Chris Salvatore Appreciation Post: When A Thirst Trap King Writes A Book To His BFF.
We know Chris Salvatore as the guy who defined 2000s gay cinema. He starred in Eating Out 3: All You Can Eat (2009) as Zack. Then came Eating Out 4: Drama Camp (2012), and did we mention he’s also a singer? and you’ve got a man who turned thirst into a full-time career.
But here’s the plot twist nobody predicted. Chris just dropped a kids’ book. My Neighbor Norma – a heartfelt story about his real-life friendship with 93-year-old Norma Cook.
“We Became Best Friends Immediately”
It’s 2012, and Chris had just moved into a West Hollywood apartment. Across the hall lived Norma, a sprightly 85-year-old interior decorator with a knack for waving hello from her kitchen window. Their connection was instantaneous. And as he shared with People, their bond had an extra layer of meaning:
She had a lot of gay friends growing up who unfortunately passed during the AIDS epidemic, and that bonded us right away. We talked about fashion and food mostly,” Chris recalled.
Their friendship became the stuff of wholesome dreams. Lunches turned into daily visits. Fashion chats turned into heart-to-hearts. Norma’s cat, Hermes, became their third musketeer. And their ingredient of choice? Laughter, with a side of champagne, her favourite drink.
From Best Friend to Caregiver
When Norma was diagnosed with leukemia in 2017, their friendship was put to the ultimate test. Chris didn’t hesitate. He became more than her best friend; he became her rock, her caregiver, and even her power of attorney.
“I knew the end was coming for a few days because she was coming in and out,” Chris shared about her final moments. In true Norma style, her last gesture was one of love – a kiss, a hug, and the words, I love you.” She passed away at 89.
Now, nearly eight years after saying goodbye, Chris has found a new way to keep Norma’s memory alive. His children’s book, My Neighbor Norma, is not just a story. It’s a celebration of kindness, love and the unexpected connections that make life worth living, says Chris.
The book comes alive with illustrations by Nicole Steffes (@nicolesteffes.art), whose artistry captures the soul of Norma and Chris’s bond.
While Chris Salvatore has built a career making LGBTQIA+ audiences feel seen, this project cuts across all labels. It’s about the kind of connection we all crave: genuine, unfiltered, and lasting.
