Even though he’s written for “The Golden Girls,” “Roseanne,” “Gilmore Girls” and “Rita Rocks” (which he created), the hardest writing assignment for Detroit native Stan Zimmerman was writing his memoir.
“It’s much different than writing a script. And, also, I was writing this by myself, not with a writing partner, so I had to self-motivate and create a spot in my house that I designed to write this book. And, of course, having coffee or espresso always handy helped. I guess (that was) the ‘Gilmore Girls’ influence,” explained Zimmerman, who splits his time between New York City and Los Angeles.
The middle of three children, Zimmerman — an alumnus of Southfield High School and New York University — is the author of “The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore” (Indigo River Publishing $17.95). The book chronicles Zimmerman’s beginnings in metropolitan Detroit (he grew up in Southfield), his love of theater, and navigating the trials and tribulations of being a writer in Hollywood.
“The most challenging part about writing for the entertainment business is dealing with the constant rejection and having enough faith to keep going. Also, finding ways to reinvent and challenge yourself,” Zimmerman said.
Growing up, he’d recruit the neighborhood kids to put on plays in his basement. Zimmerman convinced Judy Golden, his second-grade teacher at the now-closed John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Southfield (Zimmerman points out the coincidence of her last name in the book, calling her his first “Golden Girl”), to let him perform one of his plays in her class. Impressed, Golden called his mother, Susanne, and recommended she send him to the Cranbrook Summer Theatre School in Bloomfield Hills for theatrical training.
That phone call set Zimmerman on his path.
Michigan’s summer growing season filled with tasty treats
“It changed my life,” he said.
In the book, Zimmerman discusses his friendship and encounters with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, some of whom are Michigan natives like Sandra Bernhard, Diana Ross, Madonna and Lily Tomlin. Zimmerman’s “love affair” with Tomlin began when he saw her perform on the variety show, “Laugh-In.” Inspired by her, he wrote Tomlin a letter, to which she responded with an autographed photo — something he still has to this day.
Zimmerman had a close friendship with the late Estelle Getty, who played Sophia on “The Golden Girls.” During the 1980s, Zimmerman had to keep his homosexuality a secret. Getty learned this and became a close ally, advocate and protector.
He also spoke about his friendship with Lauren Graham, alias Lorelai Gilmore on “Gilmore Girls.”
“I have deep admiration for Lauren Graham as an actor, a person, and now as a writer herself,” Zimmerman said.
He described the hostile work environment on the set of “Roseanne.” Roseanne Barr — who some have said has a reputation of being difficult to work with and is no stranger to controversy — required the writing staff to wear numbered T-shirts, so she wouldn’t have to learn their names, Zimmerman said, describing the practice as “degrading.” He co-wrote the infamous lesbian kiss episode of “Roseanne” called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which earned him a Writers Guild Awards nomination.
“I think there is staying power for all three big TV shows that I wrote for and even (1996’s “A Very Brady Sequel,” which he co-wrote) because they all have heart,” Zimmerman said. “And they dealt with the character’s complexities with honesty. That is not often found in half-hour comedies.”
So far, reaction to his memoir has been positive.
“The best part is hearing everyone’s reaction to it,” he said. “Knowing that the readers not only laughed, but also cried. And maybe understood how I handled the many hurdles in my life and can apply those coping mechanisms to their own lives.”
All in all, he said he’s proud of his Detroit roots.
“I will always be a Detroiter at heart and wear that badge proudly. The city and its people formed me. I also love setting some of my project in the metro area, like I did with my (2008-09) Lifetime sitcom, ‘Rita Rocks,’ which lasted for 40 episodes,” Zimmerman said. “I love making people laugh with my writing. It’s very powerful. And if they can also think a bit bigger, it’s an added bonus. Not to mention opening their heart a little more.”
The most challenging part of this book was the ending.
“When I first started outlining it eight years ago, I had no idea that the last chapter would be about my mom,” Zimmerman said. “The book ended up being a tribute to her and realizing that I am the man I am today because of her.”
