Lloyd Rigler
Lloyd E. Rigler | |
---|---|
Born | Lloyd Eugene Rigler May 3, 1915 |
Died | December 7, 2003 | (aged 88)
Alma mater | University of Illinois |
Occupation(s) | Businessman Philanthropist |
Lloyd Eugene Rigler (May 3, 1915 – December 7, 2003)[1][2] was an American businessman and philanthropist. As a businessman, he and a partner, Lawrence E. Deutsch, made Adolph's Meat Tenderizer a national brand.[3] One of his notable philanthropic efforts was the establishment, in 1994, of the Classic Arts Showcase, a free, non-commercial television channel promoting the fine arts.
Early life and education
Rigler was born in Lehr, North Dakota,[4] to Frank and Jeannette Rigler,[5] who ran a general store serving the farming community in the town of Wishek, North Dakota where the family lived.[2] He had five siblings.[6]
As a young man, he moved to live with relatives in Chicago, Illinois, and worked to save money to attend the University of Illinois, from which he graduated in 1939.[2]
Career
After graduating from college, Rigler moved to New York City and got a job in sales. During the 1940 World's Fair, he sold RC TVs. In 1942 during World War II, Rigler signed up for the U.S. Navy,[6] but due to the fact that he couldn't see well with his left eye, spent the war in San Pedro, California instead of overseas.[7]
Lawrence E. Deutsch and Rigler met when Rigler worked in the food business and leased space from Deutsch. They went into business together in the mid-1940s.[6]
In 1948, he and Deutsch, who died 1977,[8] bought the Adolph's recipe and name from Adolph Rempp, a chef and restaurant owner in Santa Barbara, California. Later Adolph's was bought by Unilever.[2][9]
After the sale of their company, Deutsch and Rigler formed the Ledler Corporation, a venture capital firm.[7]
Philanthropy
When Rigler's partner, Deutsch, died in 1977, Rigler formed the philanthropic foundation called Lloyd E. Rigler–Lawrence E. Deutsch Foundation.
In May 1994, Rigler founded Classic Arts Showcase,[7] which was based on the idea that for people who didn't have the money to see art and culture live, this television channel would provide a 24/7 experience for free. Prior to his death, he had funded the program to operate through at least 2022.[2][6] The signal of Classic Arts Showcase is not scrambled, so there is no authentication / access restriction. There are also no commercials.[7]
In 1999, Rigler founded American Association of Single People, which was focused on political rights for single people.[6]
Other philanthropic efforts:[6]
- 1980s: Joffrey Ballet – when it was located at the Los Angeles Music Center
- 1990s: Egyptian Theatre – restoration
- American Cinematheque, Hollywood theaters
- Los Angeles Music Center – Founding Donor
- New York City Opera: Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors
Death
Rigler died at his home in Los Angeles, California,[2] of cancer.[6]
See also
References
- ^ "Lloyd E Rigler – United States Social Security Death Index". FamilySearch. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f Saxon, Wolfgang (13 December 2003). "Lloyd E. Rigler, 88, Industrialist and Backer Of a Variety of Arts Groups Across the U.S." The New York Times. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
- ^ Variety Staff (1 January 2004). "Lloyd E. Rigler". Variety. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
- ^ "Loyd Rigler – North Dakota Census, 1925". FamilySearch. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
- ^ "North Dakota Census, 1925, McIntosh". FamilySearch. State Historical Society of North Dakota. p. 157. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g Rourke, Mary (12 December 2003). "Obituaries Lloyd E. Rigler, 88; He Made Fortune on Meat Tenderizer". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
- ^ a b c d Isenberg, Barbara (16 July 1995). "Performing Arts: A Satellite to Save the Arts : Lloyd Rigler decided to use his fortune to spread culture all over the hemisphere, 24 hours a day, for free. But can 'Madama Butterfly' and Astaire really compete with R.E.M. and Madonna?". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
- ^ "Lawrence E Deutsch – California Death Index". FamilySearch. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
- ^ "Lloyd E. Rigler's Vision". Classic Arts Showcase. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
External links
- Activists from California
- American company founders
- American food industry businesspeople
- American manufacturing businesspeople
- American nonprofit executives
- Businesspeople from Chicago
- Businesspeople from Los Angeles
- Businesspeople from North Dakota
- 20th-century American businesspeople
- Philanthropists from California
- 1915 births
- 2003 deaths
- People from Logan County, North Dakota
- People from McIntosh County, North Dakota
- Businesspeople from California
- University of Illinois alumni