etc. A highlight of the films was the premiere at the Shadyside Theatre preceded by a parade down Walnut Street. Going to work was delightful!!!
   Rege was extremely protective of me, as I was very young and inordinately naive. He knew how little money actresses made and would often schedule breakfast meetings or luncheon meetings. I was so impressed when he would take me to the Hollywood Social Club or the Encore in Shadyside. They were the equivalent of the Polo Lounge or Sardi's to me.

   In a business full of some questionable and often downright nasty individuals, Rege Cordic was truly one of the sweetest, kindest, funniest and brightest people I have every met. Larry reminds me frequently how fortunate I was to work for someone of his caliber.

   Rege was also a talented painter. One of my most treasured possessions is a small painting he did for me entitled "Usherette." It is always prominently displayed somewhere in our home. After he died I received a lovely note from his wife, Cathy, whom I hadn't met, telling me that she felt as though she knew me since my picture hung somewhere in their home.

   After he moved to California, every time Larry and I were going west he was coming east. We were scheduled to have dinner with Rege, Cathy and Bob McCully during a planned visit to Pittsburgh. Sadly, Rege passed away shortly before. He will forever be one of the most important people in my life.

   Winkie Miller O'Brien is one of Pittsburgh's best-known talents from her extensive work on stage, television, radio and in hundreds of commercials.

   Today Winkie lives in Hilton Head, SC with her husband Larry O'Brien, who had a 25-year run in Pittsburgh radio (WTAE, WHTX and WMXP) teaming with John Garry.

   One of the important first steps in Winkie's career was working with Rege Cordic on a variety of projects. Winkie graciously provided the above memories of her experiences.

- John Mehno