Oscar-winning actress Mercedes Ruehl and her husband, artist David Geiser, have sold their delightful waterfront cottage in East Hampton for $1.2 million. The buyer is Samuel H. Trimble. This sale marks the end of an era for the couple and for a home described as “the quintessential Gerard Drive cottage,” a property that has inspired artists for decades.
This charming white-shingled home, situated on a lot under 5,000 square feet, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Gardiners Bay and Accabonac Harbor. The cottage boasts an open floor plan with cathedral ceilings and skylights, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. A deck spanning the width of the house allows for full enjoyment of the stunning waterfront scenery.
While the sale of her East Hampton home is noteworthy, Mercedes Ruehl is best known for her distinguished career on stage and screen. Before achieving Hollywood fame, Ruehl honed her craft in the theater, beginning with the Denver Center Theatre Company. She made her Broadway debut in “I’m Not Rappaport,” marking the start of a significant stage career, particularly her collaborations with playwright Edward Albee, a long-time resident of Montauk.
Mercedes Ruehl’s theatrical accolades are extensive. She received Obie Awards for her performances in “The Marriage of Betty and Boo” and, two decades later, for “Woman Before a Glass.” Her pinnacle stage achievement was winning the Tony Award for Best Actress in “Lost in Yonkers.” She also earned Tony nominations for her roles in “The Shadow Box” and Albee’s challenging play, “The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?”.
For a wider audience, Mercedes Ruehl is recognized for her memorable film roles. Her early film appearances included “Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands,” where she played the “American girl in casino,” and parts in iconic movies like “The Warriors,” “Heartburn,” “Radio Days,” “Big,” “Married To the Mob,” and “Crimes and Misdemeanors.” However, it was her powerful and poignant performance in “The Fisher King” alongside Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams that cemented her place in cinematic history, earning her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1992. Ruehl also reprised her stage role in the film adaptation of “Lost in Yonkers,” and has continued to enrich her filmography with diverse and compelling roles.
Mercedes Ruehl’s husband, David Geiser, is an accomplished artist with a fascinating background. A University of Vermont alumnus, he veered from a path to Yale to immerse himself in San Francisco’s underground comics scene. Returning to the East Coast, Geiser established himself as a prolific artist, exhibiting his works in galleries and museums both nationally and internationally. Locally, Geiser’s art was recently featured in an exhibition at the White Room Gallery in Bridgehampton, alongside Charles Waller and Mark S. Fisher, further solidifying his presence in the art community.
The sale of their East Hampton cottage closes a chapter for Mercedes Ruehl and David Geiser. While the house may be sold, Mercedes Ruehl’s enduring legacy as a celebrated actress and David Geiser’s contributions to the art world remain firmly established.
