Harry Sherman
Lake Arrowhead Film Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Harry Sherman and Lake Arrowhead go back a long way.  He fondly remembers hitchhiking down to the pavilion in Lake Arrowhead Village as a teen to attend dances and performances by big bands of the day.  His life has brought him full circle – as he and his wife, Gretchen, are both very active in various arts-related groups here on the mountain, including the Lake Arrowhead Arts Association and the Blue Jay Jazz Fest.

But in between those days as a hitchhiking teen and an active retiree, Harry Sherman amassed an extraordinary career as a producer, assistant director and production manager. 

Along the way, he worked with such legends as Sidney Poitier (on Lilies of the Field) and future president John F. Kennedy (Kennedy served as a consultant on an episode of Navy Log).

But nothing compares to the streak he compiled in the mid-1970’s when, for three consecutive years, his films won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Special – Drama or Comedy.  He won in ’76 with Eleanor and Franklin and in ’77 for Eleanor and Franklin: The White House Years.  (Both films starred Jane Alexander and Ed Hermann as the President and his wife.)  Mr. Sherman was awarded his third consecutive Emmy the next year for The Gathering, which starred Ed Asner.  Mr. Sherman also served as producer on several memorable TV series including Cagney and Lacey, McMillan and Wife, and Get Smart.

Looking back on his many years in the film and television business, Harry points to Lilies of the Field as a turning point.  “I saw that it was possible to do something that was worthwhile.  Something that had a little meaning to it.” 

Now in retirement, Harry’s life continues to have meaning.  “All those years I was working, I didn’t have time to volunteer, but when we came up here, I got involved.”  Now he helps out with, among other groups, the Arrowhead Lake Association, Lake Arrowhead Arts Association, Lake Arrowhead Rotary and Lake Arrowhead Mountain Literacy.  “When God has been good to you,” he says. “You try to give back a little.”

Harry Sherman’s award will be presented by two-time Emmy Award winner and four-time Academy Award nominee Jane Alexander at Friday night’s Gala Awards Dinner.