We Were the Lucky Ones is an adaptation of my book of the same name. It follows my relatives, the Kurc family, as they scatter at the start of the Second World War, determined to survive and to reunite. The 8-part series spans nine years and four continents and is live now on Hulu and Disney+. My heart is full of awe and gratitude for the brilliant humans who have touched this project!
“In Her Words”
Erica and I were honored to share this interview on the Women in Entertainment series “In Her Words,” discussing our adaptation choices in detail. The focus on character, on family, led Erica to recall meeting 28 (“hilarious” in her words) Kurc family members in person for an early screening in DC. Full video interview here.
The Latest with Maya
This video chat on The Latest With Maya was a real honor and a pleasure. Maya, who broadcasts from a studio created by Ryan Seacrest at the Children’s Hospital Colorado to provide opportunities for young patients, survived a childhood brain tumor and now hosts her own show. She is a charmer and asked the best…
Astra Award Nominations
Thrilled to receive TWO nominations for the 2024 Astra TV Awards – for Best Limited Series and Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (Joey King)! The Astra Award mission is to “embrace and elevate inclusive voices” and recognize “new, diverse and rising talent.” Awards Daily notes that “the Limited Series categories are the…
From Rio With Love
So much fun chatting with cousins Michel and José (“Zé”) Kurc on a zoom from Brazil. The host, Rabbi Nilton Bonder, asked me to tell how WWTLO came about. Michel spoke eloquently of the continuity of family connections throughout the generations, recalling my grandfather Addy’s frequent visits to Brazil and the cousins’ trips to the…
‘Powerhouse Performances”
The UBJ (United Business Journal) gave recognition to the outstanding performances by our cast. “From seasoned veterans to rising stars, each member of the ensemble delivers nuanced performances …” and notes that “As each episode unfolds, the cast’s collective talent shines brightly, illuminating a chapter of history that must never be forgotten.” Full story here.
“Best Shows on Hulu Right Now”
With a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, WWTLO is recognized as one of the best shows on Hulu. Collider notes that the adaptation is based on “a narrative that spans continents and explores the dark years of the Holocaust through a heartbreakingly human perspective” and concludes, “Though no doubt a challenging task, the series miraculously manages…
Some Rowayton Love
It was fun telling the story of “We Were the Lucky Ones” to New Canaan Darien + Rowayton magazine, along with fellow Rowaytonites Jill Arden and Dre Loomis Towey. The article includes a photo of our family cameo, shot in Cadiz, Spain (for Rio de Janeiro) and even our dog Dash is now immortalized in…
Humanitas Prize
I could not be more proud of our brilliant writer and showrunner Erica Lipez, nominated for a 2024 Humanitas Prize in the Limited Series Teleplay category for her spectacular final episode, “Rio.” It’s truly a masterpiece in which every scene, every word is a gem. “The Humanitas Prizes have recognized writers who explore the human…
Interview: Awards Radar
I was honored to chat with Awards Radar about the process of bringing We Were the Lucky Ones to the screen. Watch the full interview here.
The Hollywood Reporter
When The Hollywood Reporter asked me to write an essay for the “Emmy Season – The Report” in its 6/3/2024 issue, I dove down memory lane to my teens, when the idea for We Were the Lucky Ones first hit my radar. Next I time-traveled to the conversation with Tommy Kail that launched the last…
