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.
“Scandal” cast will reunite for online script reading for hurricane relief in western North Carolina
The cast of ABC's hit political drama "Scandal" may need to brush up on their snappy, speedy delivery known as "Scandal-pace," because they're reuniting for a good cause. Its stars including Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and Bellamy Young will take part in a live virtual script reading on Nov. 17 to raise money for hurricane relief in western North Carolina.
Beginning Friday, fans can go online and donate to reserve a spot for the online reading. Proceeds will benefit United Way of North Carolina. Everyone who donates will be able to take part in a virtual pre-event with the cast and Shonda Rhimes will give an introduction.
Additional guest stars will also be announced. The online fundraising platform Prizeo is also holding a contest where one person who donates online via their site will be selected to read a role from the script with the actors. The winner should not worry about the "Scandal"-pace, assured Young over Zoom.
"Whomever the lucky reader is can read at whatever pace they want," she said.
Young, who played Mellie Young, the first lady and later Republican presidential nominee on "Scandal," was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. She came up with the idea for the effort with a friend and took it to her fellow "Scandal" actors, who all jumped on board. Young said this is the first script reading the cast has all done together since the show ended after seven seasons in 2018.
Which episode they will be reading has not been announced yet.
Young said it's "been devastating" to see so many parts of her hometown badly damaged by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina one month ago.
To research the best use for donations, Young spoke with numerous political leaders, including North... Read More