by MORT BRYER
This happened, I estimate, about twenty years ago, plus. My point of reference is based on the year I moved from the Garden State, (NJ) to lovely, bucolic Connecticut, 1983, and before the big ball knocked down that noble, towering edifice on West 46th Street in early 1988, a period a.k.a. as “after the sale”.
(more…)
by PETER BESAS
Sadly we must add yet another obit to this webpage. It is for one of the longest-remaining Variety troopers, Norma Nannini, who passed away in New York on August 10th after a long illness. Norma had just turned 70.
(more…)
by PETER BESAS
Lyle Stuart, born as Lionel Simon in Manhattan, probably the oldest surviving ex-mugg, died in Englewood, N.J. on June 24th, aged 83. Stuart served a stint on the old Variety in 1946 as a cub reporter. After leaving the company he published a book called “God Wears a Bowtie” a thinly-veiled novel which uses its author’s experiences on the paper as the armature for a first-person assault on Abel Green’s venality. At the time the book came out, it supposedly was read “under the desks” on West 46th Street.
(more…)
by PETER BESAS
It is now nearly three and a half years since Roger Watkins and I launched Simesite on Dec. 16 2002. Little did we think at that time that after such a relatively short period the site would have to continue with one of its founders permanently absent, not because the Site had not been a success nor due to any internal dispute, but because of his premature death.
(more…)
by IAN WATKINS
Roger’s funeral on Friday, May 5th was attended by over 80 people, including family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. The day was warm and sunny and the organist played “There’s No Business Like Show Business” as we left the chapel. Earlier we heard “Londonderry Air” (Danny Boy) and Dave Brubeck’s “How High The Moon”.
The wake took place at Roger’s local pub, The Minnis, on top of the cliff overlooking the beach at Minnis Bay near his home.
Ex-colleagues from Variety bidding their last farewell were:
Lee Simkins, former London office General Manager
Fabienne Lewis, Roger’s secretary/personal assistant
David Copeman, former London Ad Salesman
Zoe Hoenig, former London Office Assistant
My brother, Andrew, spoke a few words of thanks and talked about Roger as a father. I read some of the tributes that appear on Simesite and many guests asked for the Simesite website address so that they could read all of them.
Jean-Luc Renaud, Roger’s most recent business partner, read the tribute that he has posted on his site: www.dvd-intelligence.com