Bill Lomas, who produced the Hollywood Christmas Parade for 42 years, died Friday of cancer at his home in Lakewood, California, publicist Steve Moyer announced. He was 88.
Nicknamed “The Parade King,” Lomas headed Pageantry Productions and produced thousands of parades locally and throughout the state of California beginning in 1966. He also organized Irish fairs and Celtic music festivals around the Southland as well as events in Hawaii and Arizona.
Lomas guided the Hollywood Christmas Parade through 2023; he was ill but determined to work last year’s event, Moyer said. The parade, first held in 1928, runs on the Sunday after Thanksgiving over a three-mile route and is televised.
He and his late second wife, Ronnie, “live and breathe parades,” director Larry Harman told the Los Angeles Times in 1991. “They are a unique couple. Whatever you want, they’ll get it, whether it is a camel, an elephant, anything. They’re your one-stop shopping for parades.
Nicknamed “The Parade King,” Lomas headed Pageantry Productions and produced thousands of parades locally and throughout the state of California beginning in 1966. He also organized Irish fairs and Celtic music festivals around the Southland as well as events in Hawaii and Arizona.
Lomas guided the Hollywood Christmas Parade through 2023; he was ill but determined to work last year’s event, Moyer said. The parade, first held in 1928, runs on the Sunday after Thanksgiving over a three-mile route and is televised.
He and his late second wife, Ronnie, “live and breathe parades,” director Larry Harman told the Los Angeles Times in 1991. “They are a unique couple. Whatever you want, they’ll get it, whether it is a camel, an elephant, anything. They’re your one-stop shopping for parades.
- 3/25/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Robert J. Dowling, who carried The Hollywood Reporter to great heights during his 17-year run as the trade paper’s classy publisher and editor-in-chief, has died. He was 83.
Dowling died Friday at his home in Santa Monica after a short battle with cancer, a family spokesperson announced.
Dowling joined THR in September 1988, taking over from Tichi Wilkerson, widow of the newspaper’s founder, William R. Wilkerson, after she sold the company to BPI Communications for 26.7 million.
The publication saw huge growth under Dowling amid an explosion in media coverage of Hollywood, and he helped reshape THR into a fierce, underdog rival to the industry’s other five-days-a-week trade, Daily Variety.
THR’s Key Art Awards program (now known as the Clio Awards), its annual Women in Entertainment breakfast — and the accompanying Sherry Lansing Award — and its Next Generation initiative thrived under his leadership...
Robert J. Dowling, who carried The Hollywood Reporter to great heights during his 17-year run as the trade paper’s classy publisher and editor-in-chief, has died. He was 83.
Dowling died Friday at his home in Santa Monica after a short battle with cancer, a family spokesperson announced.
Dowling joined THR in September 1988, taking over from Tichi Wilkerson, widow of the newspaper’s founder, William R. Wilkerson, after she sold the company to BPI Communications for 26.7 million.
The publication saw huge growth under Dowling amid an explosion in media coverage of Hollywood, and he helped reshape THR into a fierce, underdog rival to the industry’s other five-days-a-week trade, Daily Variety.
THR’s Key Art Awards program (now known as the Clio Awards), its annual Women in Entertainment breakfast — and the accompanying Sherry Lansing Award — and its Next Generation initiative thrived under his leadership...
- 12/30/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Stars: Bart Edwards, Richard Brake, Richard Short, Robert Maaser, Alexandra Evans | Written by Giles Alderson, Jonny Grant | Directed by Giles Alderson
Jay (Bart Edwards) is spending a somewhat uncommon night in with the family. We come to find that something sinister is lurking outside the house. After searching for his wife and being knocked out by an intruder, he wakes up in a shitty dank ass basement chained up in the corner with three other prisoners for company. We soon come face to face with the prisoners captor, a man who hides behind a grotesque mask and is intent on tormenting and terrorizing his prey. What ensues is a battle of wits and will for survival as our captives begin to realize they share more in common than previously thought as actions from their past may hold the key to their current predicament.
I am not that much of a...
Jay (Bart Edwards) is spending a somewhat uncommon night in with the family. We come to find that something sinister is lurking outside the house. After searching for his wife and being knocked out by an intruder, he wakes up in a shitty dank ass basement chained up in the corner with three other prisoners for company. We soon come face to face with the prisoners captor, a man who hides behind a grotesque mask and is intent on tormenting and terrorizing his prey. What ensues is a battle of wits and will for survival as our captives begin to realize they share more in common than previously thought as actions from their past may hold the key to their current predicament.
I am not that much of a...
- 10/14/2020
- by Kevin Haldon
- Nerdly
The 5th Annual Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation Heroes for Heroes Celebrity Poker Tournament & Casino Party will take place on Sunday November 17, 2019 at Avalon Hollywood.
Stars from TV, Film, Music and Sports will play poker with a purpose to support the families of Lapd officers who were injured or have fallen in the line of duty.
The Heroes for Heroes event will include the distinguished annual celebrity poker tournament, red carpet arrivals, hand crafted cocktails by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, food, music, photobooth, raffles, live and silent auctions with unique and priceless entertainment and sports memorabilia.
This year’s event is expected to be grander than ever thanks to the continued support of PokerStars. The winner of the 2019 Heroes for Heroes poker tournament will head to the PokerStars Players Championship (Pspc) in Barcelona in August 2020. The Pspc debuted earlier this year, smashing records for the largest 25K event in poker history,...
Stars from TV, Film, Music and Sports will play poker with a purpose to support the families of Lapd officers who were injured or have fallen in the line of duty.
The Heroes for Heroes event will include the distinguished annual celebrity poker tournament, red carpet arrivals, hand crafted cocktails by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, food, music, photobooth, raffles, live and silent auctions with unique and priceless entertainment and sports memorabilia.
This year’s event is expected to be grander than ever thanks to the continued support of PokerStars. The winner of the 2019 Heroes for Heroes poker tournament will head to the PokerStars Players Championship (Pspc) in Barcelona in August 2020. The Pspc debuted earlier this year, smashing records for the largest 25K event in poker history,...
- 11/12/2019
- Look to the Stars
The 4th Annual Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation Heroes for Heroes Celebrity Poker Tournament & Casino Party will take place on November 10, 2018 at Avalon Hollywood honoring rock legend Gene Simmons.
The hottest stars from TV, Film, Music and Sports along with community VIPs will come together to support the families of Lapd officers who were injured or have fallen in the line of duty.
Simmons is being honored for his above and beyond participation as one of the top celebrity ambassadors at the Cantor Fitzgerald & Bgc Partners’ annual Charity Days commemorating the 658 friends, colleagues and Eurobroker employees tragically lost on September 11, 2001. On September 11, 2018 Simmons joined licensed brokers on the trading floor, alongside heavyweights like former President Bill Clinton and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair commanding big number sales and trades. The music icon finished the day moving billions of dollars to help charity including, the Lapmf. “I have great respect for our law enforcement,...
The hottest stars from TV, Film, Music and Sports along with community VIPs will come together to support the families of Lapd officers who were injured or have fallen in the line of duty.
Simmons is being honored for his above and beyond participation as one of the top celebrity ambassadors at the Cantor Fitzgerald & Bgc Partners’ annual Charity Days commemorating the 658 friends, colleagues and Eurobroker employees tragically lost on September 11, 2001. On September 11, 2018 Simmons joined licensed brokers on the trading floor, alongside heavyweights like former President Bill Clinton and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair commanding big number sales and trades. The music icon finished the day moving billions of dollars to help charity including, the Lapmf. “I have great respect for our law enforcement,...
- 11/5/2018
- Look to the Stars
The Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation (Lapmf) will hold a special benefit concert on Tuesday March 6 at Avalon Hollywood.
The evening will begin with a performance by La-based rock musicians Heaven & Earth. Steven Tyler and the Loving Mary Band will close the evening out.
“While participating in the Memorial Foundation’s Charity Golf Tournament I had the opportunity to get to know families that lost a loved one,” says Stuart Smith, Heaven & Earth. He continues “They lost a spouse or a parent over something so stupid as a traffic stop. My heart went out to them. I am very proud to be able to help out the men and women of the Lapd that do this every day for so little and are generally very unappreciated. Steven Tyler also wanted to do more to help,” said Smith.
Proceeds from this event benefit Lapd employees and their immediate family members who...
The evening will begin with a performance by La-based rock musicians Heaven & Earth. Steven Tyler and the Loving Mary Band will close the evening out.
“While participating in the Memorial Foundation’s Charity Golf Tournament I had the opportunity to get to know families that lost a loved one,” says Stuart Smith, Heaven & Earth. He continues “They lost a spouse or a parent over something so stupid as a traffic stop. My heart went out to them. I am very proud to be able to help out the men and women of the Lapd that do this every day for so little and are generally very unappreciated. Steven Tyler also wanted to do more to help,” said Smith.
Proceeds from this event benefit Lapd employees and their immediate family members who...
- 2/13/2018
- Look to the Stars
A picture is certainly worth a thousand words. What better way to celebrate Black History Month than by taking a moment to acknowledge the snapshots of time that represent the struggle and triumph of African-Americans through the years?
As part of our Black History Month coverage, we will be featuring one photo a day that honors years of groundbreaking achievements within the black community. These photos bring tears to our eyes, instill pride in our hearts and motivate us to carry on the legacy of strength and perseverance.
Today's photo was taken on November 20, 1984, as Michael Jackson was presented with the 1793rd star on the walk of fame by mayor Johnny Grant and Bill Welsh, president of the local Chamber of Commerce in Hollywood.
While some celebrities have received two stars in different categories, Jackson was the first to receive more than one for the same category. He received one...
As part of our Black History Month coverage, we will be featuring one photo a day that honors years of groundbreaking achievements within the black community. These photos bring tears to our eyes, instill pride in our hearts and motivate us to carry on the legacy of strength and perseverance.
Today's photo was taken on November 20, 1984, as Michael Jackson was presented with the 1793rd star on the walk of fame by mayor Johnny Grant and Bill Welsh, president of the local Chamber of Commerce in Hollywood.
While some celebrities have received two stars in different categories, Jackson was the first to receive more than one for the same category. He received one...
- 2/16/2013
- by Danielle Cadet
- Huffington Post
Washington, May 2: Hugh Hefner is set to be honoured by the Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation for his contribution through his Playboy magazine.
The publishing icon has been named among the 2012 Heroes of Hollywood, Contactmusic reported.
Hefner, 86, will be feted with the first Hollywood Distinguished Service Award in memory of the late Johnny Grant at a gala luncheon on June 7.
The first Playboy issue was published in December 1953, which featured Marilyn Monroe from her 1949 nude calendar shoot and sold over 50,000 copies. (Ani)...
The publishing icon has been named among the 2012 Heroes of Hollywood, Contactmusic reported.
Hefner, 86, will be feted with the first Hollywood Distinguished Service Award in memory of the late Johnny Grant at a gala luncheon on June 7.
The first Playboy issue was published in December 1953, which featured Marilyn Monroe from her 1949 nude calendar shoot and sold over 50,000 copies. (Ani)...
- 5/2/2012
- by Anita Agarwal
- RealBollywood.com
Playboy boss Hugh Hefner is to be honoured by the Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation.
The publishing icon has been named among the 2012 Heroes of Hollywood.
Hefner will be feted with the first Hollywood Distinguished Service Award in memory of the late Johnny Grant at a gala luncheon on 7 June.
The publishing icon has been named among the 2012 Heroes of Hollywood.
Hefner will be feted with the first Hollywood Distinguished Service Award in memory of the late Johnny Grant at a gala luncheon on 7 June.
- 5/2/2012
- WENN
Actor/funnyman Jack Lemaire has died at the age of 99.
The stand-up comedian passed away on 18 October in Los Angeles due to natural causes, according to Variety.
LeMaire appeared in a number of TV shows throughout his career including 1958's Mac King and 1959's The Lawless Years, while he also toured with Bob Hope and Johnny Grant performing stand-up comedy at United Service Organizations Inc. (Uso) shows.
He famously played Colonel Sanders in a number of KFC TV adverts and was last year seen in a sketch on Jay Leno's The Tonight Show.
LeMaire is survived by a son and two daughters.
The stand-up comedian passed away on 18 October in Los Angeles due to natural causes, according to Variety.
LeMaire appeared in a number of TV shows throughout his career including 1958's Mac King and 1959's The Lawless Years, while he also toured with Bob Hope and Johnny Grant performing stand-up comedy at United Service Organizations Inc. (Uso) shows.
He famously played Colonel Sanders in a number of KFC TV adverts and was last year seen in a sketch on Jay Leno's The Tonight Show.
LeMaire is survived by a son and two daughters.
- 11/16/2010
- WENN
London -- London act Florence and the Machine has four Mojo music award nominations, ahead of rockers Kasabian who have three and Arctic Monkeys and Richard Hawley who both have two.
The U.K. awards, organized by Mojo magazine, are decided by readers voting online.
The winners will be announced on June 10 at a ceremony in London.
Florence and the Machine was nominated for best album for "Lungs" (Island/Universal), breakthrough act, best live act and song of the year with "You've Got the Love."
Leicester band Kasabian was shortlisted for best live act, song of the year for "Fire" and best album for "West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum." The band is signed to Columbia/Sony Music.
Sheffield act Arctic Monkeys are contesting song of the year for "Crying Lightning" (Domino) and best live act while Richard Hawley is up for song of the year for "Open Up Your Door...
The U.K. awards, organized by Mojo magazine, are decided by readers voting online.
The winners will be announced on June 10 at a ceremony in London.
Florence and the Machine was nominated for best album for "Lungs" (Island/Universal), breakthrough act, best live act and song of the year with "You've Got the Love."
Leicester band Kasabian was shortlisted for best live act, song of the year for "Fire" and best album for "West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum." The band is signed to Columbia/Sony Music.
Sheffield act Arctic Monkeys are contesting song of the year for "Crying Lightning" (Domino) and best live act while Richard Hawley is up for song of the year for "Open Up Your Door...
- 5/5/2010
- by By Mike Collett-White, Reuters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warner Home Video Canada held its quarterly press event in Toronto on Thursday, January 14. The Oscar-themed event, staged at the Capitol Theatre, was appropriate given that award season is upon us. And because release dates for Warner Home Video titles are the same in Canada as in the U.S., we were more than happy to make the trip.
In the spirit of the event, president John Grant was escorted to the stage by shade-wearing security. He started by saying that "2009 was an amazing year", referencing the record theatrical box office enjoyed by the industry worldwide.
Warner, he continued, pulled in $4 billion in box office, thanks to having nine films hit number 1, and eight earning more than $100 million. "The state of the industry is very healthy."
Manager of publicity Dyan Eaton took over at that point, introducing a series of clips of memorable Oscar moments, including David Niven and the streaker,...
In the spirit of the event, president John Grant was escorted to the stage by shade-wearing security. He started by saying that "2009 was an amazing year", referencing the record theatrical box office enjoyed by the industry worldwide.
Warner, he continued, pulled in $4 billion in box office, thanks to having nine films hit number 1, and eight earning more than $100 million. "The state of the industry is very healthy."
Manager of publicity Dyan Eaton took over at that point, introducing a series of clips of memorable Oscar moments, including David Niven and the streaker,...
- 1/16/2010
- CinemaSpy
Hollywood's honorary mayor nm0004974 autoJohnny Grant[/link] has died at the age of 84.
Grant - one of the movie industry's most enthusiastic supporters for over 50 years - passed away on Wednesday evening in his room at the Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles.
According to Los Angeles police department Grant, who was a lifelong bachelor and permanent resident at the hotel, was found dead on his bed. His death is believed to be of natural causes.
Grant started his career in 1939 hosting a local radio show in his hometown of Goldsboro, North Carolina. He went on to join the army air corp during World War Ii, presenting a radio programme in New York aimed at servicemen, and featuring interviews with entertainment stars of the day.
After his discharge he stayed in the city working as a reporter for radio station Wins - going on to host the first national telethon with nm0001078 autoBing Crosby[/link], nm0001362 autoBob Hope[/link] and nm0000069 autoFrank Sinatra[/link] in 1952.
In 1954 Grant moved to Hollywood, landing a role in White Christmas alongside nm0001078 autoBing Crosby[/link]. He also had a part with nm0000904 autoWilliam Bendix[/link] in The nm0751899 autoBabe Ruth[/link] Story before playing himself in 1966's The Oscar.
Grant expanded into television and was well known for revitalising the Hollywood Christmas Parade after he signed on as a parade producer in 1978.
He also hosted a variety of high profile TV shows and was awarded two coveted Emmy awards for his achievements in the industry - as well as the title of honorary mayor of Hollywood - which he was given in 1980 by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
Grant was also chairman of the Hollywood Walk Of Fame Committee and oversaw the induction of over 500 stars into the legendary strip.
Grant - one of the movie industry's most enthusiastic supporters for over 50 years - passed away on Wednesday evening in his room at the Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles.
According to Los Angeles police department Grant, who was a lifelong bachelor and permanent resident at the hotel, was found dead on his bed. His death is believed to be of natural causes.
Grant started his career in 1939 hosting a local radio show in his hometown of Goldsboro, North Carolina. He went on to join the army air corp during World War Ii, presenting a radio programme in New York aimed at servicemen, and featuring interviews with entertainment stars of the day.
After his discharge he stayed in the city working as a reporter for radio station Wins - going on to host the first national telethon with nm0001078 autoBing Crosby[/link], nm0001362 autoBob Hope[/link] and nm0000069 autoFrank Sinatra[/link] in 1952.
In 1954 Grant moved to Hollywood, landing a role in White Christmas alongside nm0001078 autoBing Crosby[/link]. He also had a part with nm0000904 autoWilliam Bendix[/link] in The nm0751899 autoBabe Ruth[/link] Story before playing himself in 1966's The Oscar.
Grant expanded into television and was well known for revitalising the Hollywood Christmas Parade after he signed on as a parade producer in 1978.
He also hosted a variety of high profile TV shows and was awarded two coveted Emmy awards for his achievements in the industry - as well as the title of honorary mayor of Hollywood - which he was given in 1980 by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
Grant was also chairman of the Hollywood Walk Of Fame Committee and oversaw the induction of over 500 stars into the legendary strip.
- 1/10/2008
- WENN
Actress Elizabeth Montgomery has been honored posthumously with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Bewitched star, who died of colorectal cancer in 1995, aged 62, was remembered in a special unveiling ceremony in Los Angeles on Friday, attended by her widower, actor Robert Foxworth. Revealing the honor, Hollywood Mayor Johnny Grant said, "(She) is probably in the heavens laughing at us as we stand in the rain." Foxworth added, "It is a great tribute to her that there are so many of you here."...
- 1/7/2008
- WENN
Actress nm0000548 autoElizabeth Montgomery[/link] has been honoured posthumously with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Bewitched star, who died of colorectal cancer in 1995, aged 62, was remembered in a special unveiling ceremony in Los Angeles on Friday, attended by her widower, actor nm0289343 autoRobert Foxworth[/link].
Revealing the honour, Hollywood Mayor nm0004974 autoJohnny Grant[/link] said, "(She) is probably in the heavens laughing at us as we stand in the rain."
Foxworth added, "It is a great tribute to her that there are so many of you here."...
The Bewitched star, who died of colorectal cancer in 1995, aged 62, was remembered in a special unveiling ceremony in Los Angeles on Friday, attended by her widower, actor nm0289343 autoRobert Foxworth[/link].
Revealing the honour, Hollywood Mayor nm0004974 autoJohnny Grant[/link] said, "(She) is probably in the heavens laughing at us as we stand in the rain."
Foxworth added, "It is a great tribute to her that there are so many of you here."...
- 1/5/2008
- WENN
Joey Bishop, the comedian and actor who was the last surviving member of the Rat Pack, has died. He was 89.
Bishop had been ill for several months and died Wednesday night of multiple causes at his home in Newport Beach, Calif.
The Rat Packers became a show business sensation in the late 1960s when they appeared together at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas in shows that combined music and comedy in a seemingly chaotic manner. Among its members -- Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford -- Bishop had the lowest profile. Yet Sinatra called him "the Hub of the Big Wheel," recognizing that Bishop often was the originator of the group's comic material.
Bishop's role in their boozing/gambling/womanizing antics was that of comic straight man. Belying his Rat Pack notoriety, Bishop was honored with a citation from Pope John XXIII for his assistance with the Boys' Towns of Italy.
"He was the perfect match for the Rat Pack. He fit right in like an old shoe," Hollywood honorary mayor Johnny Grant said Thursday.
Bishop also was a popular regular on the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts. Known for his dour expression and self-deprecating shtick, Bishop's persona was of a befuddled and overwhelmed average Joe. Mumbling "son of a gun" was his signature response to life's overwhelming circumstances.
Bishop guest-hosted The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 177 times, more than anyone else. From 1967-69, Bishop hosted his own eponymous late-night show, which competed against "Tonight". Featuring an endless parade of Borscht Belt comedians, as well as infrequent visits from his Rat Pack buddies, the show floundered. After two years of struggling in head-to-head competition with Carson, Bishop was succeeded by Dick Cavett, a futile attempt to flank Carson with a "brainy" demographic.
"It was the thrill of my life to be chosen by Joey as the announcer for his talk show on ABC back in the '60s," Regis Philbin said Thursday.
Bishop had been ill for several months and died Wednesday night of multiple causes at his home in Newport Beach, Calif.
The Rat Packers became a show business sensation in the late 1960s when they appeared together at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas in shows that combined music and comedy in a seemingly chaotic manner. Among its members -- Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford -- Bishop had the lowest profile. Yet Sinatra called him "the Hub of the Big Wheel," recognizing that Bishop often was the originator of the group's comic material.
Bishop's role in their boozing/gambling/womanizing antics was that of comic straight man. Belying his Rat Pack notoriety, Bishop was honored with a citation from Pope John XXIII for his assistance with the Boys' Towns of Italy.
"He was the perfect match for the Rat Pack. He fit right in like an old shoe," Hollywood honorary mayor Johnny Grant said Thursday.
Bishop also was a popular regular on the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts. Known for his dour expression and self-deprecating shtick, Bishop's persona was of a befuddled and overwhelmed average Joe. Mumbling "son of a gun" was his signature response to life's overwhelming circumstances.
Bishop guest-hosted The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 177 times, more than anyone else. From 1967-69, Bishop hosted his own eponymous late-night show, which competed against "Tonight". Featuring an endless parade of Borscht Belt comedians, as well as infrequent visits from his Rat Pack buddies, the show floundered. After two years of struggling in head-to-head competition with Carson, Bishop was succeeded by Dick Cavett, a futile attempt to flank Carson with a "brainy" demographic.
"It was the thrill of my life to be chosen by Joey as the announcer for his talk show on ABC back in the '60s," Regis Philbin said Thursday.
- 10/19/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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