Glenn Rivera, a member of Film Forum’s theater staff for six years, was well-known for his cheerful demeanor and gregarious personality. He passed away on October 13 at age 47, after a courageous battle with cancer. In Glenn’s case courageous is no cliché. He chose not to discuss his illness, complain or solicit sympathy. In a world of much gratuitous brutality, he was a generous soul who engaged in random acts of kindness. We are better people for having known him.
– Karen Cooper, Director

Funny how with a person of character, even the shortest conversations are memorable.
He will be missed.

– Al Inglesino

For some reason, people don’t remember my face. Or so it often seems.

But after a few times when I arrived ridiculously early for a popular movie at the Film Forum, and like many others, fell into conversation with Glenn while at his post, he never failed to recognize me on other occasions and would zip over to say hello. We discovered we went to the same college, though different schools, and of course had a few rousing conversations about movies.

I didn't know Glenn well, but I felt as if I did. That power to radiate his sincerity was one of his great gifts and I believe he knew it about himself.

I have been meaning to ask someone at the front desk where he has been lately. I feel a little sheepish that I had not yet asked after him now that I read the sad and surprising news.

Film Forum is still my favorite place in New York. But I will miss Glenn. He was a gem.

– Vanessa Jalet

Glenn invited me and my husband Richard to go to a screening of Showgirls about a year ago. I was uninitiated, as never having seen the film before. I thought it was simply a bad movie. I was skeptical and not too thrilled with the idea.

So we meet Glenn and his friend on 23rd street where there’s a huge line because apparently this thing is enormously popular and Glenn is dressed to thrill as are many others in the line. He kept us all entertained as we waited in the long line populated by outrageous costumes and wigs . . . It was a good tuesday night.

It turned out to be a special screening MC’d by drag queens and supplied with props/sound effects and I quickly got into the groove of knowing when to use what noise when. Glenn was very loquacious and bantered back and forth with the MCs as well as with the movie. We all had fun and it was a hysterically funny movie! I couldn’t believe I hadn’t seen it sooner. This is surely one of he best cult films ever! I will always thank him for turning me on to the experience that is: Showgirls! We love you Glenn!
– J. Hair

I never knew Glenn by name, but shmoozed with him many times in the FF lobby. Reading these heartfelt letters reminds me that FF truly is a community, not just a movie theater -- and one of the essential reasons we live in a city like New York. My condolences on your loss.
– Jordan Hoffman

Like Rob, Glenn was also one of the first people I met when I spent the summer of 2003 in the city. On my first day of work at the Film Forum, I didn’t know what to make of the lively, opinionated guy in the baseball cap, but quickly fell under Glenn’s spell. His directness was a great part of his charm, and he was as sassy as the screen divas that he loved. One of his favorite movies was Rosemary’s Baby, and when I made him a staff badge using a picture from the film he started wearing it all the time, and as the new girl, nothing could have made me feel more welcome. Glenn also loved the theatre almost as much as he loved film, and it seemed like he had seen the original production of almost every show worth seeing in the last thirty-five years. He had just as many opinions on plays as he did on films, and any conversation with him was marked by his intelligence, humor and fierce love of the arts and the city. I only saw him once more after I left that fall, and I’ll always regret that I didn’t see him again after I moved back this past September. He was a true New York character.
– Margaret Girouard

Glenn was my college roommate at Cornell. We shared an apartment together during our junior year, at the height of the ‘disco era’ of all things. He was always fun to have around, and we all drove each other crazy that year (but in a good way, of course).

In later years, we both ended up living in the Slope, where I would run into him, and later on I often saw at F. Forum. But most often, I’d see him at the Chelsea Classic Thursday night events at the Clearview. He would tend to come in late, toting a bag of cookies, and once went up front to relate to hostess Hedda Lettuce his encounter w/ a not-very nice Diana Ross when he was a hotel concierge. Hedda finally had to nearly wrest the mike away from him as he chatted on, in Glenn-like fashion! She also asked him for some of his cookies, and playfully chided him for sneaking them in. (He shared of course...). Another time , again arriving late, he was, for some reason, wearing a party hat (the cone- cardboard type...) Hedda stopped her pre-show to implore for a seat for “the man in the party hat” (it was Valley of the Dolls and sold out, or nearly so...one of Glenn’s, and mine, very favorites). His joie de vivre will be missed, and his departure leaves this world a less mirthful and playful place. I’m glad he found a home at Film Forum, where he could revel in two things I always knew he loved the most -- movies and people. Thanks for listening...
– Chris Michaud

Glenn and I met in the Bronx when we were both fifth-grade students at St. John Vianney. At the time “Laugh-In” was the big show.

We remained friends. The last time I saw him in person was in the year 1999 when he visited me here in Phoenix. We took a trip to the Grand Canyon and it was his first time.

Glenn and I kept in touch over the phone through the years at least every few weeks. He never let any pain or sickness break his spirit. I would call to cheer him up and it was always Glenn who lifted my spirits.

I used to tell him to conserve his strength and quit working at the Film Forum. But he loved his job and the people he worked with and met there. I remember him telling me about meeting Fay Wray.

Glenn was preceded in death by his mother Rosalie. She loved the movies too.

Personally, I’m devastated by his death. I console myself with the thought that my good friend is free of pain now. I told his Dad I figure he and Rosalie are in Heaven now watching movies eating all the free popcorn they want and not worrying about calories anymore.

I miss him. I still find myself getting ready to call him. I spoke to him 3 weeks before he died. I wish I had gotten to talk with him one more time to let him know how much a part of me he was.

I’m glad the nice folks at the Film Forum gave him such pleasure. He loved that job and working hard.
Thanks for the tributes.
It helps….a little.
– Alain J. Barnes

I met Glenn after my mother died in December 2001. My husband and I weren’t getting along and I went to the Film Forum frequently to take my mind off of my troubles. I always sat in the front row by myself. Glenn noticed and befriended me with love and generosity. When I was feeling down, he would bring me a bag of popcorn and a hug to cheer me up. Over the months and years, we grew close. I was one of the last people to talk to Glenn before he passed away. I spoke to him the night before he passed. He told me abruptly that he had to go and asked me to take care of myself. In the morning, I called his father to see how he was, but he was gone. I miss him deeply and will always love him.
– Kathleen Abbott

I was devastated to hear of Glen’s death. He was a darling person, always warm, friendly and affectionate. I will miss his smiles and hugs more than I can say.
– Jeanne Youngson

I am very sad to hear of his passing. I met him during the Robert Altman retrospective that the FF had at the end of 2002. Being a huge Bud Cort fan, we chatted about Bud’s film work, and Glenn teased me about some of Bud’s movies that the FF showed over the years. I was there to see “Brewster McCloud” on that Saturday. I sat through 4 screenings, and for doing so, Glenn, before the 4th screening, treated me to a box of popcorn and a medium coke. That was the nicest experience I had at the movies in a long time.
– Tiwanna Ellerbe

Glenn was such a great person and cinephile. His knowledge was incredible and he had a great way of making you feel at home. He will truly be missed.
– Cathy Burke

It was a December night at the Kips Bay theater where I had been in conversation with a man that was not only enthusiastic about movies but a pleasure to talk to. His name was Glenn and we were on line for a free screening of the film Chinatown.

I told him my positive reaction to Eyes Wide Shut and from that point on, he said “you’re a friend” and on and off I would bump into him at the Film Forum while he was ushering for a chat or 2. It was also a pleasure to treat him to a bagel down the street when he had looked hungry for something on the job. He accepted it graciously and had been a great recommender of the cinema.

He was the first person to open my eyes to the film Heaven’s Gate (which has since become a favorite and got to savor at FF on the big screen) and recommended a bunch of others and was always a welcome introduction into entering one of the best movie houses in NYC.

The last time we had spoke was in 2001 a few weeks after 9/11 when The French Connection made it’s way to FF on a chilly September day. I had introduced him to my girlfriend and we chatted much more. We left with great smiles as every other time before and I believe all in Heaven will become film appreciators right away after a conversation with Glenn. He was a great reason to come to the Film Forum for his conversation on-line or away from the line made a great teaser for the films me and my friends were about to see better than any newsreel or cartoon preceding a feature.

Glenn, wherever you are up there, we miss you!!!
– Christopher Bligh

Glenn was not only a valued and loyal employee, but also a friend for many staff members and customers. His engaging personality was vivid and stimulating. Many times, while at work, I witnessed its positive effect on those he came into contact with. He was a lively, spirited individual and a joy to work with. The staff and I have many fond memories of him and will miss him in the days to come.
– Rick Wray, Head Theater Manager

An endless font of film exuberance—a true cinema fan, a good friend, and a devoted employee. See ya on the big screen in the sky, bud.
Yer ole pal,
– Dave Anzuelo Martinez

On the afternoon of my first day in New York I bought a ticket for a Barbara Stanwyck double feature at the Film Forum. Walking into the theatre during the previews, an usher helped me to my seat with a flashlight. After the movie we had a cigarette together outside on the sidewalk; his name was Glenn Rivera and he was the first person I met in New York. I like him from the first, but as we worked together I came to love him as a friend, eccentricities and all. I miss him dearly.
– Rob Harmon

FF concessions staff are all gems to my mind, but Glenn was a particular shiner. You knew him, believe me, even if you don’t think you did. He probably chatted you up about something or other. With me it was pets (his cat, my dog), and, believe it or not, fundraising (my charge at FF). Whenever we had a new brochure or promotional piece, Glenn was quick to comment and encourage. He actually inquired on a regular basis how much a particular appeal was yielding in donations, and asked for extra copies to give to friends. He was also always first in line to staff members events, the Spring Brunch was his favorite. I didn’t know Glenn that well, but when he was here at FF, he was “all here,” which was a gift to all of us.
– Sonya Chung

This is a painful loss. Glenn was not only one of the most enthusiastic and winsome members of our terrific lobby staff, he was a generous, warm-hearted person whose interests in film, theater, music and politics were palpable. We had countless discussions over films we’ve played, films we chose not to play or bring back*, and whatever political scandal happened to be in the news that day. I remember his excitement over having the opportunity to meet Jules Dassin, John Schlesinger, Donald Sutherland, and many others. We will all miss him deeply.
– Mike Maggiore

*Glenn’s most frequent recommendation was MYRA BRECKINRIDGE, which he felt had substantial camp appeal -- one look at the cast list and I suspect he may have been right!

Glenn, you were one of the nicest guy I’ve ever met. I’ll never forget hanging out front of Film Forum talking about this movie or that movie, and I loved how you always had an opinion and information about a film. I will never forget how cool you were, like when you took my wife & I out to see SHOWGIRLS for the first time. We had a blast & will always remember that evening. You may have left us, but you will never be forgotten.
– Rich Hutchins

Should you wish to share an anecdote about Glenn or submit your own tribute to be included, please e-mail it to: newsletter@filmforum.org. Thank you.