In loving Memory of Gil Schwartz
Michael Schwartz's parents did a smart thing when he was born. They told Michael's two-year-old brother, Gil, that he, with typical hearing, had an important role to play in Michael's upbringing as a Deaf child in an aural/oral world. Gil, who died in his sleep in his home in Los Angeles last month, rose to the challenge and more. Encouraged by their parents, Gil spoke clearly to Michael, articulating his words crisply. Under his brother's wing, Michael thrived and strove to emulate Gil who had a complete skill set - musician, actor, writer and social critic. Having an extraordinary brother enabled Michael to pursue his dreams. At the heart of this relationship is the importance of a strong family unit to a child, particularly a child with a disability.
Transcript from CBS This Morning
Video name: Former CBS communications chief and author Gil Schwartz dead at 68
YouTube URL: https://youtu.be/zCkKd-osUa4
Newscaster: We are mourning the loss of one of our own. Long-time CBS communications chief, Gil Schwartz, a legend in this industry, died Saturday of natural causes. Schwartz retired as senior executive vice-president and chief communications officer at CBS Corporation in 2018. CBS said in a statement, “For the better part of three decades, Gil Schwartz led CBS communications with creative flair, craftsman-like expertise, and an abundance of personality.”
Schwartz was also known for his sharp wit and humor while working for years as a columnist and author under the pseudonym Stanley Bing. He wrote three novels and thirteen business books. In 2017, he spoke to us about how the idea of living forever inspired his most recent novel, Immortal Life: A Soon to be True Story.
Gil Schwartz: I’m not as young as I used to be and I would like to live forever. And I think a lot of people when they get to the age, you could be 40 and suddenly realize…wow, you know what? It would be really nice to extend my life.
Newscaster: Gil Schwartz is survived by his wife, Laura, four kids and step-kids, and grandchildren. He was 68 years old.
This was a real shock Gail I have to say. At 68 years young we should say and he was talking about immortality right there. And Gil was a real renaissance man. He was a poet, a playwright, an actor, he did improv, I mean a really extraordinary guy.
Gail: All of the above. I spent time with him. You know he’s been on our show a couple of times. He had a unique sense of humor. He used to watch us all the time and always had lots to say.
