John McGarry, a founding father of the venerable ad agency mcgarrybowen in 2002, passed away last week (10/7) at the age of 81 after a long battle with Parkinson’s
McGarry broke into the agency business as an account coordinator at Y&R New York. He rose up the ranks to become chairman and CEO of Y&R, which during his tenure was acquired by WPP.
McGarry went on to team with Y&R cohorts, Gordon Bowen and Stewart Owen, to launch mcgarrybowen. McGarry was CEO of mcgarrybowen while Bowen served as chief creative officer and Owen as chief strategy officer. That shop became at one point the largest independent agency in New York and the 10th largest indie shop in the U.S., turning out work for such brands as Verizon, Disney, Kraft, United Airlines, Sears and Procter & Gamble.
Ultimately in 2008 Dentsu Holdings USA acquired mcgarrybowen and its digital arm Continuity. McGarry served as chairman and CEO of Dentsumcgarrybowen for some four years before transitioning to an executive advisor capacity for Dentsu Group. A couple years later he stepped down.
McGarry leaves behind a legacy of work that left an indelible impact on the industry. He also mentored and helped nurture the careers of assorted people. Dentsu posted on Facebook a tribute to McGarry which read in part, ““It is with sadness that we acknowledge the passing of mcgarrybowen founder John McGarry, His passion for our business was unbounded and infectious. He loved what we did, who we did it for, and most of all, who we did it with. John believed that anything was not only possible, but probable. That spirit helped shape the agency’s success and growth across 33 countries, with thousands of talented individuals who bring his dream to life every day at dentsuMB. We will honor his legacy by forever embodying this spirit and creating work he would be proud of.”
McGarry is survived by his wife Gilda, two children and four grandchildren.
Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton among hosts for “SNL” season 50
Fresh off her Emmys win, Jean Smart will kick off the landmark 50th season of "Saturday Night Live."
NBC on Thursday announced the lineup of hosts for the season, which premieres Sept. 28. Joining Smart on the first show will be Jelly Roll as the musical act. He was also at the Emmys, singing during the ceremony's in memoriam segment.
It will be Smart's first time hosting "SNL."
Comedian Nate Bargatze will host on Oct. 5, with Coldplay as the musical guest.
Ariana Grande will host Oct. 12, with musical guest Stevie Nicks.
"Beetlejuice" star Michael Keaton will host on Oct. 19, the last show before Halloween, and Billie Eilish will be that night's musical guest.
The host on Nov. 2 will be "SNL" alum John Mulaney, with breakout sensation Chappell Roan as the music guest.
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