Jill Schary Robinson, a prominent figure in the world of memoirs, journalism, and novels, passed away at the age of 88 at her home in Beverly Hills. She was the daughter of Dore Schary, who led MGM in the 1950s, and the mother of Jeremy Zimmer, the founder and CEO of the United Talent Agency.
Robinson's literary career was marked by several notable works, including her memoirs 'With a Cast of Thousands,' 'Thanks for the Rubies, Now Please Pass the Moon,' and 'Bed/Time/Story,' which was adapted into the NBC telefilm 'A Cry for Love.' Her writing was praised for its insightful portrayal of Hollywood's allure and influence on individuals.
Aside from her memoirs, Robinson also ventured into fiction with novels like 'Perdido,' 'Dr. Rocksinger and the Age of Longing,' and 'Follow Me Through Paris.' She was born in Los Angeles in 1936 to Dore Schary and Miriam Svet, an Oscar-winning screenwriter and a talented painter, respectively.
Robinson's career spanned various roles, from copywriting to journalism. She wrote on women's issues for Cosmopolitan, covered political trials for the Soho Weekly News, and hosted a radio talk show in Los Angeles. Her move to London in the 1980s led to columns in The Daily Telegraph, exploring the American experience in Britain.
Throughout her life, Robinson conducted interviews with notable personalities like Lily Tomlin and Barbara Walters. Her work on Roman Polanski was featured in George Plimpton's 'The Best American Movie Writing.' She also authored works like 'Star Country,' 'Past Forgetting,' and 'Falling in Love When You Thought You Were Through: A Love Story.'
Robinson's dedication to writing and sobriety led her to establish the Wimpole Street Writers, a community for writers, and support the Motion Picture & Television Fund retirement home. She was a respected member of Alcoholics Anonymous and impacted many through her shared experiences.
In her personal life, Robinson was married three times and is survived by her son, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her legacy lives on through her anthology 'Go Find Out' and her final novel 'Come Home Canyon,' published posthumously.
