San Francisco- When you walk into his apartment, you can immediately tell that this is the home of an actor. Jesse Deane’s 11th-floor flat, with its enviable view of downtown San Francisco, is decorated with mementos of his many years as a working New York actor, and the many legendary names that crossed his path.

The now-retired Deane, who works as a concierge in an upscale Pacific Heights building, has counted Pearl Bailey, Will Geer and Rock Hudson as close friends. He met and chatted with Josephine Baker, Helen Hayes, and many others. He appeared onstage with Sal Mineo in the groundbreaking play Fortune and Men’s Eyes.

He lived and worked in a New York City that no longer exists. Back in the day when serious actors flocked to New York to hone their craft, Deane rented a four-room apartment in the West Village for $81 a month! His neighbors included Gypsy Rose Lee and Christopher Isherwood.