Jerry E. Grant's Obituary
JERRY EARNEST GRANT, age 94, known as the “Condo King” in the 1980’s, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, February 12, 2023.
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.
Son of the late Maxwell Fromkin and Rae Thuna, Jerry was born in Toronto, Canada in 1928.
Jerry was a creative genius from an early age. As a teenager, Jerry moved to New York and impressed Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, Jr. so much that Vanderbilt sponsored Jerry’s first creative dream of publishing a national magazine by and for high schoolers entitled “The Voice of Youth.”
After graduating high school, Jerry began a successful career as a theatrical producer and quickly became the youngest casting director at General Artists Corporation. After he was drafted into the army in 1949, his creative talents were put to use in the U.S. Army Special Services where he booked many famous entertainers for the troops during the Korean War. Jerry’s efforts became so popular that the army dubbed him “Mr. 28th Division.”
After the war, Jerry moved to South Florida and began his impressive show business career having created and produced over 100 shows and revues. 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, 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.
He was one of the most beloved and respected Florida theatrical agents and was President of the Florida Theatrical Agents Association. 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 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, brothers in law, Michael Udman (Carol) and Richard Udman, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Tragically, Jerry outlived two of his other remarkable children, Lisa and Gary.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 15th, at 12:00pm at Beth David Memorial Gardens at 3201 N. 72nd Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33024. Donations may be made in memory of Jerry to a charity of your choice.
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