It’s always captivating when news breaks involving an acclaimed actress, especially one celebrated with both an Oscar and a Tony Award. This time, the spotlight shines on Mercedes Ruehl, a name synonymous with powerful performances on stage and screen, as she parts ways with her charming waterfront cottage in East Hampton. The buyer is Samuel H. Trimble, and the transaction closed at $1.2 million, marking a new chapter for this beloved property.
This East Hampton residence, affectionately known as “the quintessential Gerard Drive cottage,” has long been an object of artistic admiration. For years, both seasoned professionals and budding artists have captured its white-shingled facade through photographs and paintings, recognizing its inherent beauty and classic Hamptons charm. Nestled on a lot just under 5,000 square feet, the cottage boasts breathtaking panoramic views encompassing both Gardiners Bay and Accabonac Harbor. The interior features an inviting open floor plan enhanced by cathedral ceilings and skylights, creating a bright and airy living space. Extending the living area outdoors is a deck that spans the entire width of the house, perfectly positioned to maximize the stunning water views.
Mercedes Ruehl’s career is as impressive as the views from her former home. Before Hollywood came calling, Ruehl honed her craft in the theater, beginning her career with the Denver Center Theatre Company. She then returned to her native New York, where she truly began to shine on Broadway. Her first starring role was in “I’m Not Rappaport,” marking the start of a distinguished stage career. Ruehl’s talent was quickly recognized with Obie Awards for her performances in “The Marriage of Betty and Boo” and “Woman Before a Glass,” accolades that bookended two decades of outstanding work. The pinnacle of her stage success arrived with a Tony Award for Best Actress in “Lost in Yonkers,” solidifying her status as a theatrical powerhouse. Further Tony nominations for “The Shadow Box” and Edward Albee’s thought-provoking “The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?” underscore her consistent excellence and range. Her deep connection with the works of the late Edward Albee, a long-time Montauk resident, is a notable aspect of her theatrical journey.
While her stage work has earned her critical acclaim, Actress Mercedes Ruehl achieved wider recognition through her film roles. Her screen debut was as the “American girl in casino” in “Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands,” and she followed this with roles in iconic films such as “The Warriors,” “Heartburn,” “Radio Days,” “Big,” “Married To the Mob,” and “Crimes and Misdemeanors.” However, it was her role in Terry Gilliam’s whimsical and poignant “The Fisher King,” alongside Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams, that catapulted her to Oscar glory. In March 1992, Mercedes Ruehl won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her unforgettable performance in this film. She also reprised her Tony-winning role in the movie adaptation of “Lost in Yonkers,” and continues to enrich the cinematic landscape with numerous movie performances.
Adding another layer of artistic depth to this property transaction is Mercedes Ruehl’s husband, David Geiser. A University of Vermont alumnus, Geiser’s path diverged from Yale towards the vibrant underground comics scene in San Francisco. Returning to the East Coast, he established himself as a prolific artist with exhibitions in galleries and museums across the United States and internationally. Local art enthusiasts could recently experience his work closer to home; Geiser was featured in an exhibition alongside Charles Waller and Mark S. Fisher at the White Room Gallery in Bridgehampton.
The sale of this East Hampton cottage marks the end of an era for Mercedes Ruehl and David Geiser in this particular waterfront haven. However, it undoubtedly opens new doors and opportunities for this accomplished actress and her artist husband, as well as for the new owner of this cherished Gerard Drive property.
