Paula Devicq Breaks Anorexia Rumors: From Party of Five to 100 Centre Street – Sidney Lumet’s Masterpiece & Bernie Geis’ Legacy

Paula Devicq, best known for her role in the 1990s series Party of Five, has dismissed tabloid speculation that she suffered from an eating disorder during filming. In a recent interview, she laughed off the rumors, stating, “I eat! Look at me! I’m always trying to eat.” Devicq attributed her appearance in the show’s final season to the physical toll of balancing multiple projects—filming Party of Five, preparing for 100 Centre Street, performing in a play, and relocating between New York and Los Angeles. “I think that’s what took its toll on me,” she said, adding that she has since moved back to New York. She also noted that her youthful appearance is genetic, as her mother bears a striking resemblance to her.

Devicq remains close to her former Party of Five co-stars, including Lacey Chabert, and has been in discussions with producers about a potential reunion show—though she dismissed the idea as premature, noting that filming for 100 Centre Street had recently wrapped.

Sidney Lumet’s Return to Television

Legendary director Sidney Lumet, known for his gritty New York dramas like Prince of the City, Serpico, and 12 Angry Men, has made his long-awaited return to television with 100 Centre Street, premiering on A&E. The series marks Lumet’s first major TV project in nearly 50 years, following his 1960 direction of The Iceman Cometh with Jason Robards. While Lumet’s filmography includes iconic works like Dog Day Afternoon, The Verdict, and Equus, this new series proves his mastery of television as well.

The pilot episode of 100 Centre Street opens with a 12-minute uninterrupted courtroom scene—a bold choice for television, made possible by A&E’s creative freedom. Lumet defended the length, stating, “It is 12 minutes long, and there was never a discussion of cutting it. I had to set it up because this is what the series is about.” The show introduces Alan Arkin as a judge known for leniency toward criminals, a role inspired by a real-life New York judge. Devicq plays an ambitious assistant district attorney, while LaTanya Richardson delivers a standout performance as a Black female judge.

100 Centre Street stands out as a fresh alternative to established legal dramas like Law & Order, produced by the same team behind that series. Its realistic portrayal of New York’s night court and complex characters could position it as a long-running hit, especially given A&E’s existing audience for crime dramas.

Legacy of a Publisher Who Defied Convention

Bernie Geis, the publisher behind bestsellers like Jacqueline Susann’s Valley of the Dolls and Father Andrew Greeley’s The Cardinal Sins, died at 91. Geis was known for his hands-on, eccentric leadership in New York’s publishing world. In 1980, he shared office space with literary agent Nat Sobel in a run-down building where the elevator only reached the fourth floor. To reach Geis’s office on the fifth floor, employees and authors—including Greeley—had to slide down a fireman’s pole installed between floors. Geis’s assistant, Alice, even lowered papers for those reluctant to descend, rewarding successful slides with a custom pen featuring a 1960s secretary in a mini skirt.

Geis’s publishing house thrived on commercial fiction, prioritizing popularity over literary merit. His nonfiction titles, like Happiness Is a Stock That Lets You Sleep at Night, reflected his focus on accessible, market-driven content. His legacy endures in the memories of those who worked with him, who describe him as a publisher who blended humor, creativity, and an unapologetic embrace of the industry’s quirks.

What’s Next?

100 Centre Street may continue as a long-running series, given its strong premiere and A&E’s track record with crime dramas. Devicq’s role as a breakout character could further her career beyond her Party of Five legacy, while Lumet’s direction may attract awards attention. As for Party of Five, a reunion show remains speculative, though Devicq’s friendship with the cast and producers could keep the idea alive.

In publishing, Geis’s absence leaves a void in the memory of an industry that has since become more corporate. His unconventional methods—like the fireman’s pole—highlight a bygone era where publishers and authors interacted in person, not just through contracts. Future generations may struggle to replicate his blend of humor, risk-taking, and direct engagement with creators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Paula Devicq confirm she had an eating disorder during Party of Five? Devicq denied having an eating disorder, attributing her appearance to the physical demands of balancing multiple projects and relocating between cities.

Why did Sidney Lumet choose a 12-minute opening scene for 100 Centre Street? Lumet stated the length was necessary to establish the series’ focus on courtroom realism, a choice made possible by A&E’s creative control.

What was unique about Bernie Geis’s publishing office? Geis installed a fireman’s pole between floors, requiring employees and authors—including Father Andrew Greeley—to slide down it to reach his office. His assistant even lowered papers for those who refused.

How do you think television storytelling has evolved since Sidney Lumet’s early work?