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The Johnny Grant Memorial


It was a time to fondly remember dear Johnny Grant last Thursday, March 6. A few hundred of Johnny's closest friends packed into the Pantages theater to celebrate the life of this larger than life person known around the world as the Mayor of Hollywood. The show was skillfully produced by Mike Tielman. Angie Dickinson, Rhonda Fleming, Stephanie Powers, Gary Owens, Jamie Farr, myself, and a host of others shared our poignant, funny, and intimate experiences of Johnny. There was laughter through our tears as we told story upon story of the little guy with the world's biggest heart. There was also a large military presence at the memorial, since Johnny had made 60 trips with the USO to entertain the troops. His last trip was as recent as December when he visited the base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He will be sorely missed by so many.

The last photograph I took with Johnny at his birthday party last year.
Photo by Gary McCarthy.

Photo by Thomas Dixon

Photo by Thomas Dixon

Photo by Thomas Dixon

Photo by Alan Mercer.

Photo by Alan Mercer.

Sadly, the only names I got of these fine men and woman
was the Marine on the far left, Staff Sergeant Michael Hjelmstad, and Navy Lt. Mike Smith on the far right.
All of them have just returned from serving in Iraq. Photo by Alan Mercer.

Another shot of Sgt. Hjelmstad, from his camera. Photo by Michael Hjelmstad.

Ruta Lee, looking glamorous in her hat, came to pay tribute to Johnny. Photo by Alan Mercer.
The irrepressible Carol Conners, who wrote the theme from Rocky in addition to many other hits, and her friend Carla Orlandi couldn't resist a photo op at the Roosevelt Hotel reception following the tribute.

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