Status: Broadway theater photographer.
Age: 76
Place of Birth: Manchester, England
Residence: Eighth Avenue, New York City
Hobbies/Interests: “Well, unfortunately, all I do is go out every single night. I go to Broadway, every opening. Tonight I’m doing Absurd Person at The Biltmore. I do every opening night on Broadway, every opening night off Broadway. I also in my spare time, do opera, ballet and cabaret.”
Favorite Movies: “Movies I don’t do as much. But I tell you one thing – I’m invited to a lot of screenings. I do see a lot of movies. I go to the Walter Reed Theater a lot. And Lincoln Center. And I go to MOMA. They have great retrospectives and beautiful tributes. Basically the best movies are black and white.”
Favorite TV Shows: “TV is the biggest problem I have. I’ve never seen an episode of The Sopranos. And I’m embarassed to say that. And every time I photograph a celebrity, someone famous on TV that I’ve never seen, then I feel embarrassed. But I know they’re talented and wonderful because I’ve seen them on stage. Last night was Taye Diggs, Jay McDaniel in A Soldier’s Play. They were fabulous actors on stage. But on TV I’ve never seen them and I feel a little embarrassed.”
Musical Tastes: “Well, I review opera. So opera’s been my greatest passion. Rudolph Guliani and I are big opera buffs. In fact – I did his – when he married Tony Randall and Heather Randall at City Hall – I did those photorgraphs for the New York Post. But the point is, opera’s my passion. Broadway musicals – since I do them every opening night – are my passion.”
Favorite Meal: “Gallagher’s. And do you know why? I live on the corner. This is my home. Gallagher’s Steakhouse is the premier steakhouse for over 70 years. And I’m only 33 [smiles]. They have five of my photographs hanging on the wall. Because any time they’ve had a party, like a Broadway opening or something special, I’ve come here, I walk across the street. And I photograph everyone famous who’s ever come to Gallagher’s. It’s a magnificent steakhouse. There’s nothing better in New York.”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Well, I’m flavorless, because I’m really not a dessert eater. But I’ll always eat vanilla ice cream. Why? I don’t know [laughs]. Everyone says I should eat chocolate. I can’t do it.”
Childhood Dream: “Well, when I was a youngster – I’m gonna give my age away – I was madly in love with Betty Grable. Because I grew up in England during World War II. I’m 76. And all I wanted to do was marry Betty Grable and be happy for the rest of my life [laughs]. But unfortunately she married Harry James. So I’ve been frustrated ever since.”
First Job: “I was a stockboy for the Flushing Metal Partition Corporation in Long Island City when I was 15.”
Greatest Career Moment: “Well, I would say when I kissed Elizabeth Taylor. That was great. On the lips. (Where?) That was at Halston’s office when she did her first Broadway show – Private Lives. Because I had actually met her before but never kissed her – when she did her first performance ever on stage – 1981 in The Little Foxes. And I went backstage and I met her and we had a glass of wine. We were photographed together. It’s my favorite photograph. Elizabeth Taylor and me, 1981. But there’s been so many highlights in my life because I love these people that are brilliant, beautiful, talented. And I meet them all, photograph now for PLAYBILL, for the New York Post. It’s wonderful.”
Most Painful Moment: “Well, I’m 76. And every night I go to bed with a smile on my face. I’m still waiting for that painful moment.”
Embarrassing Career Memory: “I’ve never really had a bad or embarrassing moment. I’ve had an exciting, incredible career and I’ve met every famous person in the world and I’ve never been embarrassed, I’ve always been happy and priviliged to have met those people.”
Funny Career Memory: “Well, there are a lot. This beautiful model came up to me last night, said, Aubrey, I want you to photograph me nude. And I got very upset. I said, Look here young lady, I always keep my clothes on when I take a photograph. That’s the funny and most embarrassing. (Who was it?) I’m not going to tell you. Come over and I’ll show you the photograph [laughs].”
Favorite Vacation Spot: “I guess it was the honeymoon with my late wife (Maria Elena). I was married in 1956, which is amazing because I’m only 33. I married my beautiful wife when I was on a grant studying history of Mexico in Mexico City. And on our honeymoon we went to Acupulco. So it’s always going to be my favorite vacation spot till the day I die.”
People Qualities Most Admired: “I want talent. People that are talented means an awful lot. They can be the most miserable person in their private life but who cares. If they get on the stage and perform as the most wonderful actor, most beautiful dancer, the most wonderful singer – that is a talent. And that’s what we appreciate. Because we are not going to marry or live with these people. We are going to recognize them for their talent and what they can do.”
Topics: Absurd Person, Broadway Musicals, Broadway Opening, Broadway Theater, City Hobbies, Hanging On The Wall, Heather Randall, Hobbies Interests, Jay Mcdaniel, Lincoln Center, Musical Tastes, New York Post, Night On Broadway, Opera Ballet, Opera Buffs, Rudolph Guliani, Taye Diggs, Theater Photographer, Tony Randall, Walter Reed
Biofile with Aubrey Reuben | 
I would like to say “hi” to Aubrey. I knew him for a few years back in the mid 90’s. My friend Barbara and I are friends of Fred Price, in NYC, and we live in Rochester, NY but used to go to NYC every few months for weekends. We hung out at the Rainbow Room with Charles, Shaun Powers, Dale DeGroff, Jeffrey, etc. Aubrey would be there often with his camera. We loved Aubrey…he’s a lot of fun! Would love to hear from him! Enjoyed this bio of Aubrey very much!