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Arts & Entertainment

He's A Middle Aged Marionettist, She's A Retired Dance Critic. Together They'll Warm Your Frozen Heart


By

Jen Carlson

Published Jun 10, 2015

Modified Jun 10, 2015


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By

Jen Carlson

Published Jun 10, 2015

Modified Jun 10, 2015


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Meet Ricky Syers, who is 36 years younger than his 86-year-old co-star in this video: Doris Diether, a former dance critic for The Villager. The two met in Washington Square Park while he was puppeteering, and a friendship for a Disney movie blossomed immediately.

Ricky, we're told, "recently found his calling as an artist and street performer, which has allowed him to live the life he wants." And now Doris (and the puppet he made her) will join him from time to time. Below, listen to the story of their friendship, because it's goddamn heartwarming. And sort of like the AARP version of Harold & Maude, but, you know, with less Cat Stevens and less... other stuff.

Tagged

aarp

barts people

ricky & doris


Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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