Here's some very sad news for those who knew him. A pal of mine named Gary Sherman died last night after a brief bout with cancer. When I worked with Jack Kirby, it was in tandem with a fellow named Steve Sherman. Gary was Steve's younger brother and he was like a Third Musketeer, tagging along often when Steve and I went out to work with Jack, helping out and becoming a member of the extended family. The photo above of him — the only one I have — was taken in Jack's studio an hour or so after we all attended Jack's funeral. That's (lef t to right) Steve, me and Gary.
You may have heard the story of how Jack was a guest of honor at a Paul McCartney concert and got to meet Paul and be announced from the audience. Gary was the guy who arranged all that. He was a member of the old Los Angeles Comic Book Club which I've written about in many columns.
By profession, he worked in the TV business, at first as a grip and later in other production capacities. Gary was a crew member on dozens of TV shows, including long stints on Perfect Strangers and Dharma and Greg. His most recent work was on the Fox comedy, Do Not Disturb. Everyone I know who worked with him spoke of his tireless efficiency and good nature.
Funeral services are this Friday in Culver City. If you knew Gary and would like to attend, drop me an e-mail for the details. I suspect the place will be packed with friends because he sure had a lot of them.