Jerry was a generous backer of a number of projects I was part of, including the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Hollywood Blacklist
As an attorney for and co-host of countless left-leaning causes and events, the County and City of the Angels is less angelic because we have lost one of our progressive patron saints. I’m touched that, according to Jan, one of Jerry’s last requests was to be remembered by me at his memorial service – in case he went to that Great Fundraiser in the Sky.
Jerry was my friend and benefactor. I was one of the creative individuals he took under his wing and generously supported. He and Jan always had a complimentary seat at their table and a place at their lefty shindigs for this perpetually broke writer. This included fundraisers with Jackson Browne for The Progressive Magazine, which I have written for since 2010, and I’m glad that our publisher, Norman Stockwell, traveled from Wisconsin – where, by the way, Jerry was born – all the way to Santa Monica to pay homage to Jerry at this gathering.
Jerry was a generous backer of a number of projects I was part of, including the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Hollywood Blacklist we presented at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills in 2017. As an advocate of free speech and foe of persecution, this was one of the many issues Jerry embraced and he bought a bloc of seats, helping it become a sold-out remembrance. I’m very sorry that Jerry didn’t live long enough to enjoy the upcoming film series called “The Hollywood Ten at 75” taking place in April at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to observe the 75th anniversary of the start of the Blacklist.
One of those dinners Jerry and Jan invited me to was in August 2021, with an ailing Ed Asner. A week later, our beloved activist actor and friend was gone. In late January, I was invited to another gathering here, but had a schedule conflict. In November my mother passed away while I was on the other side of the world. But I had made a trip out to Arizona to visit her before I set sail for remote Pitcairn Island, and am eternally grateful that I had that final time with her.
Jerry is my third friend this year to die. I’m learning that part of the aging process is losing more and more of the people you love. Of course, last January I had no idea that that was the last opportunity I’d have to see Jerry, but in retrospect, knowing what I know now, I regret having missed seeing Jerry one last time. I wish I could have a do over. One never knows what’s going to happen, especially in these uncertain times. So, another thing I’m learning is to be with the ones you love when you still have the chance to do so. I think that’s another ideal Jerry would embrace.
The aptly named Jerry Manpearl was a pearl of a man. “Go softly into the good night, our progressive prince – we shall not look upon your kind again.” Aloha oe, Jerry – a fond farewell to thee.
