Eric Jay Gelman

Hi Gelman Family,

This is coming very very late, but I was just taking a trip down memory lane, thinking of a play I did with Eric probably in 2003 and went to have a look at what he was up to. I was very saddened to read what happened.

He was a talented, generous and kind man. Our play was a disaster, but rehearsing it was always a lot of fun. He was the lead and he set the tone of risk, trust and play.

I don't know if this will find it's way to you, but if it does,...

Dear Gelman Family:

It is with great sadness that I write to you today, as I have only just received word of your tragic loss.
I have so many wonderful and warm memories of Eric...moving to New York together and sharing that tiny apartment behind Lincoln Center caused us to be very close. I also have fond memories of visiting your family at your home in Florida during one summer break...laughing with him at his magician bar mitzvah poster...strolling the streets of...

To the Gelman Family:

I studied with Eric at The Esper Studio in New York, and had the privilege of performing a scene with him from "Lovers and Other Strangers" (he was brilliant!)

Eric was not only incredibly talented, but absolutely loved by everyone around him. I know all of his friends feel lucky to have known him, and deeply feel this devastating loss. I will remember Eric for his devilish wit, his good heart, his dedication to his craft, and most of all,...

To the Gelman family,
I knew Eric from William Esper studio in the same class with Masha Sapron. Joining the class in Year Two was not easy. Felt like an outsider as most of the class had bonded with each other. I was the odd man out. Eric made me feel very welcome and was always quick with a laugh and smile. That really helped as class was difficult and we were working on bearing ourselves emotionally. Once, he made me laugh so hard about the nickname Masha used to call her boyfriend...

Dear Gelman Family--
I'm so sorry for your loss.

Eric and I studied together at William Esper Studios in NYC. Infact, he was my acting partner for a short time, while we worked on a scene together. What I loved most about Eric was his ability to make me laugh. Not only did he make me laugh, but he had this wonderful way of making me feel confident, special, beautiful, and most of all, cared for. I remember when I was thinking of moving to his neighborhood, on the upper...

To the Gelman family,
I worked with Eric in New York City when he was an administrative assistant for Buildings magazine/Stamats Communications. He would always pop his head into my office to tell me a funny story or to ask advice. I miss his kindness and his sense of humor. Eric always spoke glowingly of his family. Thank you for creating Eric. He was a true gentleman.

To the Gelman family,
I knew Eric for exactly one day - fortunately for me, it was captured on film. Last June, I was directing a series of commercials for the Taco Bueno franchise and we were desperately looking for someone to fill a role we simply could not cast. After seeing literally hundreds of actors, Eric walked in, and - what can I say - he instantly made us laugh. Out loud. Hard. We cast him on the spot. As for the shoot, my producer - never one for hyperbole - said it best......

To Eric's parents, his sister, and his grandparents,

Eric and I trained together at The William Esper Studio in New York, and then moved out to LA around the same time.

I have SO many funny, joyful, hilarious memories of Eric.

But the ones that stand out in my mind during this unbelievable time are the ones where he talked so lovingly of you all. Even though you were often separated by distance, each one of you were a part of his everyday life, so...

All my deepest sympathy in the loss of Eric--a beloved son and brother. I will remember him as cheery breath of fresh air in this crazy industry and I consider myself lucky to have known such a genuinely sweet and dear man.

The Gelman Family is in my thoughts and prayers, always.
May God comfort you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
~Valerie Chiovetti