Gerald Hiken

I first met Gerry in 1972 up on Skyline Ranch, where I worked. He and Barbara were/are friends of my boss. I reconnected with them in 2005 when I bought a house in downtown San Jose 2 doors down from Barbara's cousin, Dan. They threw a party and we recognized each other again. Gerry was very funny, charming and had great timing. My last memory of Gerry was when he sang "Summertime" A Capella at Dan's birthday party 3 years ago. He really belted it out, even though he was 90 at the time. RIP...

I met Gerry through a Hiken Family Friend, and I became one too--it was easy, the easiest and warmest group friendship I ever had. (Liverpool Rummy! That was my card!) I also got mentorship as an actor ("This is the one thing I learned from Lee Strasberg...") and, one day as we were roofing his Hollywood rental unit together in the hot sun, a huge and vital gift. I looked over at Gerry, working in silence, and realized I could have any sort of life I wanted. Because he had.
My love and...

Gerry was also an amazing visual artist. A truly loving man in a loving family who would touch you with his smiling eyes. Unforgettable. He just came into my mind. I probably saw him last 33 years ago. Much love to Barbara, Nina and Noah

Ah, Gerry, though I have not seen you face to face since the closing of STRIDER at the Helen Hayes Theatre, this news of your passing took a good bit of my breath away. What fun it was working with you on stage, and chuckling with you off. You, dear man, will be missed. To your family I send condolences.

Your Gerry was the kind of guy that will forever be an "is", not a "was." I feel certain his passing does not mean the end of his presence in this world. His was a living...

I knew Gerry and he was a real character who was always fun to be around. I gave him my bookcase.

I remember Gerald Hiken, of blessed memory, and his dear wife Barbara with great fondness even though we met only once & I saw Jerry perform only a few times. His work remains indelible, as does his influence. Rest In Power, a great artist, teacher, human being.

The first time I met Gerry it was in the nude @ the tubs of Wilbur Hot Springs. That night he “sang for his supper” in a mesmerizing reading of Proust’s “Remembrance of Things Past”. Still vivid 35+ years on. He had such magic, touched so many, a and remains a great loss.

And added to my previous post is a photo of Gerry with my company the Margaret Jenkins Dance Company on tour in “Breathe Normally”. ❤

Gerry was a great dancer and a treasure to work with - what a gift. He toured with us in 1999 in Breathe Normally and we were never the same — so many lessons learned and laughs. Hugs to family.