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Sam PERLMUTTER Obituary
Sam's life story embodies the American Dream, having at its earliest beginnings a great odyssey. After his birth, on August 2, 1938, and following his father's release from a coerced work camp, one-year-old Sam, his five-year older brother, Jona, and their parents fled Nazi Germany.
Forced to quickly abandon their successful textile manufacturing plant in Berlin, Sam's parents, Herman and Esther Perlmutter along with their two sons escaped, in a fraught passage, the persecution being meted out to German Jews which culminated with the Holocaust.
Gates slamming at their heels, the Perlmutters fled Europe, ultimately landing in Southern California where the senior Perlmutter built a small but prosperous business from scratch in East Los Angeles. His sons became successful in their own right, Sam as an attorney and Jona as an M.D. psychiatrist.
After graduating from Montebello High School in 1956, Sam attended USC where he was a member of the ZBT fraternity, a student body yell leader and active in student affairs. He went on to law school at USC and joined the firm of Morgan, Wenzel & McNicholas, where after a brief tenure he departed to form his own firm, where he practiced law for more than a half century until his fatal illness.
Sam's business career was highlighted by his representation of many in the entertainment industry as well as his most successful venture, The George Foreman Grill.
Sam was pre-deceased by Adam Perlmutter, oldest son of Sam and Maureen who passed away at the age of forty-five in Los Angeles in 2009. Sam is survived by his daughter, Amy, son-in-law Pete Rosenberg and their children Jason and Elle, as well as son, Ben, daughter-in-law Liliana and grandson Nathan. Special praise goes to Sam's long-time, loving friend, Denise Somerville, and his mentor/care-giver Becky Salazar.
Services will be held at The Home of Peace, 4334 Whittier Blvd. in East Los Angeles on Sunday, September 29, at 12 noon with a celebration of Sam's life to follow at the family home in Hancock Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sam PERLMUTTER
Lyle Trachtenberg
May 1, 2025
Just saw this now.
Always found Sam to be a true mench dealing with me and the IATSE
Lyle Trachtenberg
Brett Dayne
January 12, 2025
Sam was such a giving and kind individual. We once had a business venture for a new television talk show that we were working on, and he was our legal counsel, but because we were out of state he would invite us to stay at his home for occasional visits. We once took him to go play golf and stayed at his Palm Springs residence. I remember going to Dave´s Hot Chicken together when it first opened to brave the long lines. I would play his piano on my brief stays. My fondest memories were helping hand out candy one Halloween, and we watched the Academy Awards together one year when one of his friends was receiving an award. I remember a funny moment where he had myself and my two partners walk up to his back office and he was dressed in a white suit, and I laughingly told him I felt like I was coming up to meet God, and we all laughed. Although the belated news of his passing was sad, I am so happy I got to know him. Such a kind man with a good heart. My deepest sympathies to his family for their loss.
Roma Newton
January 12, 2025
Sam was an incredible friend, full of warmth and wisdom. He shared so much of his brilliance and countless unforgettable stories with me. He truly was a legend. RIP, my dear friend.
Sheila Kennedy
January 1, 2025
I met Sam through another great lawyer who was his friend Tim McCool, Sam became my Entertainment Lawyer and Friend the last time I spoke to Sam he said I´m sending you
a pic he sent me a photo of his grandson Nathan, I had know idea it would be the last time
I would speak to him and receive a texted message from
Sam I just found out today 1/1/25 heartbreaking
I know Sam´s out of pain in a better place RIP my friend
Bob Debrino
December 15, 2024
I never got a chance to send or comment on this special individual Sam Perlmutter
Not only was he one of the greatest and iconic entertainment attorneys and Producers
He was also a great friend to me and super supportive
He would always be thier for me when things were at the worst !
Super unusual for a Hollywood lawyer and a friend in the business
There will never be anyone like sam. His positive influence in the entertainment business will go on for as long as this planet will be here !!! I still feel his presence and I´m sure a lot of his friends also feel the same
His great influence he left behind --was for all of us to keep going And never never give up.
I can´t say goodbye because I don´t feel like you you´re gone. So many places and great memories will live on.
You´re the best.
Bobby Debrino
Debbie Bishop
December 14, 2024
Love to the family.
Debbie Bishop
December 14, 2024
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. Sam was very proud of you. You were mentioned in every conversation. He beamed when talking about you.
Sam was wonderful. Brilliant. Kind. A great friend. Loved.
Love to you.
Debbie
Jose almaraz
November 23, 2024
I'm sorry for the loss of your father amy I can't believe it happened
I went to see him a few months ago
My condolences to all of you
Jose almaraz
Used to work at Girasole restaurant
Bob Debrino
November 2, 2024
Sam was with the biz he loved right till the end -He had such a great positive attitude and would always extend himself to help another person like myself I will miss sam who was not only my business associate but my really good and sincere friend
His influence and accomplishments will be around as long as life.......goodbye my friend God bless you I know when you get settled in up their
We will in some way hear from you.
Kevin Finn
October 5, 2024
Memories of USC basketball games, golfing in Palm Springs and always getting good advice. Sam is a good hearted person and he will be missed.....
Peter Rainer
October 5, 2024
Many happy memories of Sam, his parties, his phone chats, his enthusiasm for all things legal and cinematic. RIP.
Cheryl Jimerson
September 30, 2024
I would like to offer my sincere condolences, and please know that God will comfort you and your family throughout this difficult time (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17).
Preska Thomas
September 29, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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