Hollywood doesn’t have its own government, but because of its special status as the movie capital of the world, it does have an honorary mayor. And that is Johnny Grant, who’s held the job for decades. .
Grant is a radio personality and TV producer, who gained fame for the way he covered the murder trial of Irby Holmes. He was the first to give periodic live reports of the trial, after he managed to persuade the judge to let him stay by the doorway. Until then, no live microphone was ever permitted in a courtroom.
The defendant was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. But the part-time preacher begged the judge to deliver one last sermon. No go—but he was allowed to write it, and Grant later read that on air. Grant also hosted the first national telethon, and appeared in a few films. He won the Emmy Award twice.
Grant was chosen as Mayor, however, for his strong community involvement: he was a National Guard volunteer (receiving the Order of California twice), and has chaired the Fire Commission, Social Service Commission, and Police Commission.
Originally posted on November 9, 2007 @ 4:29 pm