Larry Geller

This sandbox is in the article namespace. Either move this page into your userspace, or remove the {{User sandbox}} template. Larry Geller (born August 8, 1939) celebrity hairstylist, author, and creator and Chairman of Larry Geller Organics Ltd. Geller is best known for his long association with Elvis Presley, beginning in 1964, as his personal hairstylist, friend and confidant.

Early life and family

Born in Elmira, New York, Geller was the eldest of three children born to musician and retail store owner Bernard Geller ( 1910-1994 ), and Annabelle Cherry (1912- 2000). Geller has two younger identical twin sisters. The family moved to Los Angeles, California in 1947.

After graduating from Fairfax High School in 1957, Geller studied briefly at Los Angeles City College before deciding to pursue a career as a professional hair stylist. He studied at and graduated from the Hollywood School of Cosmetology, obtaining his California State Cosmetology License in 1959.

Geller was married to Stephanie Wolfberg, with whom he had three children, from 1963-1972. From 1974-1981 he was married to the late Celeste Werner. He and his wife Shira have been married since December, 1995.

Career

Geller’s career began when he joined forces with famed hairdresser Jay Sebring, opening the first men’s hair styling salon in America in 1959. At a time when men went to traditional barber shops for a buzz cut or other cookie-cutter style on their dry, often dirty hair, Geller and Sebring created a revolutionary new experience. They shampooed the hair first, and then styled the cut to suit the individual’s features, hair qualities and age. Overnight the fame and reputation of their salon, Sebring International, attracted Hollywood’s A-list. Motion picture stars, TV and recording artists such as Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman, Sammy Davis, Jr., Kirk Douglas, Marlon Brando, Peter Sellers, Steve McQueen. Henry Fonda, Robert Wagner, Glen Campbell, James Garner, Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, Rock Hudson, Roy Orbison, Sam Cooke, Jackie Gleason were just a few of their illustrious clientele. Geller worked privately with actor Peter Sellers for the movie “I Love You Alice B. Toklas!” in 1968. He also managed a European tour for singer Johnny Rivers in 1973. Geller was spokesperson 1983-1986 for Svenson International, hair clinic based in London with salons around the world.

Personal hairstylist to Elvis Presley

Beginning in 1964, Geller alternated between traveling with Elvis and living with him at Graceland. Their relationship went far deeper than hairstylist and client. Geller was Elvis’ confidant and friend. He brought into Elvis’ life books and ideas that they shared in countless intimate conversations over the course of their many years together.

Geller styled Elvis’ hair for nearly a dozen movies: “Roustabout,” “Girl Happy,” “Double Trouble,” “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “Frankie and Johnny,” “Harum Scarum,” “Paradise, Hawaiian Style,”“Tickle Me,” “Clambake” and “Spinout.” He groomed and styled Elvis’ hair for countless personal appearances, hundreds of concert engagements, multiple Las Vegas appearances and his last TV special “Elvis in Concert” (filmed only weeks before his death). Geller prepared Elvis’ hair for the last time for his funeral in August, 1977.

Awards

The Southern California Motion Picture Council – Golden Halo Lifetime Achievement Award, 2014. Recognition of Geller’s body of work as motion picture hairstylist.

Media and public appearances

In addition to appearing in virtually every Elvis book written over the years, Geller is prominently featured in several major books published in the last several years, including Private Dreams of Public People by Lauren Lawrence, The Colonel by Alanna Nash, Elvis Presley: The Man, The Life, The Legend by Pamela Keogh, Elvis By The Presleys by Priscilla Presley & Lisa Marie Presley, and many others

Over the years Geller has appeared in Memphis and in Hawaii at venues for Elvis Presley Enterprises, fan clubs and other gatherings. Fan clubs throughout Europe have invited him to visit; some of his tours have brought him to Germany, Denmark, Belgium, The Netherlands and the UK.

Geller’s media appearances over the years have included Larry King, Regis Philbin and “Entertainment Tonight,” as well as numerous interviews including E Channel, CNN, BBC, and international radio and television networks. He has also been interviewed by print and Internet outlets throughout the world, and has been featured in many documentaries in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Current business venture

Geller is developing products for a holistic hair care system to be marketed under the name Larry Geller Organics. In association with Bernard Corcos, international entrepreneur and attorney, and Kim Stulmann, international marketing executive, Geller is looking forward to the introduction of his products in 2015.

Published books & other works

“New Age Voice” metaphysical/ health anthology (1972) The New Age Foundation
If I Can Dream by Larry Geller (1989) Simon & Schuster (ISBN 0671659227)
Elvis’ Search for God by Jess Stearn with Larry Geller (1998) Greenleaf Publications (ISBN 1883729076
Healthy Life, Great Looks, Healthy Hair by Larry Geller (2003) GellerCare Press (ISBN 0976435039)
Leaves of Elvis’ Garden by Larry Geller (2008) Bell Rock Publishing (ISBN 9780976435006)
“Elvis & Larry: A Journey Shared” DVD (2012) - Pan Pacific Productions

In popular culture

Played himself, also technical advisor in “Elvis” NBC movie 1979, with Kurt Russell
Portrayed by Robert C. Treveiler in “Elvis” mini-series 2005, with Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Portrayed in “Elvis and the Colonel: The Untold Story” Dick Clark Productions, TV movie 1993

External links