Preserving Celebrity Legacy: The Intriguing World of Sardi's Caricatures
Being a celebrity caricature at Sardi's can be risky, as some famous faces have been stolen multiple times. Kermit the Frog holds the record for being stolen three times before being securely fastened to the wall. Barbra Streisand also faced theft of her portrait, leading her to leave a humorous note on her replacement. Julie Andrews and Bob Hope also fell victim to theft, with Bob Hope's thief being caught through security cameras.
To protect the valuable portraits, duplicates are now displayed on the walls while the originals are kept in a safe. This practice began in 1986 after James Cagney's caricature was stolen following his death. The tradition of celebrity portraits at Sardi's started with Alex Gard creating them in exchange for meals to attract customers. The current artist, Richard Baratz, continues this tradition with intricate details in his work.
Each season, new Broadway stars have their portraits added to the collection, with Max Klimavicius deciding which ones to remove to make space. Some portraits are donated to the New York Public Library, while others are carefully placed on the walls. Celebrity couples are often positioned together, and former employees who became famous, like Martin Sheen and Chevy Chase, also have their portraits displayed.
Sardi's rich history and iconic caricatures make it a must-visit spot for theater enthusiasts and celebrity fans alike. The restaurant's walls tell a story of Broadway legends and Hollywood stars, preserving their legacy for generations to come.