Yesterday I wrote of the passing of Jewish actor and comedian Jerry Stiller. Since then, I have become aware of more and more stories about him, which show the type of person he was.
Those who knew Jerry well adored him
https://www.instagram.com/p/CADWK-hAopj/
He seemed to touch everyone he came in to contact with, with many stories coming out about his menschy behavior.
Comedian Dana Gould:
https://twitter.com/danagould/status/1259911066982559744
I kept saying to him, “Jerry, you have a beautiful, comfortable seat up there. You don’t have to stay back here with me.”
He just looked at me and said, “Who the hell am I gonna talk to up there?”
— Dana Gould (@danagould) May 11, 2020
Journalist Nick Hershon:
The plan was just to park near the Costanza house and take a few photos outside to accompany my story.
But when we got there, Jerry Stiller said he wanted to ring the bell and see if anyone was home.
Luckily, videographer Julia Xanthos was there to capture what happened. pic.twitter.com/xi6XyLZ93X
— Nick Hirshon (@nickhirshon) May 11, 2020
Fun fact: The family of Bessie and Jack Lopipero, who lived in the Costanza home, stayed in touch after this story. Bessie even knitted a scarf for me! pic.twitter.com/hej3lGp32e
— Nick Hirshon (@nickhirshon) May 11, 2020
After we left the Lopipero house, I knew I’d experienced something I’d never forget. pic.twitter.com/ua5FOZT6e8
— Nick Hirshon (@nickhirshon) May 11, 2020
We took one last photo outside. Catch Bessie in the window! pic.twitter.com/X60JQYitkO
— Nick Hirshon (@nickhirshon) May 11, 2020
But our story didn’t end there. Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara sent me Festivus cards every year! pic.twitter.com/0Tho0Lzvoz
— Nick Hirshon (@nickhirshon) May 11, 2020
And when I left the Daily News, I received a phone call from an old source. Jerry Stiller said he heard I’d accepted another job, and he wanted to wish me well. What a classy man.
— Nick Hirshon (@nickhirshon) May 11, 2020
Reporter Ginger Adam Otis:
Steven Saito:
Rob Forbes:
Shai Davis:
When I was about 14, I held the bus for an older gentleman I saw hustling to catch it. The M5 never showed up when you needed it.
Out of breath, his eyes go up to my kippah, and then back to me. He yells, so the whole bus can hear, “What a mensch!”
As I sit down behind him, I realize I’ve just been publicly complimented by Jerry Stiller.
What a mensch, indeed.
Jerry, you epitomized the idea of being a “light unto the nations.”
May your memory forever be a blessing.
