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Jay S. Harris

Jay Harris Obituary

HARRIS--Jay S. The Board of Directors of the American Theatre Wing mourns the passing of longtime board member Jay Harris. A distinguished attorney, he became a Tony Award-winning producer for "Side Man" through his stewardship of the Weissberger Theater Group, which also produced "Never Gonna Dance" and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels." A passionate advocate for the work of the Wing in its efforts to celebrate and illuminate theatre, and most recently Secretary of the Board of Directors, he was also a steadfast representative of the organization on the Tony Administration and Management Committees. His dedication will be greatly missed.

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Published by New York Times on Sep. 25, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Jay Harris

18 Entries

Howard Ruderfer

October 5, 2007

My sympathies to Fredda, Jesse, Jenny, and other family members. I'll always remember Jay smiling with that twinkle in his eyes. He made me think about what is possible to accomplish in life. I'll miss him. Take Care.

Michael Goodfriend

September 28, 2007

I got to know Jay while working on "Arrivals" and had him on my radio show, "Left Jab", to talk about jazz and theatre. He was a wonderful, dear man with a graceful charm and elegance that I will never forget. I am grateful for all he has added to our lives and will miss him. My love and support to his family and memory.

Susan Jeffries

September 27, 2007

I had the good fortune to meet and work with Jay this year. He was a highly principled, kind, and elegant man who gave so much to the theatre. My heart is with his lovely wife Fredda and his family.

Larry Lau

September 27, 2007

I worked with Jay earlier this year and he was wonderful source of encouragement and support. I send my thoughts and prayers to his family. Larry Lau.

Wanda Young

September 27, 2007

I had the honor of working with Jay as his assistant from 2003-2005. Jay is a true gentleman who loved his family and his work. I learned so much from Jay who not only taught me a lot about the theater business, but more importantly about integrity, passion and following your dreams. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Fredda and the Harris family.

SAL MISTRETTA

September 27, 2007

I met Jay and Fredda during the run of ARRIVALS at the Bank Street Theatre. I was immediately impressed with Jay's determination to produce things that mattered. He was stalwart about this politcal show and when we suffered some blows he took it in his classy stride. He was always approachable and kind and had a quiet elegance and an obvious love and enjoyment of the theatre and of people and of life. My condolences to his lovely wife Fredda and his family.

Sal Mistretta

David Gow

September 26, 2007

Jay and I worked together in the theatre. Jay brought me to NYC earlier this year and we spent a good deal of time together. Jay was wonderful to deal with, he expressed his love of the theatre routinely, and his love of his fellow man. I miss Jay, and extend my sympathies to Fredda, Jesse, Jenny, family and friends.

Tna Shafer

September 26, 2007

Jessie is a friend and one of my first voice students. I never met his father but know he must have been wonderful becuase he brought up a great son.
My thoughts are with your family .
may jay return to peace

Marty Salzman

September 26, 2007

I have worked with Jay for 20 years. Our business relationship extended beyond just business as we had much in common which included our love for our families, golf, theatre and Williamstown and the surrounding area. Jay was so proud of Jenny and Jesse and he truly cared deeply for them and his love for Fredda was always evident. I truly believe that I have lost a good friend who loved life, his family and the theatre.

Doug Katsaros

September 26, 2007

Jay was my lawyer and perhaps my best friend for well over 30 years. He taught me so much and was always the most supportive and caring man - intelligent, charming and kind, always. It was also so wonderful to see how he loved Fredda and his wonderful and talented children. I loved him and will miss him, like everyone who he ever touched, and only hope my future work will do justice to his memory.

Barbara and Peter Harris

September 26, 2007

Jay was a lovely man. We knew him and Fredda for over 30 years and he was always gracious, thoughtful, and funny -- a real pleasure to be with. The last we saw Jay was at Jesse's terrific performance overlooking Central Park. Jay was warm and welcoming as always. We will miss him.

Amy Miller Cohen

September 26, 2007

My deepest sympathy to Jay's family. I knew Jay from Green Acres, Valley Stream, Long Island. Jay was the older brother of Andrea, my sister's best friend and the son of Leah and Nat. Then, I married his classmate Bobby from Cornell and remet Jay in NYC.

fred fierst

September 25, 2007

Jay was my second cousin. He was a man of rare integrity, good cheer, humor, and common sense. We were both entertainment lawyers, and early in my career he was a mentor to me. Over the past 20 years we enjoyed each other's companies, worked together on a number of matters, and mostly just found time to laugh together. Our hearts go out to Fredda and the family.

fred fierst

September 25, 2007

Jay was my second cousin. When I first got to know him he was a college student and basketball star at Cornell. We were both lawyers, and over the years he served as a mentor and friend to me. He was a man of great humor and remarkable integrity and kindness. Our family will certainly miss him.

david miller

September 25, 2007

jay and i were friends in law school, friends at phillips nizer and and saw each other not enough during the ensuing years. he was a real good guy. our heartfelt sympathy to fredda and the twins.

david and candice miller

Anna Strickland

September 25, 2007

It is always sad to hear that the people you care for have lost a loved one and your heart aches a bit for them. I knew Jay by working for his brother-in-law, George and other members of his family, especially Ellen, Fredda and Jesse's music. I spoke with Jay on occasion for my boss and he was always very friendly and upbeat. My sincere prayers and love to the family.

linda keenan

September 25, 2007

i do not know jay harris from his theater work. i knew him as the guy who would call my dear friend jenny harris at work and she would exclaim 'hi pop' or 'hi pops!'. jenny spoke to him with such affection i knew he must have been a wonderful dad. and then i saw him at jenny's wedding - ebullient, ecstatic - and i could see where jenny got some of her terrific, infectious energy. all our love - linda keenan and steve and frank mendes

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