Hank Berger

Hank Berger (1952-2006) was earliest known as Dr. Disco for a series of successful night clubs he opened in Cleveland in his early 20s [Wansley, Joyce: "People Magazine" D.U. 1978] After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam war he worked first as a fashion model, then as a graphic artist. His club Traxx in Cleveland was one of the first openly gay discos in the nation. He later gained notoriety as the entrepreneur who along with radio personality George Jay Wienbarg sold the Famous Hollywood sign. ["US Magazine," "People Magazine", "The Washington Post", "The Los Angeles Times", "The Los Angeles Harold Examiner", "Variety", "The Hollywood Reporter", "The Star" July 22, 1980]

Work

While in Hollywood, Berger worked on a number of motion picture and television projects including the original screenplay treatment for the story of the Door's Jim Morrison for producer Robert Evans with George Jay Wienbarg. He then worked as a producer in one film with Evans and then returned to Cleveland. Soon after their first son, Justin, was born Hank and wife Shelly delved into the nightclub business. He spawned clubs throughout the burgeoning Cleveland Flats. It was then he discovered his talents for developing nightclubs and developed the influential Berger Business Brokerage there.

During his career Hank was named to Who's Who in America and Who's Who in Ohio several times and has consistently been one of Cleveland's most influential people. He later exhibited art photographs he took featuring his yongest son, Max. He is survived by his sons Justin and Max and Wife Rochelle.

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