Jan Berry was an American actor and musician who is best known for his work as one half of the duo Jan & Dean, famous for hits like “Surf City,” “Dead Man’s Curve,” and “Little Old Lady from Pasadena.”
Personal and Family Life
Jan Berry, born William Jan Berry on April 3, 1941, in Los Angeles, California, had a complex personal life. He fathered a son named Steve as a teenager, but he allowed his parents to adopt and raise him. The revelation of his identity caused a rift between them, and they never reconciled. Berry was married to Gertrude Filip from September 1, 1991, until his death in 2004.
Career Overview
Jan Berry rose to fame in the 1960s as part of the surf music duo Jan & Dean, alongside Dean Torrence. They enjoyed significant success with several chart-topping songs and toured alongside The Beach Boys. However, in 1966, a severe car accident left him with lasting injuries, affecting his career for many years. Despite struggles with health, he continued to perform intermittently with Torrence later in life.
Death and Legacy
Jan Berry passed away on March 26, 2004, in Los Angeles due to complications from a stroke, shortly before his 63rd birthday. His music and contributions to the surf rock genre, particularly with Jan & Dean, left a lasting impact on the music industry. Despite his tragic accident, he is remembered for his resilience and commitment to music until the end of his life.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Beach Boys – California Surfin | 2004-01-01 | Self (archive footage) |
| The T.A.M.I. Show | 1964-12-29 | Self |
| The Beach Boys: Endless Harmony | 2000-03-14 | Self |
| Jan and Dean in China | 1986-12-25 | |
| Deadman’s Curve | 1978-02-03 | Self (uncredited) |
| The Wrecking Crew | 2008-03-11 | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Surf Scene | 1963-08-01 | |
| Jan & Dean: On the Run | 1966-08-01 | |
| Jan & Dean: The Other Beach Boys | 2002-07-12 | Self |
| Dick Clark’s Good Old Days Part II | 1978-11-25 | |
| Behind the Music | 1997-08-17 | Self |