Hint: There is a Kerum connection.
Večernji List reported last week about an American attending the World Cup in Russia with two specific missions: the first, of course, to cheer on Croatia, and the second – to get a Croatia jersey for his friend and business partner – Clint Eastwood!
On July 7, 2017, Večernji List revealed the real reason why.
Tony Kerum (68), a Croatian from the village of Radunić near Split, currently owns one of the most famous catering companies in Hollywood – Tony’s Food Service – and is a close friend of the famous actor. Tony is the man on a mission in Russia for Clint’s Croatia jersey.
But how did Mr. Eastwood even come to ask for the Croatian jersey in the first place?
“Clint’s filmmaking team for The Mule has one Argentinian member who constantly comes to work during the World Cup wearing an Argentina jersey. That already climbed to the top of his head, so before I went to Russia, Clint asked me, ‘Bring me a Croatia jersey!’ says Kerum.
Tony’s American dream began in 1972 when he started working as a chef at Dan Tan’s in Santa Monica, owned by a well-known Serbian businessman Dobrivoje Tanasijević. Today Kerum’s company employs between 50 and 60 people, has offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, and Pittsburg, and boasts clients are the biggest Hollywood stars.
“The first film I worked on was Flashdance (filmed in 1983), and I worked with Clint Eastwood on at least thirty movies. The first was Firefox,” continues Kerum.
Eastwood is still a vital 88-year-old who does not abandon his creative enthusiasm.
“He’s in excellent shape, and he still has the power to film. What does he eat? Exclusively healthy food, Mediterranean cuisine, full of fish, vegetables… From our specialties, he likes strudel and palačinke (crepes). Clint has been to Croatia on several occasions, and on the island of Dugi Otok, he filmed the movie ‘Kelly’s Hero’. He liked Croatia very much, especially our women,” says Kerum, who regularly follows the Croatia national team.
“All of the Hollywood stars I work with know about Croatia and are happy to come to our coast,” adds Kerum, who also comes to Split every year for holiday.
Do you know your distant cousin Željko Kerum well?
“Of course we do, we have sheep together!” Tony laughs. “He is a man with a good heart; will be happy to help people in trouble. He is an outstanding entrepreneur, but he seems to have made a mistake in entering politics.”
