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Last Dance at the Savoy: Life, Love and Caring for Someone With Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
When Kathryn Leigh Scott's husband was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurological disease for which there is (so far) no cure, it was a devastating time for both of them, not least because so little is known about the cause or treatment of a disease that affects some 20,000 Americans, a number similar to that of Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS).
LAST DANCE AT THE SAVOY is both Scott's personal story about her husband, Geoff Miller, the founding editor of Los Angeles magazine, who lived life fully despite having a terminal illness, and a sharing of her insights on dealing with the day-to-day issues of caring for someone with a progressive neurological condition. Scott "often yearned for someone to figuratively take my hand and walk with me through the difficult times; I hope through this book I can reach out to you with encouragement and practical advice."
* Includes a resource guide that provides facts about prime-of-life diseases; contact information for support organizations, research studies and clinical trials; where to find handicap products and equipment; and recommended caregiving publications and family conferences.
* Contains a foreword by Yvette Bordelon, MD, PhD, a neurologist at UCLA whose clinical work involves the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders.
* A percentage of royalties from LAST DANCE AT THE SAVOY are donated to CurePSP.
LAST DANCE AT THE SAVOY is both Scott's personal story about her husband, Geoff Miller, the founding editor of Los Angeles magazine, who lived life fully despite having a terminal illness, and a sharing of her insights on dealing with the day-to-day issues of caring for someone with a progressive neurological condition. Scott "often yearned for someone to figuratively take my hand and walk with me through the difficult times; I hope through this book I can reach out to you with encouragement and practical advice."
* Includes a resource guide that provides facts about prime-of-life diseases; contact information for support organizations, research studies and clinical trials; where to find handicap products and equipment; and recommended caregiving publications and family conferences.
* Contains a foreword by Yvette Bordelon, MD, PhD, a neurologist at UCLA whose clinical work involves the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders.
* A percentage of royalties from LAST DANCE AT THE SAVOY are donated to CurePSP.
334 pages, Paperback
Published April 16, 2016
About the author
Kathryn Leigh Scott
78 books159 followersKathryn Leigh Scott is an author/actress.
Her novels: September Girl (2019); Jinxed (2015); Down and Out in Beverly Heels (2013); Dark Passages (2012)
Recent nonfiction: Last Dance at the Savoy (2016); Now With You, Now Without (2017)
Kathryn has appeared in Blacklist with James Spader (2019); Woody Allen's A Rainy Day in New York (2019), soon-to-be-released The Eleventh Green (2019) with Campbell Scott, and Three Christs with Richard Gere and Juliana Margulies. She's also appeared in Hallmark Channel's Broadcasting Christmas (2016), Lifetime's A Wedding to Die For (2017), and has a recurring role as George Segal's girlfriend Miriam on The Goldbergs.
She wrote Dark Shadows: Return to Collinwood (2012), and appeared in a cameo role in the Johnny Depp/Tim Burton film Dark Shadows (2012). She is recording the audiobooks of all 32 Dark Shadows novels by Marilyn Ross, published 1966-1970.
Kathryn grew up on a farm in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Upon graduation from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Kathryn landed the ingénue lead in the classic Gothic daytime drama Dark Shadows (ABC, 1966-1971), and starred in the 1971 MGM feature House of Dark Shadows. Kathryn played four roles in the series: Maggie Evans, Josette du Pres, Lady Kitty Hampshire, and Rachel Drummond. Kathryn wrote Dark Shadows Memories to coincide with its 20th anniversary, and Dark Shadows Companion as a 25th anniversary tribute.
Kathryn launched Pomegranate Press, Ltd., to publish books about the entertainment industry, including guide books, biographies, textbooks and coffee table art books. She wrote The Bunny Years (the 25-year history of Playboy Clubs told through the women who worked as Bunnies), which was sold to Imagine Entertainment's Brian Grazer. She also co-produced a two-hour special for the A&E Network and a one-hour documentary for BBC-1 and Canadian TV, based on the book. Pomegranate has published over 50 nonfiction titles, including Scott's books Lobby Cards: The Classic Films (Benjamin Franklin Award for Best Coffee Table Book) and Lobby Cards: The Classic Comedies, both of which were published in the UK by Bloomsbury. She published a trade paper edition of the hardcover biography Coya Come Home, with a foreword by Walter F. Mondale.
Kathryn's theatrical credits include a lengthy run with James Stewart in Harvey in London's West End. She has appeared in many television series and miniseries, including the "Who Watches the Watchers" episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Barbara Taylor Bradford's Voice of the Heart, as Dan Travanti's wife in Murrow, as George C. Scott's mistress in The Last Days of Patton, as Philip Marlowe's girlfriend in Chandlertown, and as a series regular with Brian Dennehy in Big Shamus, Little Shamus. Feature films include Providence, The Great Gatsby, Brannigan, The Greek Tycoon, Assassination, 187, Parasomnia, and Dr. Mabuse.
Kathryn maintains homes in Los Angeles and New York.
Her novels: September Girl (2019); Jinxed (2015); Down and Out in Beverly Heels (2013); Dark Passages (2012)
Recent nonfiction: Last Dance at the Savoy (2016); Now With You, Now Without (2017)
Kathryn has appeared in Blacklist with James Spader (2019); Woody Allen's A Rainy Day in New York (2019), soon-to-be-released The Eleventh Green (2019) with Campbell Scott, and Three Christs with Richard Gere and Juliana Margulies. She's also appeared in Hallmark Channel's Broadcasting Christmas (2016), Lifetime's A Wedding to Die For (2017), and has a recurring role as George Segal's girlfriend Miriam on The Goldbergs.
She wrote Dark Shadows: Return to Collinwood (2012), and appeared in a cameo role in the Johnny Depp/Tim Burton film Dark Shadows (2012). She is recording the audiobooks of all 32 Dark Shadows novels by Marilyn Ross, published 1966-1970.
Kathryn grew up on a farm in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Upon graduation from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Kathryn landed the ingénue lead in the classic Gothic daytime drama Dark Shadows (ABC, 1966-1971), and starred in the 1971 MGM feature House of Dark Shadows. Kathryn played four roles in the series: Maggie Evans, Josette du Pres, Lady Kitty Hampshire, and Rachel Drummond. Kathryn wrote Dark Shadows Memories to coincide with its 20th anniversary, and Dark Shadows Companion as a 25th anniversary tribute.
Kathryn launched Pomegranate Press, Ltd., to publish books about the entertainment industry, including guide books, biographies, textbooks and coffee table art books. She wrote The Bunny Years (the 25-year history of Playboy Clubs told through the women who worked as Bunnies), which was sold to Imagine Entertainment's Brian Grazer. She also co-produced a two-hour special for the A&E Network and a one-hour documentary for BBC-1 and Canadian TV, based on the book. Pomegranate has published over 50 nonfiction titles, including Scott's books Lobby Cards: The Classic Films (Benjamin Franklin Award for Best Coffee Table Book) and Lobby Cards: The Classic Comedies, both of which were published in the UK by Bloomsbury. She published a trade paper edition of the hardcover biography Coya Come Home, with a foreword by Walter F. Mondale.
Kathryn's theatrical credits include a lengthy run with James Stewart in Harvey in London's West End. She has appeared in many television series and miniseries, including the "Who Watches the Watchers" episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Barbara Taylor Bradford's Voice of the Heart, as Dan Travanti's wife in Murrow, as George C. Scott's mistress in The Last Days of Patton, as Philip Marlowe's girlfriend in Chandlertown, and as a series regular with Brian Dennehy in Big Shamus, Little Shamus. Feature films include Providence, The Great Gatsby, Brannigan, The Greek Tycoon, Assassination, 187, Parasomnia, and Dr. Mabuse.
Kathryn maintains homes in Los Angeles and New York.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 21, 2017
I started this book then put it aside because I knew it was going to be sad. But the draw of the story made me pick it up again. I was right about the sadness. However, I also found the real-life story extremely touching and loving as well. What both Ms. Scott and her husband went through was just too much to read about. And I'm sorry this has to happen to anyone.
This is not the usual genre I read, but I knew the writing style was something I could easily get into. I think she's a wonderful story teller and I read most the book in one day. But mostly I'm glad she opened up her personal life to the public to share this story which may help someone else in the same situation.
This is not the usual genre I read, but I knew the writing style was something I could easily get into. I think she's a wonderful story teller and I read most the book in one day. But mostly I'm glad she opened up her personal life to the public to share this story which may help someone else in the same situation.
November 14, 2023
Such a beautiful love story full of adventure, happiness, and challenges. Excellent book to read for anyone affected by PSP. My father has this disease and it gave me insight of what he is experiencing as well as my mother’s caretaking role. Helpful resources are also provided
October 13, 2018
I met Kathryn Leigh Scott, who was a guest at the Greater Austin Comic Con in June 2018. She told me she is an actress and a former cast member of the TV show, “Dark Shadows.” I told her that I did not watch that show when I was young, but that I was curious about the books she had for sale.
This book, “Last Dance at the Savoy” is about her husband who had progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), which is a rare neurological disease.
Kathryn Leigh Scott’s husband, Geoff Miller was the founding editor of Los Angeles magazine, an intelligent, witty man whose life dramatically changed due to this disease, starting with his balance. He couldn’t seem to control his hands, or hold items, pushing items away from him, instead of towards him. At first, there was denial from Kathryn, but mostly from Geoff, who refused to see a doctor. But, then he was falling and there were gashes on his head. He would verbally repeat his words. When doctors realized after tests that there were some neurological issues going on, it appeared to be similar to Parkinson’s disease, but not quite the same. He was given medication, and Kathryn took on the role of caretaker, standing close by or next to him when Geoff walked, supporting him so he would not fall, and worried of course, what to do if he should fall.
The couple continued to live their lives the best they could. They traveled, saw friends and all the while Kathryn tried to help her husband continue to have his dignity and not embarrass him with regards to his continuing limitations. As it was apparent his health continued to get worse, care became more difficult. Kathryn eventually joined a support group for others with PSP and other neurological diseases. Eventually, Kathryn would need to hire outside assistance. She then had caretakers and friends help her with Geoff. Yet, the couple still continued to travel, or go out to events and gatherings and share good memories while they could until the inevitable.
This is a very moving story. I think anyone who ever was a caretaker for an individual with a progressive disease, especially for a close family member, would shed tears as they relate to this story.
I think Kathryn wanted to write this book to help others learn about PSP and how to deal with this and other deliberating diseases. She also shows the reader how much she loved her husband and I think this is a wonderful memorization of their relationship during this challenging time.
This book, “Last Dance at the Savoy” is about her husband who had progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), which is a rare neurological disease.
Kathryn Leigh Scott’s husband, Geoff Miller was the founding editor of Los Angeles magazine, an intelligent, witty man whose life dramatically changed due to this disease, starting with his balance. He couldn’t seem to control his hands, or hold items, pushing items away from him, instead of towards him. At first, there was denial from Kathryn, but mostly from Geoff, who refused to see a doctor. But, then he was falling and there were gashes on his head. He would verbally repeat his words. When doctors realized after tests that there were some neurological issues going on, it appeared to be similar to Parkinson’s disease, but not quite the same. He was given medication, and Kathryn took on the role of caretaker, standing close by or next to him when Geoff walked, supporting him so he would not fall, and worried of course, what to do if he should fall.
The couple continued to live their lives the best they could. They traveled, saw friends and all the while Kathryn tried to help her husband continue to have his dignity and not embarrass him with regards to his continuing limitations. As it was apparent his health continued to get worse, care became more difficult. Kathryn eventually joined a support group for others with PSP and other neurological diseases. Eventually, Kathryn would need to hire outside assistance. She then had caretakers and friends help her with Geoff. Yet, the couple still continued to travel, or go out to events and gatherings and share good memories while they could until the inevitable.
This is a very moving story. I think anyone who ever was a caretaker for an individual with a progressive disease, especially for a close family member, would shed tears as they relate to this story.
I think Kathryn wanted to write this book to help others learn about PSP and how to deal with this and other deliberating diseases. She also shows the reader how much she loved her husband and I think this is a wonderful memorization of their relationship during this challenging time.
January 27, 2025
My husband was diagnosed August 2022. It was hard and I cry daily but not in front of him unless we cry together. He couldn’t find anything to give him happiness or hope. We have been focusing on our faith. He was only losing his voice before we made the decision to try different medications, which significantly enhanced his condition. He received the ALS/MND treatment for his ALS approximately four months ago; since then, he has stopped using a feeding tube, speech is getting better by the day, sleeps well, works out frequently. I’m surprised a lot of CALs, and their PALS haven’t heard of it, google uinehealthcentre. com. My husband has become very active
June 21, 2018
Well-written, heartbreaking story of what it’s like to lose a loved one to PSP.
January 30, 2025
Poignant, beautiful memoir of a caregiver.
June 23, 2023
Where to start. I suppose with the good. This story probably is best when it reflects a caregiver’s emotional, sometimes physical, challenges of caring for someone with a progressive neurological disease. That is grueling. Watching someone you love be taken over by this disease… trapped inside a body that is crumbling around them… it’s just crushing. You want to be perfect in your love and care, and that’s just an impossible standard. The book also captures the weirdness of PSP; the long time to diagnosis (it’s not subtle, just really rare), the unpredictable good days, good weeks, good months that can trick you, the CONSTANT FALLING, and the impulse control issues. “Why did you try to get up?” Is soooo familiar. For a really rare disease, it’s nice that someone published a well written memoir about living with someone with the disease.
Okay, that was good. Now I would like to say, couldn’t someone with a slightly more relatable life have written this book? Off to the second (or third?) house in London, off on a cruise to South America, off to the other place in New York, or you know just hanging out with your besties of 40 years, (insert moderately famous person), at their (ridiculously fancy house). And oh my god, the name dropping. The “I was there when.” I get this is a memoir, and this person is recounting their life — it does seem like an interesting life, but I guess you had to be there. When it comes to these glitzy kinda-intellectual kinda-artsy, kinda-social climberish events it’s just the who what where and what did everyone wear, occasionally punctuated by what they ate, drank, or listened to. My eyes glazed over. I thought this was a book about caring for a dying loved one. Instead it’s like a retired influencer tagging semi-famous people who might thereafter buy the book.
I’m not really sure who this book is for. PSP is so rare, if you write a book about it the caregivers will find it. They (we) are struggling with dying relatives, and some families barely have the budget to provide medical care and safe housing. Do we need to hear about all the champagne you got to drink on your passionate globe-spanning never ending honeymoon? Meanwhile the choice between dying at home in hospice vs. if/when to move to assisted living or skilled nursing isn’t really explored at all.
I can’t really recommend this book, I think the parts about impulse control and falling and choking and worrying and doctors visits will all be familiar. Unfortunately most caregivers can’t just decide to use their buckets of unused airline miles to pop over to Europe for some cheering up, even if travel is the most effective medication for PSP.
* Edit: 2025. have often ruminated about the review I left of this book and whether I was too harsh. I hope I did not hurt the author’s feelings. My perspective was definitely colored by actively watching someone in the end stages of this disease. At the very end, although he did not get to Europe, he did get to repair their relationship with a prodigal-son turned full-time caregiver who did take him on several long road trips where good memories were made. His death was relatively peaceful with both sons present, on to be reunited with wife of 50 years.
Okay, that was good. Now I would like to say, couldn’t someone with a slightly more relatable life have written this book? Off to the second (or third?) house in London, off on a cruise to South America, off to the other place in New York, or you know just hanging out with your besties of 40 years, (insert moderately famous person), at their (ridiculously fancy house). And oh my god, the name dropping. The “I was there when.” I get this is a memoir, and this person is recounting their life — it does seem like an interesting life, but I guess you had to be there. When it comes to these glitzy kinda-intellectual kinda-artsy, kinda-social climberish events it’s just the who what where and what did everyone wear, occasionally punctuated by what they ate, drank, or listened to. My eyes glazed over. I thought this was a book about caring for a dying loved one. Instead it’s like a retired influencer tagging semi-famous people who might thereafter buy the book.
I’m not really sure who this book is for. PSP is so rare, if you write a book about it the caregivers will find it. They (we) are struggling with dying relatives, and some families barely have the budget to provide medical care and safe housing. Do we need to hear about all the champagne you got to drink on your passionate globe-spanning never ending honeymoon? Meanwhile the choice between dying at home in hospice vs. if/when to move to assisted living or skilled nursing isn’t really explored at all.
I can’t really recommend this book, I think the parts about impulse control and falling and choking and worrying and doctors visits will all be familiar. Unfortunately most caregivers can’t just decide to use their buckets of unused airline miles to pop over to Europe for some cheering up, even if travel is the most effective medication for PSP.
* Edit: 2025. have often ruminated about the review I left of this book and whether I was too harsh. I hope I did not hurt the author’s feelings. My perspective was definitely colored by actively watching someone in the end stages of this disease. At the very end, although he did not get to Europe, he did get to repair their relationship with a prodigal-son turned full-time caregiver who did take him on several long road trips where good memories were made. His death was relatively peaceful with both sons present, on to be reunited with wife of 50 years.
June 9, 2016
"Progressive supranucler palsy (PSP) crept into our lives on cat's paws, insinuating itself without haste or fanfare...The outcome was inevitable. Our way of dealing with the insidious, relentless advance of his rare neurological disease was to go on living with as little disruption as possible." (p 6).
In this lyrical, heartfelt, and at times gut-wrenching memoir, Kathryn Leigh Scott shares the journey through her husband Geoff Miller's rare disease but more profoundly, she shares her intimate love story with the world. In tender and honest writing, Scott introduces readers to the world of PSP victims and their families.
Kathryn is an author and actress who married Geoff Miller, founding editor of Los Angeles magazine. Their marriage was put to the ultimate test when Geoff was diagnosed with Progressive supranuclear palsy. Their drive to live life to its fullest despite his terminal diagnosis is a testament to the love of life and love for each other that drove them through all of their days together. This book reveals the power of such a deep abiding love—even after such a deeply personal and tragic loss.
A rare neurologic disease for which there is no cure, PSP sneaks in, grabs hold and never lets go. Through the pages of Scott's memoir, readers glimpse the very human condition of dealing with such an insidious disease while trying to maintain a sense of decorum and normalcy. Scott lovingly portrays her relationship with her beloved Geoff while also reflecting on the often subtle hints of trouble that went unnoticed or were explained away in other, less daunting terms until the condition was undeniable.
Through the myriad consultations, tests, medical appointments, ups and downs of the disease and the move into hospice care, Scott shares her struggles, her joys, her realizations and a few u-turns along the way. But what shines through in all of her writing is the incredible depth of the love she and her husband shared and the lengths they would go to keep that alive in the worst of times.
Thoughtfully, Scott has included a "Resource Guide" at the back of her book. As she recalls, "When my husband was diagnosed with PSP, I yearned for someone to figuratively take my hand and walk me through the difficult times I knew were ahead." However, she is quick to point out that little is known about the cause or treatment of this rare condition. A percentage of the royalties from the sale of this book are donated to CurePSP.
by Lee Ambrose
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
August 25, 2020
Heart Wrenching!
I read this book to relate and hope I could understand what is currently happening with my mom. The care the Geoff received was beyond remarkable. My dad and I struggle to find help, care and relief of constant stress, and over whelming daily tasks for my mom. This book flows smoothly but expresses how quickly things changes during this dreadful disease. Thank you for sharing the demanding and private moments of psp. I would never wish this disease on anyone.
I read this book to relate and hope I could understand what is currently happening with my mom. The care the Geoff received was beyond remarkable. My dad and I struggle to find help, care and relief of constant stress, and over whelming daily tasks for my mom. This book flows smoothly but expresses how quickly things changes during this dreadful disease. Thank you for sharing the demanding and private moments of psp. I would never wish this disease on anyone.
March 26, 2016
"Last Dance at the Savoy" is a beautifully written account of the daily struggle of caring for a spouse with a debilitating illness. This isn't a "woe is me story", rather a love story, full of thankfulness and valuable life lessons. Thank you, KLS, for sharing your personal life journey with us!
Want to Read
September 11, 2016As of September 11, 2016, the book has not been received.
February 10, 2021
the story of living with someone with a progressive illness. follows their lives and how life changes as the illness progresses.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews