Ira Eaker (publisher)
Ira Eaker (c. 1921 – June 26, 2002) was an American publisher, who was the co-founder of Backstage, with Allen Zwerdling a weekly trade newspaper that was aimed at the theater, television and movie industries that is considered a "must-read" for actors and other professionals looking for jobs and industry information.
Biography
Eaker grew up in New York City and attended public school before serving in the United States Army during World War II. After completing his military service, Eaker attended the City College of New York, where he was awarded a degree in business.[1]
He had worked at a number of different publications while he was attending college and was hired 1948 as the advertising manager of
Back Stage was sold in 1986 to Billboard Publications, with Eaker staying on as an adviser until his retirement in 1989.[1]
Death
Eaker died at age 80 on June 26, 2002, at a hospital in Tamarac, Florida. He was survived by his wife, a son and daughter, sister and two grandchildren.[1] His daughter Sherry Eaker was editor-in-chief of Back Stage at the time of his death, and was an editor at large as of 2009.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d McKinley, Jesse. "Ira Eaker, 80, Co-Founder of Back Stage, the Actors' Bible", The New York Times, July 13, 2002. Accessed January 27, 2009.
- ^ McElroy, Steven. "Allen Zwerdling, Theater Journalist, Dies at 86 ", The New York Times, January 26, 2009. Accessed January 27, 2009.