Gerald met Jeff Chandler (real name Ira Grossel) while they were both working on CBS Radio shows together at sometime during the 1940s.  They had much in common and became good friends.  Jeff was also born in New York, 4 an a half years after Gerald, on 15 December 1918.  Jeff worked in radio under his real name until he was signed up by Universal Studios to be a movie leading man.   It was then considered necessary that he change his acting name.  It was during a dinner party at Gerald’s home in Los Angeles that possible names were discussed.  Jeff had already decided on Chandler as his new second name, but could not decide on a first name.  It was Gerald who came up with the name of Jeff and made him swear on a Bible that, thereafter, he would be known as Jeff Chandler!

Unfortunately Gerald and Jeff never worked together on film or television.

Jeff Chandler died at the age of 42 on 17 June 1961 from blood poisoning following an operation on a slipped disc.  Gerald was one of the pallbearers at Jeff’s funeral.