Biographies

Jerry Brown Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown Jr. is an American politician who served two nonconsecutive periods as Governor of California, held several statewide offices, was Oakland's mayor, and ran…

Jerry Bruckheimer: American film and television producer Jerry Bruckheimer Overview of Jerry Bruckheimer’s career, signature producing style, major films and TV series, business partnerships, commercial impact and legacy in Hollywood.

Jerry Buchek — American Major League Baseball infielder (1942–2019) Jerry Buchek Jerry Buchek was an American professional baseball infielder who appeared in parts of seven MLB seasons in the 1960s with the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets.

Jerry Buss American businessman, real estate investor and longtime owner of the Los Angeles Lakers who reshaped sports entertainment and guided the franchise through the 'Showtime' era.

Jerry Butler: Soul Singer, Songwriter, Broadcaster and Public Servant Jerry Butler Overview of Jerry "Iceman" Butler — singer-songwriter and original lead of The Impressions, his solo career, broadcasting work, and long tenure as a Cook County commissioner.

Jerry Casale (1933–2019) Jerry Casale American professional baseball pitcher who worked as a starter in Major League Baseball from 1958 to 1962, appearing for the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Detroit Tigers.

Jerry Clack (1926–2019) — American Classical Scholar and Civic Leader Jerry Clack Jerry Clack (1926–2019) was an American professor of classical languages, a longtime Duquesne University faculty member and a civic leader active in arts and global citizenship cau…

Jerry Coleman: Yankee Second Baseman, Marine Aviator, Longtime Broadcaster Jerry Coleman Gerald F. "Jerry" Coleman (1924–2014) was an American Major League second baseman for the New York Yankees, a U.S. Marine Corps aviator who served in WWII and Korea, and a celebrat…

Jerry Collins Jerry Collins (1980–2015) was a New Zealand rugby union loose forward who represented the All Blacks and played professionally in New Zealand, Europe and Japan. He was known for hi…

Jerry Colonna Jerry Colonna (1904–1986) was an Italian-American comedian, singer and actor best known as Bob Hope’s boisterous radio sidekick, noted for a flamboyant handlebar mustache and wide-…

Jerry Dempsey (1933–2015) — Minnesota educator, businessman, and legislator Jerry Dempsey Jerome R. "Jerry" Dempsey was an American educator, banker and Republican member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1993 to 2006. He served in the U.S. Army and lived i…

Jerry Douglas: American Dobro Player and Influential Session Musician Jerry Douglas Jerry Douglas is a Grammy-winning American resonator guitar (dobro) player, producer, and collaborator known for shaping modern bluegrass and acoustic music across genres.

Jerry Doyle: radio host, political commentator and actor Jerry Doyle Jerry Doyle (1956–2016) was an American talk radio host, right‑libertarian commentator, media entrepreneur and actor best known for The Jerry Doyle Show and his role as Michael Gar…

Jerry Falwell: American pastor, televangelist, and conservative organizer Jerry Falwell Overview of Jerry Falwell (1933–2007): his ministry, founding of Liberty University, role in the Moral Majority, political influence, controversies, and institutional legacy.

Jerry Fodor: philosopher of mind and theorist of mental representation Jerry Fodor Overview of Jerry Fodor's life, key ideas (language of thought, modularity), major works, debates with cognitive science, criticisms, personal life and legacy.

Jerry G. Melvin (1929–2020), Florida lawyer and state legislator Jerry G. Melvin American lawyer and Republican state legislator from Florida who served multiple non-consecutive terms in the Florida House of Representatives between 1968 and 2005. Born in Bonifa…

Jerry Garcia: Life, music, and legacy of the Grateful Dead's lead guitarist Jerry Garcia Jerry Garcia (1942–1995), American guitarist and singer-songwriter, co‑founder and longtime leader of the Grateful Dead; influential improviser, songwriter, and central figure in 1…

Jerry Goldsmith: Life, Music, and Film Scores Jerry Goldsmith Comprehensive overview of Jerry Goldsmith, the American film and television composer, his career, style, major works, awards, and lasting influence on cinematic music.

Jerry González: Latin Jazz Trumpeter and Bandleader Jerry González American trumpeter, percussionist and bandleader of Puerto Rican descent who helped shape late‑20th‑century Latin jazz; co-led The Fort Apache Band and later fused flamenco with Af…

Jerry Hall Jerry Hall (born 1956) is an American model and actress known for a high-profile modeling career, film and stage appearances, and public relationships with Mick Jagger and Rupert M…

Jerry Heller American music manager and businessman best known for managing N.W.A and Eazy-E; a key figure in the rise of West Coast gangsta rap and a controversial presence in hip hop business…

Jerry Herman: American Broadway Composer and Lyricist Jerry Herman Overview of Jerry Herman, the American composer-lyricist best known for Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage aux Folles, his style, career highlights, personal life, and legacy.

Jerry Hopkins: American journalist, author and early rock biographer Jerry Hopkins Profile of Jerry Hopkins, the American journalist and author best known for early biographies of Elvis Presley and Jim Morrison, his work with Rolling Stone, television production,…

Jerry Hsu — American Skateboarder and Visual Artist Jerry Hsu Jerry Hsu (born December 17, 1981) is an American professional skateboarder from San Jose, California, known for his work with Enjoi, Tilt Mode Army, and acclaimed video parts such…

Jerry Jones (owner and executive of the Dallas Cowboys) Jerry Jones American businessman and football executive who has owned, managed and reshaped the Dallas Cowboys since 1989; former college player and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.

Jerry Kindall — American major leaguer and longtime college baseball coach Jerry Kindall Overview of Gerald D. "Jerry" Kindall: his MLB playing career (1956–1965), long tenure as head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, coaching style, contributions to college baseball, and…

Jerry Kleczka (1943–2017) Jerry Kleczka American politician and accountant from Milwaukee who represented Wisconsin's 4th congressional district in the U.S. House from 1984 to 2005. Known for constituent service and a ba…

Jerry Lawler American professional wrestler and commentator known as "The King," prominent in Memphis wrestling and a long‑time national wrestling broadcaster and personality.

Jerry Lee Lewis American singer-pianist (1935–2022) noted for fiery piano-based rock and roll, hits like "Great Balls of Fire," a controversial personal life, later country success, and Hall of Fa…

Jerry Lewis (1926–2017) — Comedian, Filmmaker, Philanthropist Jerry Lewis American entertainer Jerry Lewis was a major comic performer, film director and long-time fundraiser for muscular dystrophy; known for Martin & Lewis, The Nutty Professor, technica…

Jerry Maren — American actor and last surviving Munchkin of The Wizard of Oz Jerry Maren Jerry Maren (Gerard Marenghi, 1920–2018) was an American actor and writer best known as a Munchkin performer in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. He remained a public representative…

Jerry Mathers American actor and writer best known as Beaver Cleaver on Leave It to Beaver; later a college graduate, radio DJ, author, and public figure who has spoken about living with Type 2…

Jerry Moran: U.S. Senator from Kansas and Longtime Republican Legislator Jerry Moran Profile of Gerald W. "Jerry" Moran (born 1954), a Republican politician who represented Kansas in the U.S. House (1997–2011) and has served as a U.S. Senator since 2011.

Jerry Nadler — U.S. Representative from New York and Former House Judiciary Chair Jerry Nadler Jerry Nadler, U.S. Representative from New York since 1992 and former House Judiciary Committee chair (2019–2023), senior Democratic lawmaker focused on legal and constitutional is…

Jerry Nelson: American puppeteer and long-time Muppet performer Jerry Nelson Summary of Jerry L. Nelson (1934–2012), his career with Jim Henson's ensembles, signature characters, technique, later life and legacy in puppetry and children's television.

Jerry Orbach American actor and singer (1935–2004) known for Broadway work, film and voice roles, and as Detective Lennie Briscoe on Law & Order.

Jerry Parr: Secret Service agent who protected President Reagan Jerry Parr Biography of Jerry Parr, a longtime U.S. Secret Service agent best known for his role during the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan and his subsequent legacy.

Jerry Perenchio — American media executive and philanthropist Jerry Perenchio Arnold Jerrold “Jerry” Perenchio (1930–2017) was an American businessman who led Univision, invested in media and arts, and gave major philanthropic support to Los Angeles institut…

Jerry Pournelle Jerry Pournelle (1933–2017) was an American science fiction author, essayist and journalist, noted for military and hard SF, collaborations with Larry Niven, and his long-running '…

Jerry Rawlings: Ghanaian military leader and president Jerry Rawlings Overview of Jerry John Rawlings (1947–2020), his rise as a military officer, role in Ghanaian politics, presidency of the Fourth Republic, key policies, controversies and legacy.

Jerry Reed: Country Musician, Guitar Innovator and Actor Jerry Reed Jerry Reed (1937–2008) was an American country singer, guitarist, songwriter and actor known for hits like “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot” and roles in Smokey and the Bandit and The…

Jerry Rice: American NFL Wide Receiver and Record-Setting Career Jerry Rice Jerry Rice is an American former NFL wide receiver, celebrated for his work ethic, longevity, championship success, and numerous career receiving records.

Jerry Roberts British businessman and Bletchley Park codebreaker who helped break the German Tunny cipher during World War II.

Jerry Robinson: cartoonist and early Batman contributor Jerry Robinson American comic-book artist and writer known for early design work on Batman characters, editorial cartoons, and advocacy for creators' rights; active from the Golden Age of comics…

Jerry Rook — Arkansas State basketball standout and ABA player Jerry Rook Jerry Rook (1943–2019) was a celebrated Arkansas State college basketball player who later played professionally for the ABA's New Orleans Buccaneers. He is remembered in Jonesboro…

Jerry Seinfeld American stand-up comedian, writer and actor best known for creating and starring in the sitcom Seinfeld, his observational comedy, Bee Movie, and the series Comedians in Cars Gett…

Jerry Sheindlin American jurist, author and television personality; former New York State Supreme Court justice and brief presiding judge on The People's Court. Author of books on forensic and DNA…

Jerry Siegel — Co-creator of Superman and American comic-book writer Jerry Siegel Jerry Siegel (1914–1996) was an American comic-book writer and co-creator of Superman. His work shaped the superhero genre; he collaborated with Joe Shuster and later engaged in lo…