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BORN
1926
DIED
2018
Jerry Thorpe Obituary
Palm Springs - Jerry "Richard Jerome" Thorpe, 92, a 28-year resident of Palm Springs, California passed away on September 25, 2018 in Santa Barbara, California.
He was born on August 29, 1926 to Richard and Belva Thorpe in Los Angeles, California.
Jerry married his wife Diane on December 17, 1985 in Los Angeles, California, and they have a son Trevor Thorpe of Santa Barbara, California. Jerry is also survived by his daughters and son Tiana, Trish, and Tracy, and grandchildren Angelo and Tyler Thorpe.
Jerry was an Emmy Award-winning Television Director and Producer, with a career spanning more than four decades. He shares a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars with his father Richard, a Director of MGM Motion Pictures. He was Executive Producer and directed many episodes of "Kung Fu" with David Carradine (1972-1975). In 1973, he was awarded the "Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Drama" Emmy for the episode "An Eye for an Eye."
A partial list of credits includes: Director of eight episodes of "The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour" (1958), Executive Producer of "The Untouchables" (1960-1961), Producer/Director of MGM theatrical feature "Day of the Evil Gun" with Glenn Ford (1968), Executive Producer/Director of "Harry O" with David Janssen (1973-1976), Co-Executive Producer/Director of "Our House" (1986-1988), and Executive Producer of 22 episodes of "Falcon Crest" with Jane Wyman (1989-1990).
A graveside service will be held Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 10:30 am at Desert Memorial Park, Cathedral City, California.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Thorpe
Sponsored by thedesertsun.com.
Karen Rasch
March 18, 2023
Jerry was a mentor for me when I was a script supervisor. He knew I was interested in directing and encouraged me to pursue it. His partner Bill Blinn said Jerry told him I was the best script supervisor in Hollywood. I was fortunate to work with Jerry and Tracy in Hawaii...2 of the nicest men I ever worked with. I tried to reach Jerry in Palm Springs about 7 years ago but couldn't connect. He died in Santa Barbara on my birthday in 2018 while I was living in Santa Maria, 90 miles away. Wish I could have said goodbye. Bill Blinn watched when I received my Emmy and I thanked Jerry and him from the stage for the faith they had in me. My heart goes out to your family. I'll never forget that lovely, kind man.
Debbie Prendergast
October 5, 2020
Thinking of Diane , Trevor and Jerry's family .
I was Trevor's nanny when he was born and have lovely memories of being with Jerry, Diane and Trevor over a number of years , as well as the occasional al visit back to California.
Will always be remembered. Jerry was a very kind, gentle man.
Loretta Clements
May 21, 2020
My deepest condolences to Diane, Trevor and Jerry's two daughters. Jerry was my customer at Smoketree Secretarial in Palm Springs for at least 10 years. What a kind and wonderful man he was. Sorry this is so late, but for some reason I was thinking about Jerry and Diane today. Many prayers and good wishes to his family. Loretta Clements
Deborah Prendergast
December 30, 2018
Deepest sympathy to Diane,Trevor and Jerry's family.A true gentleman. So sorry to hear of his passing. Thinking of you all.
Jennifer Geer
December 22, 2018
I was Jerry's barber for many years. I just heard of his passing. I'm so sorry I didn't attend his service. He so loved his family. He will be missed. RIP my friend.
Jennifer Geer
John Young
November 12, 2018
Hoped to get the services. Fires in LA detours us. Long, long ago, when I was young, we had some adventures. I, a starting writer, he directing. Many lessons learned, some intensity, and minor mayhem, that in retrospect has only become rich with largely appreciation. I am grateful. Sorry to have not seen him in decades, and hope his last 28 years in Palm Sorings were blessed.
John Sacret Young
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