Jeff Glazer, TJ Miller, Craig and Jack Glazer
I never got to know Jeff Glazer that well, but I’ll certainly never forget him…
Jeff’s big brother Craig Glazer cast a mighty shadow – one that dwarfed that even of his famous father Stan Glazer – and one that hovered protectively over brothers Jeff and Jack, who had a hard time making their way out from underneath it.
I’ll say this about Jeff though, he had a big heart, a big laugh and brash personality and an endearing, cranky way about him that was accompanied by one of the most unforgettable voices and manners of speaking I’ve ever heard.
Now he’s gone.
And now that both of Craig’s troubled siblings have passed, they can stand on their own in whatever passes for an afterlife (a concept none of them subscribe to) or in people’s memories.
Let’s put it this way; all three Glazers – four counting Stan – were among the Cowtown’s most colorful, visionary characters.
All of that said, Craig and his brothers grew up under difficult circumstances.
Not so much financially, but as victims, if you will, of troubled parenting.
Father Stan was a handsome, arrogant, tres buff Jewish Cesar Romero.
And sadly – for the entire Glazer family – a serial philanderer.
The nature of their father’s high profile shortcomings made growing up difficult for Craig, Jeff and Jack. And in the case of the latter two, may have contributed to their acquiring some very troubling habits that they dealt with throughout their adult lives and though their final days.
Craig was the brother who rose the highest above the family’s pain and he worked tirelessly to reestablish a business – Stanford & Sons – that was able to support all three brothers.
It certainly wasn’t easy.
Without Craig’s efforts, Jeff and Jack would have been long lost, long ago.
The flip side of all that sadness; together the three Glazer brothers did an amazing job of providing Kansas City with a first class comedy club, restaurant and nightclub for the better part of three decades.
To say all three were characters would be a gargantuan understatement.
Having happily born the burden of supporting his troubled family members all these years, brother Jeff’s passing is likely to leave a great void in Craig, as evidenced by the painful words he has shared these past few days.
However, Craig’s a scrapper of the first order and the mission he is still on to see his life-of-crime story brought to the big screen will doubtlessly continue…from this point forward however, in the form of a solo flight.
Interesting take Hearne and much about it is true. Yes Jeff will leave a big void in my life, we worked together daily for decades…we started the club with our dad in 1975…nearly half century ago…Jeff got to enjoy Stanfords massive success of the 90’s in Westport at least…I am beyond upset with his passing. You are right about the movie I will likely be one of only two family members left at that time. So sad. Jeff was a huge part of Stanfords success.
The Glazer family were and are Kansas City originals. I’ve enjoyed vicariously their adventures( and sometimes misadventures !) for decades,as well as the first class entertainment they brought here to their various venues. As one of Stan’s biggest supporters for mayor, I see now that he was a Trump before Trump ! A thousand more votes and we could have had a four year fun fest not seen in K.C. since Tom Pendergast “retired” and the stick-in -the -mud reformers “cleaned up” our fair town. Hale and farewell,Jeff,we’ll carry on without you.
sad sad day.
Boom boom expresses condolences to glaze and his family.
Jeff will be with a great guy now….Benny.
Again…thoughts and prayers to all.
Thank you
Would dispute with you as far as your comment “And now that both of Craig’s troubled siblings have passed, they can stand on their own in whatever passes for an afterlife (a concept none of them subscribe to) or in people’s memories.” You obviously did not know Jack!!!! He was VERY spiritual and was a believer!!!!! That comment offends me!~
I stand corrected…
While Craig and his brothers were all Jewish, he tells me that – courtesy of you perhaps? – he did come to believe that there was a heaven and a hell
true
I did not influence Jack, he became a believer on his own. I never read the bible cover to cover, but Jack did numerous times. He always commented on Gods creatures and said “how could anyone not believe”. Prayers to you Craig on the loss of Jeff, Bennie, Rita and Jack are watching over him! Sorry you don’t believe the same.