We mourn the loss of the legendary J.C. Suares, who helped design 80 Washington Life covers over the past decade B Y G E R R Y B Y R N E , E X E C U T I V E C H A I R M A N , WA S H I N G TO N L I F E
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e met in 1989 when I was the newly I left Variety in 2000 to acquire Stagebill, installed publisher of Variety, the bible the publication that served performing arts of the entertainment business. The bible was centers throughout the U.S. My artistic in need of some fixing and good fortune led director and designer was none other than us to hire Peter Bart, the renowned Wall Street J.C. We later added Avenue to the fold. Again, Journal editor and New York Times journalist more J.C. I then had the good fortune to meet who went on to run both the Paramount and Washington Life’s dedicated owners, Soroush Lorimar studios. J.C. Suares came to Variety Shehabi and Nancy Bagley. Whom did I via Peter to revitalize the publication … to suggest be part of WL’s future? J.C. of course, bring new energy, irreverence, vitality and who went on to help guide the design 80 of an illustrated voice that would transition and the magazine’s covers in addition to helping transform this magical brand for a new life, set a design path that has been a continual hopefully, in global Hollywood’s fast lane. The influence on this journal. success was unparalleled. Peter and J.C. made it Countless stories about his talents could WASHINGTON LIFE CREATIVE DIRECTOR] - happen. The brand soared. be mentioned, but I add only one more And I found myself with new Best Friends. J.C.’s beautiful because for J.C. it was a labor of love. Post-9/11, as part of Tribeca wife, Nina Duran, an accomplished artist and marathoner who Enterprises, I helped organize a special “thank you” trip to Iraq, so wonderfully complemented him, was the bonus. They were a Project Salute, to thank our troops in the field. MTV, Vanity Fair, renaissance pair and it was always great to be around them. J.C. was the USO, the NBA and the Intrepid Museum were our partners. brilliant and loved unchartered waters. He went down artistic and Robert De Niro, Kid Rock and Wayne Newton were among the creative alleyways most mortals could hardly fathom. He was fun, entertainers who were part of this very memorable mission. How resourceful, experienced, accomplished and, considering his extensive do you thank a crew like that for their most appreciated generosity credits, also very modest. This was particularly the case when it came of time and talent? You guessed it. With a beautifully designed to one of the most important parts of his life: his time as an Army Project Salute poster created by my very dedicated fellow veteran, paratrooper with service in Vietnam. J.C. Suares. After we got to know each other better personally, J.C. asked me Semper Fi, J.C. We miss you. We love you. about my own background and how I got to be the publisher of Variety. Gerry Byrne is also vice chairman of The Penske Media Corporation, Hardly able to match his extraordinary C.V., I gave him my quick bio then added that I had a few years as a Marine officer, also with a tour in owners of Variety, Deadline Hollywood, Hollywood Life and The Style Awards. Vietnam. He offered a knowing smile asking when and where. That did He serves on the boards of the Intrepid Museum Foundation and Fisher Houses and is senior advisor to Veterans Advantage. He is also the chairman and founder it. Few words were spoken but a bond was solidified that remained at of Veterans Week NYC. the core of our relationship.
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November 2008
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