I have been preoccupied with the passing of a longtime friend of mine. Jac Venza lived a long and creative life as a producer at WNET. He brought an incredible gift to audiences: live theatre, music and dance to early television and beyond. The programs are now classics like Great Performances, American Masters and Dance In America.
He began his career at CBS Television as an art director. He worked with Don Hewitt and a man in exile who escaped from Nazi Germany named Leo Kerz, my first husband.
I met Jac when Al Hirschfeld’s London friend, director Frith Banbury was visiting New York. He was the house guest of Jac’s, who lived several blocks from our town house on 95th Street. Our convivial evening turned into a wonderful lifelong relationship for all of us. Jac became a friend and frequently attended our dinners. As a retirement gift from WNET, he sat for a portrait.
Jac’s role as producer in both New York and London brought American and English theater to audiences looking for classic culture. He had the Ziegfield touch, and with impeccable taste and the backing of philanthropists like Roz Walters, Dorothy & Lewis Cullman, and Larry Condon, he made television history. His staff and creative teams were of the highest order.
I shall miss him and our stimulating discussions about the cultural world and it’s changes over the years. He used to complement me on various unusual facts. “I can count on you to knowing the name of Tolstoy’s wife.” Of course I would retort, “Sonya!” That led to a story of working with Balanchine for Dance In America.
His life over the years with his partner/spouse, Dan Routhier was a blessing in his retirement. I say Farewell and thanks for introducing me to Lewis Cullman, who became my last husband.
Goodnight Cupid.
With fond remembrance
Louise
Photo courtesy of Louise Hirschfeld. (l to r) Robert Whitehead, Louise Hirschfeld, unidentified woman, Al Hirschfeld, Zoe Caldwell, Jac Venza. 2000
