VideoAge first met with William (Bill) Gerald Gilbert in 1983 on the occasion of the publication of its annual Who’s Who issue. At that time Gilbert was working in the London program sales office for U.S. Polygram Television, under Norman Horowitz and Mark Kaner. Then again in 1986 when he was director of Sales for RKO Programs International, the U.K. division of RKO. Gilbert passed on December 19, 2024 in London at 92.
His friend George McGhee, a former BBC controller, reported that Gilbert began his career in entertainment after his service in the Royal Air Force, working at Granada Theaters in Slough, West of central London. He joined the BBC in the early sixties and later joined the Rank Organization. After a few years he moved to Thorn EMI, before going to work for Polygram and subsequently for RKO.
Gilbert then set up his own content distribution and consultancy company, and continued attending international TV trade events with his ever-present cigar.
I knew Bill for4ever. Nice, decent man and very professional. May he Rest in Peace.
Michael Solomon
I absolutely agree with you Michael … Bill was a delightful man, a true professional & a great Friend to me. I first met Bill back in 1961, Bill was working for the BBC & I was working for Granada Theatres … fab friends for 64 years. I, like many, will miss him greatly … RIP my lovely, caring Friend
Bill was the consummate gentleman and his knowledge of the film industry had no bounds. I had the honor to work with Bill for many years having met him as a teenager and he was always generous, fair and a joy to be with. We became lifelong friends and I shall miss him and his humor which never failed to make one laugh. I shall miss him.
Trina Pearson
Bill was a charming, modest, insightful and delightful man whose advice and humour, over so many years, were truly valued. His enthusiasm was infectious and Bill and his dear wife, Monique were always high on the list of people you would be particularly delighted to bump into at an airport to catch up and share a mischievous joke with. Thank you Bill for making a difference to me and so many-.. Alan Rudoff