George Reggie Brown Maisel

George Reggie Brown Maisel passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, at the age of 92, after a life defined by resilience, creativity, reinvention, and an enduring love for family.

Born in New York City on April 23, 1934, George lost his birth mother, Regina Brown Maisel, just four days after his birth and his middle names were in her honor. Raised by his father, Dr. Fred Maisel, his aunt-turned-mother, Helen Maisel, and his grandmother Tilly Brown, George struggled with severe childhood asthma. With the guidance and care of his father, a physician, he learned to manage the condition and refused to let it define his life. He found solace in books and the golden age of radio—an early passion that ignited his lifelong love of the performing arts. As his health improved, George became an avid tennis player, playing competitively from his twenties well into his seventies. While spending time at his vacation home in Palm Desert, California, he won numerous tournament trophies, reflecting both his competitive spirit and determination. Palm Desert also became the place where he met the love of his life, Judy, beginning a marriage that would span 47 wonderful years.

By World War II, George's family had relocated to California, where his father served as an Army captain. Dr. Fred Maisel also served as the personal physician to entertainer Desi Arnaz. Knowing of young George's remarkable talent for celebrity impressions, Desi arranged for him to perform in a talent show at Camp Anza. There, George entertained troops with his impressions, and after Lucille Ball saw his performance, she encouraged the family to seek representation for him in Hollywood. Her encouragement launched George's career as a child actor. He went on to appear on numerous classic radio programs, including The Jack Benny Show, Our Miss Brooks, Lux Radio Theatre, The Adventures of Henry Aldrich, and The Happy Gang of Buster Brown. 

George attended Hollywood Professional School and later Santa Monica High School, where he earned the Glenn Ford Drama Award and became one of the nation's top high school debaters. He continued his education at Los Angeles City College before transferring to the University of Washington on scholarship, where he flourished in the theater program and performed in numerous stage productions.

After college, George pursued acting in Hollywood and New York, appearing in television and off-Broadway productions. Along the way, he formed friendships with fellow aspiring actors who would later become household names, including Jamie Farr, Robert Vaughn, James Coburn, Joan Rivers, and Barbra Streisand. Although acting remained a lifelong passion, George ultimately found his true professional calling in public relations.

George built a distinguished career in public relations, becoming the youngest Senior Account Executive at Ruder & Finn, then the world's third-largest public relations firm. He later returned to Los Angeles, where he became an owner and partner in a public relations firm located across from Universal Studios. After selling his ownership interest, George accepted the position of Senior Executive Vice President of the United Agribusiness League in Laguna Niguel, California. Throughout his career, he was respected for his creativity, leadership, sharp intellect, and exceptional ability to communicate and build relationships.

George and his beloved wife, Judy, enjoyed their retirement in the resort community of Menifee, California. In their later years, they made their home in Westfield, Indiana, where they were lovingly cared for by Judy’s daughter Karen and her husband Brian Kasselman. The family is deeply grateful for the compassion, kindness, and support they provided during George's final years.

Above all else, George cherished his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Judy Maisel; his son, Gregg Maisel and wife Donna Schwartz; his daughter, Tina Pickett and husband Dan Pickett; his stepdaughters, Karen Kasselman and husband Brian Kasselman, and Lori Metz; his grandchildren, Cara Maisel and husband Jeremy Frumkin, Jill Maisel, Matisse Pickett, Daniel Pickett, Amanda Feaser and husband Austin Feaser, and Michelle Metz; and his great-grandchildren, Rylin and Taylor Feaser.

George will be remembered as a gifted storyteller, accomplished communicator, loving husband and father, and lifelong student of the arts. Whether captivating audiences on radio as a child, competing on the tennis court for more than five decades, or leading successful public relations campaigns, he approached every endeavor with enthusiasm, wit, and determination. His journey—from a child whose imagination was fueled by radio dramas to an actor, debater, public relations executive, and collector of unforgettable experiences—was one of perseverance, curiosity, humor, and grace.

His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, the stories he shared, and the love he gave to his family and friends. He lived fully, embraced every new chapter with enthusiasm, and leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that those wishing to honor George's memory consider making a donation to the Santa Monica High School Theatre Department, a program that was meaningful to him. Donations may be made at: https://www.samohitheatre.org/donate.