Nestled in the desirable Gerard Drive of East Hampton, the waterfront cottage owned by Oscar-winning actress Mercedes Ruehl and her husband, nationally recognized artist David Geiser, has been sold for $1.2 million. The shingle-style home, a quintessential Hamptons retreat, has long been admired and captured by artists, both amateur and professional, for its picturesque charm and stunning views. Samuel H. Trimble is the new owner of this delightful property.
This “Gerard Drive cottage,” as it’s affectionately known, sits on a cozy lot just under 5,000 square feet, yet feels expansive thanks to its breathtaking panoramas of Gardiners Bay and Accabonac Harbor. The home itself features an inviting open floor plan enhanced by cathedral ceilings and bright skylights, creating a light and airy atmosphere. Outside, a deck stretching across the entire width of the house provides the perfect vantage point to soak in the spectacular waterfront scenery.
While the allure of the Hamptons real estate is undeniable, Mercedes Ruehl is best known for her celebrated acting career. But for which film did this acclaimed actress secure her Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress? Before we reveal the answer, let’s delve into her impressive stage work, particularly her collaborations with the esteemed playwright Edward Albee, a long-time resident of nearby Montauk. Ruehl’s theatrical journey began with the Denver Center Theatre Company, before she returned to her native New York to make her Broadway debut in “I’m Not Rappaport.” Her talent has been recognized with two Obie Awards, awarded two decades apart, for “The Marriage of Betty and Boo” and “Woman Before a Glass,” and the prestigious Tony Award for Best Actress for her role in “Lost in Yonkers.” She also received Tony nominations for her performances in “The Shadow Box” and Albee’s thought-provoking play, “The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?”
However, it was the silver screen that introduced Mercedes Ruehl to a wider audience. Her early film roles included a memorable appearance as the “American girl in casino” in “Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands,” and subsequent roles in iconic movies such as “The Warriors,” “Heartburn,” “Radio Days,” “Big,” “Married To the Mob,” and “Crimes and Misdemeanors.” Her breakthrough moment arrived with “The Fisher King,” starring alongside Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams. It was this performance that earned her the coveted Oscar statuette in March 1992, answering our earlier question. Ruehl later reprised her role in the film adaptation of “Lost in Yonkers,” and her extensive filmography continues to grow with numerous compelling performances.
David Geiser, Ruehl’s husband, brings his own artistic talents to this power couple. A graduate of the University of Vermont, Geiser’s path took an unconventional turn when he detoured to San Francisco and immersed himself in the underground comics scene. Returning to the East Coast, he has since established himself as a prolific artist, with his works displayed in galleries and museums across the United States and internationally. Locally, art enthusiasts can anticipate seeing his work alongside Charles Waller and Mark S. Fisher at the White Room Gallery in Bridgehampton, with an exhibition opening on Friday, April 7. A reception celebrating Geiser and the other artists is scheduled for Saturday, April 8, from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring live music by The Benders.
In conclusion, the sale of Mercedes Ruehl and David Geiser’s East Hampton cottage marks a transition for this accomplished couple. While they may be parting with this beloved property, their enduring legacies in acting and art continue to shine brightly.
