Inside, the corner unit is crammed with theatre memorabilia, the rooms vividly decorated in Empry's signature colours of red, white and black.

It seems everybody knows Gino Empry. The veteran publicity man has looked after some of the biggest stars around, from Peggy Lee and the late Ella Fitzgerald, to Quebec heartthrob Roch Voisine and impressionist Andre-Philippe Gagnon.

"I've been on stage and I know what actors want to talk about and what they don't want to discuss," says Empry, who started his showbiz career as an actor and theatrical producer.

"Most stars have been misused and abused and I don't do that."

Staying power
Empry demonstrates staying power in the fickle world of show business. Crooner Tony Bennett trusted him to help revive a dormant career 10 years ago.

The long-time manager and marketer of people, places and events grew up in Little Italy, near Dufferin St.

	The master bath Jacuzzi holds six, says Empry.

Empry cut his teeth as a press agent for entrepreneur Honest Ed Mirvish, handling publicity for the Royal Alexandra Theatre.

But he's probably best known as the impresario of the now-closed Imperial Room supper club in the Royal York Hotel.

In recent years, Empry has turned corporate, attracting clients like Warren Shepell Consultants.

He's currently busy helping publicize the Toronto International Film Festival and the Italian Film Festival.

"I spend all my time with people, so I like living alone," says Empry, a confirmed bachelor who is shy about giving his age. "Let's just say I have been in the business 30 years and I started at 17."

The professional crosses over into the personal on every pale wall of Empry's white-carpeted condo. By the den door, Cher and the cast look out from a movie poster of Norman Jewison's Oscar-winning Moonstruck. Empry was a publicist for the film.

A theatre playbill from Oh! Coward hangs in the hallway. Ten original newspaper caricatures of the famous -- a gift from former Ontario premier Bill Davis -- greet guests near the front door.

Former Ontario premier Bill Davis gave Empry this collection of caricatures.

"I was offered $35,000 for this picture that was painted by Tony Bennett, and I refused," says Empry pointing to one of several artworks by his clients.

Original art and prints by Ken Danby and Toller Cranston occupy walls in the second bedroom and breakfast room.

Empry defied a decorator's advice and designed a mostly black kitchen where he enjoys cooking Italian meals.

"I think I was a waiter at the Last Supper," he quips. "Probably there was a photo op."

Passion for travel
Travel is another passion for Empry, who has been around the world seven times. Tahiti and Fiji are favourite and frequent stops.

	The piano makes a grand impression, although Empry doesn't play.

"The Polynesian people are beautiful and the place is tranquil," says Empry, who compliments exotic artwork from South Pacific countries with lush plants throughout his home.

Hibiscus, orchids and an orange tree wind around the solarium where Empry set up a lounge to relax and read.

When he moved in 15 years ago, Empry had walls removed to create an unobstructed view from his fur-covered bed to the two-sided fireplace.

Empry's entertainment-themed plate collection lines a wall.

A collection of silver, glass and metal crosses lines one of the bedroom walls.

"One of those crosses came from my mother's coffin," says Empry.

It's no surprise this professional communicator has a telephone in almost every room -- including the gigantic, apricot-carpeted master bath.

"That Jacuzzi fits six guys," Empry says casually. "One ran and jumped in and hit his head. The water went in all directions."

Empry is fond of entertaining friends but they will have to wait for another lifetime to hear their host produce a tune on the baby grand piano in the living room.

"I really thought I would have something to do in old age like learn how to play," says Empry. "But that doesn't look likely."