Lloyd E. Rigler

1915-2003

Longtime supporter of the arts, including Hollywood Heritage, Lloyd E. Rigler passed away just after publication of our last newsletter. Lloyd had donated millions to arts and cultural programs throughout America since the 1960s and was a major contributor to the restoration of the 1922 Grauman’s Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. For this support, the American Cinematheque named the theater’s main auditorium the Lloyd E. Rigler Theater in his honor.

His other areas of interest included opera–especially in Los Angeles and New York City–classical music, and educating children, especially getting them interested in the arts at an early age. A culmination of this is his Classic Arts Showcase channel, beamed from Hollywood to television stations throughout the world for free (it is seen locally on KCET-TV). This important service is under the direction of Lloyd’s nephew Jamie Rigler, whose programming includes new and old (1950s-1990s) broadcasts and interviews, running 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Lloyd generously gave support to law-suits that made changes to MetroRail tunneling to help protect the Hollywood Boulevard Historic District and Runyon Canyon Park and to support the Hollywood Bowl lawsuit by Hollywood Heritage. As a strong supporter of the arts and historic preservation, Lloyd Rigler gave generously of his time and his money to help with both these issues. With his offices and residence in Hollywood, he was a benefactor to the community he called home and to its cultural heritage and its preservation for future generations throughout the world.

On January 18th a memorial was held by the American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre, which was packed with friends and colleagues from all over the United States. The mood was loving and gently rueful, as if those present couldn’t quite believe he was gone and wouldn’t be dropping by for the festivities (and to take home some food, one of his little eccentricities). Many hilarious stories were told, by those who knew him well over many years, about his unique way of doing things and how exasperating he could be to those around him. He inspired great loyalty and affection, despite his stubbornness, and he will be greatly missed. His 8-page bio is interesting reading and can be found at www.classicartsshowcase.org/lloydRigler.html.

Hollywood Heritage pays tribute to Lloyd E. Rigler and thanks his staff and nephew Jamie Rigler for continuing with Lloyd’s important work.