When you hear the name Jeanne Beker, the image of a mime artist in Newfoundland probably isn’t the first thing that’ll come to mind. Let alone a mime artist in Newfoundland who was, in fact, a radio personality. But somehow, it makes sense when you think of the quirky and endearing fashionista we’ve all come to either love or loath. (“Let them love you or hate you. You don’t want to be milk toast.”)
An easy conversationalists, there’s no question about her passion for people and, of course, fashion.
“I realised it’s a feel good thing. It’s a mode of communication; it’s a way of expressing ourselves. It’s like what a costume is for an actor: it tells the world a little bit about who you are. And my biggest joy is to sit on the sidewalk and watch people go by. That is the best runway in the world. To see how people got dressed in the morning, that is the one creative thing we all get to do every day. You get to decide how we want to present ourselves. How are we going to mix it up? What kind of creative, original statement are we going to make.” (Apparently, the impression I make is that I live in slobbered on Lulus and T’s, and am ok with it…)
Still, she doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of the industry.
“I do feel that I have helped propagate a lot of myths about the modelling world, and made it
look like a pretty glamorous world. And it is a pretty glamorous world in part, but in order to even get your foot in the door or make it in any way, shape or form, it requires a very specific psyche. It’s not, not, not for the faint of heart. It’s not for girls who are overly sensitive, for example. I mean, it can destroy you. You’re putting yourself on the line and being judged on the most superficial, mortifying way. I mean, who would want to do that? Who would want that kind of rejection?”
Unless it’s Galliano who, while she doesn’t quite defend his anti-Semitic actions, she is quite willing to make excuses for. “We don’t know what pushed him or provoked him to make those kinds of statements.” Sort of ironic coming from the daughter of holocaust survivors.
The tenacity of her parents, who came to Canada with absolutely nothing and built a loving home for their family, certainly rubbed off on her. Whether toughing it out as a mime in Newfoundland, fighting to earn her credibility as a journalist or surviving the breakdown of what she thought was a perfect marriage, she’s persevered by slapping on lipstick, putting on a pair of heels and never letting obstacles, or haters, get in the way.
“I was working for a brilliant guy, named Moses Znaimer, who really knows how to push people’s buttons. And I had worked long and hard to build myself up, and to have a show that was a success. It was 1987 when Becky was born and we had started the show in ’85 and it had really taken off, it was a bonified hit. I was working right up till the bitter end because I didn’t want to let go of this precious turn that I had carved out for myself, and Moses Znaimer came in to see me one day and said “so, ah, when are due to have this baby?”
“In a couple weeks,” I told him.
“Ok, and how soon are you going to come back to work after that?” And I hadn’t thought about it “Because you know there’s a line-up of 20-something year old girls lined up outside my office waiting for your job.”
And I went “Oh! I’m coming back right away, just give me a couple of weeks. I’ll be back.” And sure enough, I came back 2 weeks later. And you know what? I don’t regret it. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and I’m really happy and proud of the choice I made. It was hard as heck, I was torn horribly. I was worried my girls would end up on some shrink’s couch hating me forever, but I also thought that this was such an essential part of who I was and I wanted them from a very early age to understand that. And I really believe that they have, they get it.”
I get it, but I’m a woman who did a complete 180 with my career so I could stay home and raise my kids myself. What do you think?
She really was quite amazing that night -puts a bit of a different perspective on FT. I hope, when she’s older, my daughter can appreciate the tough decisions women like Jeanne made.
Those pics are amazing! In an industry like the one Jeannie chose, I think you’d have to go back right away – it’s the sacrifice you have to make I guess. I’ve enjoyed her career so much – no more so than now as she’s able to look back and reflect as a seasoned pro……
whew,..”there’s a line of 20-something girls lined up waiting for your job.” what pressure there is on us as women. would that be said to a man who want a couple of months off? props to jeanne…she is an older woman in an industry that promotes youth. she is an interesting looking woman but not a great beauty in an industry where you have to look the best. it is her personality, love of her job and strength of character that have carried her through.
Hmmmm….she sounds fascinating, complicated, torn, pulled in a million directions, conflicted, and real….like all my other mom friends! Ultimately, I think we all strive to make the choices that we can live with, and that are best for our families, but it’s interesting that as women we’re always questioning our choices. This being an adult stuff is tough.
Great photos, Racheal!
I think the choice is individual… it takes a lot of grit to go back to work (and so quickly… but I came from Bay Street before I started working for myself… women come back after 2 weeks “leave” all the time) but it takes a lot of grit to stay home full time too. You have to question where you’ll find the most fulfillment (outside of how finances might dictate decisions) and I’d like to think that a happy woman might make for a happy mother… maybe.
She’s had a pretty awesome career (so far)!! Great post, Racheal – lovely pics too!!