UCP AffNet Entrance
Leonard H. Goldenson Exhibit Interview
August 22, 2006
 |
| Leonard & Isabelle Goldenson |
In the 1940s, there were few options for people with cerebral palsy or other disabilities and their families. Recognizing this, Leonard Goldenson, president of American Broadcasting Company (ABC), co-founded United Cerebral Palsy. Deemed "the man responsible for modern TV," Goldenson has a long resume of achievements as both a great broadcaster and philanthropist.
In celebration of a hundred years since Leonard Goldenson's birth, the Museum of Television & Radio will present Leonard H. Goldenson: The Gentleman Giant from August 23 to October 22, 2006, in Los Angeles. It will reopen at the Museum's New York City location from November 28 to December 31, 2006.
The exhibit opening will coincide with the dedication of Goldenson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which will be placed in front of the Jimmy Kimmel Theatre.
Loreen Arbus, Goldenson's daughter, continues her family's dedication to people with disabilities, currently serving on the United Cerebral Palsy Board of Trustees. Recently, UCP interviewed Arbus about the exhibit.
UCP: Tell us more about Leonard Goldenson's exhibit.
Arbus: The exhibit is subdivided into three main sections: Leonard H. Goldenson as Executive; as Philanthropist/Citizen; and as TV Innovator.
1) Leonard H. Goldenson: Executive
This is the place for photos of my dad with stars, world leaders, etc. Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Menachem Begin, Indira Ghandi, the Kennedys, Richard Nixon, plus many, many other world leaders, politicians and Hollywood celebrities, memorabilia, documents, photographs, etc., related to any of the mergers my dad oversaw, including the UPT-ABC merger and the ABC/Cap Cities merger, as well as internal documents. Included in this section is the bust of Mickey Mouse with the Michael Eisner inscription.2) Leonard H. Goldenson: Philanthropist/Citizen
This section includes photos of his work with UCP, which he co-founded and today is the 5th largest health agency in the U.S., the National Citizens Commission, and other organizations. This, too, includes many photos with leaders and celebrities, but in his capacity as a citizen involved in philanthropic work rather than as the leader of a major U.S. network.3) Leonard H. Goldenson: Innovator to the Industry
This section includes documents, letters, photographs, memorabilia, promotional material, etc., pertaining to my dad's innovations in the television industry. It also focuses on programming.
UCP: How did the exhibit come about?
Arbus: Someone brought to my attention that my father was born 100 years ago and I thought what a wonderful thing it would be to pay tribute to him in celebration of his centennial birthday! It is my constant and lifetime commitment to be the "keeper of the flame" and promulgate my parents' accomplishments and their contributions to making this a better world.
UCP: What are some of the interesting memorabilia visitors will see?
Arbus: Presidential correspondences and documents relative to his orchestrating the financing of Disneyland, which saved Walt Disney from bankruptcy.
There are also many photographs documenting Dad's leadership and contribution to United Cerebral Palsy.
UCP: What was it like growing up as your father built a media empire?
Arbus: I did not grow up in the manner and style in which it seems most children of high profile and successful parents do, especially if they're in the entertainment business. I received no allowance but earned a few dollars working from the earliest age. Our home was unpretentious (except that it did have a small theater) where my parents regularly screened films with invited guests on the weekends. Many of their guests were famous and I did get to briefly meet them before I was banished (most of the films were considered too adult for me). I had extraordinary exposure to foreign cultures and countries and met many dignitaries along the way as my parents traveled extensively, often bringing my sister and me on these trips. My parents drove very old Chevrolets or Fords (no fancy new cars, no chauffeurs)!
My dad was extremely kind, always accessible and shared remarkable insights and counseled me wisely when I brought him all my "growing up" problems. He called his mother every week, and although much of his life was consumed with his work (which he was passionate about), he always had time for his daughters.
UCP: How did Goldenson decide to start United Cerebral Palsy?
Arbus: My older sister, Genise, was born in 1943 and was found to have cerebral palsy. Shortly after she was born, Mom and Dad met Ethel and Jack Hausman who were facing the same tragedy in their family. In 1948, together with the Hausman's, they formed United Cerebral Palsy. Their goal was to establish a health organization devoted to public information, promotion of research and assistance to people with the condition.
UCP: You are a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, as well as for women. Tell us why you continue your father's legacy in addition to other causes you champion.
Arbus: Wanting to help others and identifying with those who are in situations where they may be disadvantaged is very personal to me.
My life was a dichotomy...I can remember when I was maybe only five…how my whole family was ostracized whenever we went out together...yet we were welcomed by royalty and U.S. Presidents. I was designated, from about the age of eleven, to travel during my school vacations with my eldest sister and her beloved care-giver, Ms. Karen Hansen. We went to clinics all over the U.S., searching for new therapies that would alleviate my sister's symptoms. My sister had spastic movements, used a wheelchair, had to wear a bib in restaurants, and was only able to voice strange sounds. We were collectively stigmatized. No hotels except Howard Johnson's would accommodate us. Most restaurants would not seat us and, on those occasions when they did, we would get a table near the kitchen or the restrooms.
Additionally, I am both awed by and indebted to my parents in terms of their extraordinary accomplishments--not only co-founding United Cerebral Palsy and (my mother's idea) the United Cerebral Palsy Research & Educational Foundation.
My mother, with the help of my dad, initiated, lobbied and led a movement in 1973 to amend the Rehabilitation Act, Section 504. Section 504 is the groundbreaking predecessor by seventeen years to the better known Americans with Disabilities Act. For the first time in our country, Section 504 prohibited discrimination on the basis of disability. It is because of my mother's unique ideas that in every American city, federal laws mandate shaved corners of street curbs, lowered public telephones, enlarged restroom cubicles, ramps in public buildings, and designated handicapped parking.
UCP: What do you think the world should remember Goldenson for?
Arbus: My dad took a failing collection of five decrepit television stations and, under his leadership, ABC became one of the country's most profitable and influential communications enterprises. He placed a premium on values, honesty and ethics. He did not believe in nepotism or bureaucracy; he created a level playing field. He was zealous in guarding his responsibility to retain "the public trust" and his generosity and lifelong commitment to utilize his personal and professional resources to assist and advance people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
And, for his sheer kindness.
For more information on Leonard H. Goldenson and the exhibit, visit LeonardGoldenson.tv.
RSS Feed