John Hamilton, Jr. Passes Away

Above, Jacqueline and John Hamilton, Jr. chat with Jack Larson at the
Superman Celebration luncheon in 2014. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After a nice drive, I've arrived home from Albuquerque about 20 minutes ago. I only made one stop, and that was at the local "Scottish restaurant" (i.e., McDonalds) in Grants for breakfast.

Unfortunately, I was greeted by some sad news that was posted by Jim Nolt:

Janet Hamilton wrote to me this morning that John passed away after a long and painful battle with cancer. She said again that she, Jacqueline, and John were so happy to attend the luncheon in 2014 and were astounded at the outpouring of affection for John's dad and the "Adventures of Superman." They had no idea that so many people cared. I sent our condolences to Janet and Jacqueline.

It was at the 2014 Superman celebration (consisting of the Tarzana plaque dedication and the luncheon at the Beverly Garland Hotel in Studio City) that Mr. Hamilton (his father, John Hamilton, Sr., was Perry White in the Adventures of Superman) had an enjoyable reunion with Jack Larson. It was the first time John and Jack saw each other in decades.

My condolences to Janet and Jacqueline Hamilton for their loss.

The Superman Luncheon At The Beverly Garland Hotel

Above, Jack Larson talks with Jacqueline and John Hamilton, Jr.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Another event took place on Saturday following the Adventures of Superman plaque dedication. A luncheon was held at the Beverly Garland Hotel in North Hollywood to celebrate the show and honor George Reeves, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster for their 100th birthdays this year.

Above, screenwriter (Hollywoodland) Paul Bernbaum and Armand in the hotel bar.

The luncheon was attended by 200 fans and celebrities. They included actor Jack Larson, actresses Ruta Lee, Beverly Washburn and Stephanie Shayne Parkin and actor/stuntman/wrestler Gene LeBell. I sat with LeBell during the luncheon and we talked about my dad's meeting George Reeves at a Los Angeles area gym where Reeves practiced judo and my dad boxed. I can see why George Reeves liked LeBell, he's quite a character!

Above, Gene LeBell and Armand.

Before the luncheon, I talked with Hollywoodland screenwriter Paul Bernbaum in the hotel bar. It was a good and lively conversation and we were joined by Don Rhoden, who started The Adventures Continue fan magazine.

Above, Gary Grossman chatting with Jack Larson. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The luncheon was an enjoyable event. Each attendee was given a commemorative coin that included the images of Reeves and Siegel & Shuster.

Above, the video greetings by Alejandro Vacio. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Speakers included Beverly Washburn, Laura Siegel Larson, Ruta Lee, Brian McKernan, Paul Bernbaum, Jim Beaver, a video greeting by Alejandro Vacio (whose father was George Reeves's best friend, Natividad Vacio), Stephanie Shayne Parkin, Edward Lozzi, Larry Ward, Bruce Dettman and Gene LeBell. The program ended with video clips of some of the best scenes of Jack Larson and John Hamilton.  Following the video, Jack Larson addressed the luncheon.

Above, Jack Larson talking with Ted Newsom and Jim Beaver. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The luncheon was also attended by John Hamilton, Jr., his wife and daughter. This was the first time Jack Larson has seen John Hamilton, Jr. since 1958. The Hamiltons seemed to enjoy the program.

Above, some of the displays of Superman and George Reeves memorabilia. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Actress Ruta Lee spoke of the Superman episode she appeared in. She appeared as a teen dancer in the 1953 episode, "My Friend Superman."

Above, actress Ruta Lee. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Actor Jim Beaver spoke on what George Reeves has meant to him over the years.

Above, actor/author Jim Beaver. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Screenwriter Paul Bernbaum spoke of the making of Hollywoodland and of his disappointment that the movie didn't show George Reeves's benevolent side, although that was in the original script.

Above, screenwriter Paul Bernbaum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Stephanie Shayne Parkin spoke of her father's role as Inspector Henderson and what it was like to visit Disneyland when one of her parents was a big celebrity.

Above, Stephanie Shayne Parkin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Edward Lozzi spoke of his life living at the estate of Toni Mannix and brought along a brochure that Toni Mannix helped design for George Reeves.

Above, Edward Lozzi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Wrestler/stuntman/actor Gene LeBell spoke on his friendship with George Reeves.

Above, Gene LeBell. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Biographer Larry Ward spoke of the current life of Noel Neil, who now lives in an Arizona assisted-living home at age 93.

Above, Larry Ward. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Actress Beverly Washburn spoke on working with George Reeves twice during her career.

Above, Beverly Washburn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Laura Siegel Larson spoke on what Superman has meant to pop culture, her father's enjoyment in writing on the Bizarro World in the early 1960s for DC Comics and of her father's influence on her writing.

Above, Laura Siegel Larson. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Jack Larson spoke on his work as Jimmy Olsen on the show and what it was like to have to adjust to becoming famous virtually overnight in New York once the show began airing on television.

Above, Jack Larson. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The luncheon also included displays of Superman and George Reeves memorabilia.