George Gerdes

George was a multi-talented artist whose contributions significantly shaped the folk-songwriter scene in New York’s West Village. As a songwriter, performer, and actor, he was known for his dynamic stage presence and the ability to weave spontaneous mini-dramas into his performances, exemplified by his song "Elvis in Oz." His albums "Obituary" and "Son of Obituary," released through United Artists Records, received critical acclaim. During the folk era of the late 1960s and early 1970s, George maintained a rigorous touring schedule.

In addition to his musical career, George excelled as an actor, delivering stellar performances on stage in New York and surrounding areas. He was memorable in roles such as Chaim Soutine in "Modigliani," and his portrayal in "Ghostman" at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven was particularly unforgettable. When acting opportunities dwindled in the '90s, George moved to Los Angeles and landed character roles in popular TV series like "The X-Files," "Dexter," and "NYPD Blue." His film roles included a Nordic villain in Disney's "Iron Will" and President Dwight D. Eisenhower in the 2020 sci-fi film "The Eleventh Green," marking one of his significant final roles. Offstage and offscreen, George's life was rich with relationships, including several devoted ex-girlfriends, such as Terre Roche of "The Roches." Terre introduced him to Judy Johns, his partner of twenty years, who supported him through health issues related to his liberal social drinking and heavy smoking.

Despite never marrying or having children, George was a central figure in a vibrant community. He is remembered as an icon of joy and a master storyteller, elevating everyday pop culture into a form of high art worthy of intellectual exploration.

You can visit George’s Wikipedia page for an almost full listing of credits.