Phil Hall, book editor, New York Resident
Excerpted from Susan Sarandon: A True Maverick by Betty Jo Tucker. Copyright © 2004. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Of course, I knew Sarandon's credentials as a great American actress were impeccable . . . and I was aware of the challenging roles she usually selected -- roles that offer a different model of the Hollywood superstar. But up to this point, the term "maverick" wasn't something included in my description of her. However, I realize now it's a perfect title for Susan Sarandon.
"This is so cool!" she said in her acceptance speech. "But when I heard about the Maverick Award, I wasn't sure what that meant, so I looked it up. I found out there really was a Mr. Maverick. He refused to brand his calves. Now, we don't know why he refused. Was he onery? Or lazy? Or maybe he didn't want to hurt his calves. Anyway, the term maverick now means a person who doesn't conform. Well, maybe I am a bit of a maverick."
