Jerry Grant November 26, 1928 - February 12, 2023
produced over 100 shows and revues. He produced “Spice on Ice” at the Americana Hotel in the 1960’s. He later produced “A Musical Tribute to Liza” at the Marco Polo Hotel as well as “The Wonderful World of Music” featuring songs by Irving Berlin and “Broadway Hall of Fame,” among many others. He had a knack for seeing talent and potential in others before anyone else did and many famous entertainers attribute the successful start of their careers to Jerry. He owned the largest theatrical booking agency in South Florida and in 1972, along with Audre Breen, created the “Condo Circuit” bringing “name star” attractions to the myriad condominiums that were newly built in South Florida in the 70’s and 80’s. He became known as the “Condo King.”
One of Jerry’s proudest achievements was that during his 60-plus-year career, he contributed to the success of countless entertainers and created shows that brought joy and happiness to millions of people.
Recently, Jerry’s son, Steven, asked Jerry if he wanted to be buried or cremated, and without skipping a beat, Jerry replied, “emailed.” Jerry dedicated his life to entertaining others and had a tremendous sense of humor. He went from being the king of condos to the “king of emails” during retirement as he loved sending entertaining emails endlessly.
He was one of the most beloved and respected Florida theatrical agents and was President of the Florida Association of Theatrical Agents. In December of 2021, the Footlighters Club honored Jerry with a special tribute to Jerry’s lifetime legendary impact on the entertainment industry.
A man of many talents, Jerry also formed Grant Advertising Consultants and developed countless innovative product and marketing ideas, always way ahead of his time. Jerry wrote songs and co-owned Studio Center Sound Recordings, Inc. He also developed endless ideas for TV show and Broadway show concepts, including a Broadway musical entitled “Nobody’s Perfekt.”
Jerry’s humor and creativity was featured in various media outlets and as a contributing writer for Entertainment News & Views, he was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in the late 80’s for his satire. When Jay Leno took over the Tonight Show from Johnny Carson, Jerry was one of Jay’s contributing writers.
Jerry will be remembered for his extraordinary legacy not just in show business and as a creative genius, but also as a dedicated, loving, funny, gentle, and caring husband, father, brother, relative, and friend.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Peggy, who has devoted her life to supporting Jerry in every way possible, his adoring children, Marla and Steven, his dear brother, Dr. Howard Fromkin of Toronto, brothers in law, Michael Udman (Carol) of Oak Park, Michigan and Richard Udman of Chesterfield, Michigan, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Tragically, Jerry outlived two of his other remarkable children, Lisa who died in 2010 and Gary who died of Cystic Fibrosis in 1978.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 15th, at Beth David Memorial Gardens, Hollywood, Florida. Donations may be made in memory of Jerry to a charity of your choice.