Alumni Spotlight: Lenny Garner
Born on November 30, 1952 in Baltimore, Maryland. Raised and educated Scranton, Pennsylvania. Graduated Scranton Central High School in 1970. Attended Syracuse University, School of Dramatic Arts and graduated with a B.S. in 1974.
Moved to Los Angeles, California in July of 1974 and was accepted into the Assistant Directors Training Program in August 1975. Graduated program in March 1977 and became a member of the Directors Guild of America.
Over the past 29 years has worked as an Assistant Director, Stage Manager, Production Manager, Actor and Director. Directing credits include: “Girlfriends”(Pilot), “Cuts”(Pilot), “The Game”, “According to Jim”, “Eve”, “Mano y Mano”(Brazil), “Wanda at Large”, “NewsRadio”, “Just Shoot Me”, “The Hughleys”, “Becker” and “Wings”.
In August of 1994 formed LRG Productions Inc. to develop and produce projects.
Married to Robin Hinz Garner, with sons Clayton and Colton.
Member of the Directors Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild and A.F.T.R.A. Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Country School in North Hollywood, California. Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Assistant Directors Training Program.
Represented by the William Morris Agency, Marc Provissiero.
Questions
1970-1974
What was your major or area of study?
Dramatic arts
What degree did you receive from the university?
B.S.
Were/are you a member of any SU affiliations?
Black Drama Workshop
Name a couple of your career highlights.
Directed the pilot for "Girlfriends" the longest running African American female sitcome in TV history.
Directed the pilot and first episode of "Mano y Mano" Brazil's first multicam multiracial sitcom.
What do you remember most about SU?
The friends I made, my teachers in the Drama Department and my semester in Amsterdam.
Who was your favorite professor while at SU?
Professor Gerald Reidenbaugh
Why did you move to LA?
Hollywood and the Syracuse winters
When was the last time you visited the campus?
I have never been back.
