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Jess Petersen
March 27, 1944 to May 21, 2008

Retired Personal Manager Jess Petersen, 64, passed away Wednesday, May 21, from complications of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Born Larry James Petersen, Jess began his career as an actor in New York in the early 1970¹s, appearing in such seminal off-Broadway productions as William M. Hoffman¹s "From Fool to Hanged Man" and Theo Barnes¹ "Praxeis" at the Theater for the New City.

He eventually moved to Hollywood, where he worked for the management firm of Seymour Heller and Associates, in the Variety Entertainment Department. There he met Thor Arngrim, with whom he formed Arngrim & Petersen Personal Management.

Their successful partnership lasted 20 years, helping to launch the careers of numerous clients, including, Susan Anton, Michael Ontkean, Peter Jurasik, and Alison Arngrim.

Jess was well known for his passions for art, classical music and all things Italian, especially the beauty and architecture of Venice, his favorite city. (As per his wishes, it shall be his final resting place.)

He was also a long time volunteer for AIDS Project Los Angeles, serving on the APLA Summer Party Executive Committee, the Comedy Stage Production Team, and the APLA Holiday Card fund raising campaign.

He also spent 18 years working at the Los Angeles Times as a Senior Interviewer in the Election Exit Poll Research Department.

He is survived by his brother, Bob Walker, and his many beloved friends.

His brilliance, his outrageous sense of humor and generosity of spirit will be greatly missed.

Memorial arrangements are pending.

Donations may be made in his memory to AIDS Project Los Angeles, or the AIDS/HIV service organization of your choice.