Hallowell, John McKey Gently died in his sleep on Christmas Day, 2014, at the Neville Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he had been living for the last few years. Born in 1942, John graduated from Harvard University summa cum laude in 1963. Shortly afterward John became an entertainment reporter for Life Magazine where he covered stories about both Hollywood and Broadway. John is the author of several books, fiction and non-fiction, all relating to his experiences with celebrities from the stage and screen. John is survived by his longtime companion Anne Allison; two brothers, Ben Hallowell and Dr. Ned Hallowell; his devoted sister-in-law Sue Hallowell; his cousin Jamie Hallowell; and many other relatives and friends he encountered during his colorful life. There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Christ Church in Cambridge, MA, on April 27th 2015.

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Published by Boston Globe from Dec. 29 to Dec. 31, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN HALLOWELL

11 Entries

Carl Rosenberg

January 7, 2024

John was an enormous teacher to me. I had him as a teacher when he was teaching English through Harvard Extension at the Harvard Medical School. To say he was encouraging would be an understatement. It is very sad to read that he has passed.

November 30, 2019

John gave me great encouragement with my writing . I was looking at his page after watching Credence Clearwater . I only heard of his illnesss when I was not living in Cambridge . A great loss , a special person.

Ashby Moncure

June 27, 2016

John my close.friend.and.mentor. I was.so.proud to send.You a copy of my first book. Rest in.peace.

Jonathan Byrne

March 19, 2016

John was a beloved and mentor to me during a very critical time during my youth. As John was a very powerful spirit it's quite symbolic that he passed in his sleep on Christmas morning. You will be so missed dear friend.

Love, John aka "Ariel"

Justin Goodstein

October 10, 2015

I met John later in his life - we became fast friends.

Visiting John was one of my favorite parts of the week, we would chat for hours about Andy, Gore Vidal and many of his other friends and memories of friends past. One of my fondest memories is when I would walk into his apartment and when I looked to the right - there it was, his throne, surrounded by neatly organized memories of the life of a fascinating man who had seen so much.

I never knew the young John, but I like to imagine what he was like during these years, especially when I would see the black and white photograph of him on the back of his book "The Truth Game."

I miss you, John and hope you may rest knowing I will always remember you - I think about you often.

Robert Flynn

July 12, 2015

John was a good friend. He shared his access to Harvard's graduation with me in 1978 so I could witness Alexander Solzhenitsyn's commencement address. We lost contact years ago. His passing leaves the world a bit diminished. Ave atque vale.

Ron Grennier

May 7, 2015

John just came up in conversation. And I was having such fun sharing stories of his class that for nostalgia I googled him. I feel like I've squandered my chance to know him better. Memories of him have always been such a substantive part of my life and I am so saddened to hear of his passing. I feel I've lost a dear friend. He was the sweetest man I've ever known. He taught me so much. I've never forgotten anything he taught me. And I never will, nor will I ever forget him. Your still with me John. If I'd known, I would have flown to Cambridge for your memorial. Love you.

Aimee Bellows

February 11, 2015

I was so very sorry to learn of John's death. I had seen him shortly before Christmas and he was his usual dear self--but seemed very tired. I was then out of town and missed learning about his passing until now. We met about five years ago and discovered that we were classmates at Harvard. This led to our going together to our 50th Reunion, an important occasion for both of us.
John told wonderful stories about his professional and personal relationships with famous actors, actresses, and writers, especially Angela Lansbury, Barbara Streisand, and Gore Vidal. His accounts were sensitive and caring although he didn't like everyone! He especially loved these three.
John was a warm presence in my life and taught me a great deal about how to bear infirmities gracefully. I will miss him and treasure my autographed copy of his book, "The Truth Game."

Sarah King

January 10, 2015

In the words of one of your favorites, John, I'll put a candle in the window...I will think of you often: every time I pass Simon's, whenever the indomitable Angela Lansbury is in the news, when I watch Gaslight for the one hundredth time...as long as I can see the light. You remain My Man Godfrey, SEK

December 31, 2014

John was a true and devoted friend to me for forty years. He held friendship to be his ultimate value in this life, and he practiced it exceedingly well. I learned from him, and feel his loss deeply. I am so grateful to have known him. My deepest condolences to his family and his beloved Anne.
--Stephen Rich Merriman

December 30, 2014

MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF MR HALLOWELL. PLEASE KNOW THAT GOD IS NEAR TO ALL OF US WHO HAVE LOST SOMEONE IN DEATH AND HE WILL STRENGTHEN YOU. PSALM 147:3.

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