Greer's OC

The first documentary film about cultural visionary and philanthropist Henry Segerstrom, who reimagined the shopping experience and brought world-class arts to Southern California will premiere on PBS SoCal KOCE on Thursday, September 22 at 7 p.m.

Henry T. Segerstrom: Imagining the Future is narrated by television and Broadway star Matthew Morrison. The film follows the life of the philanthropic entrepreneur who inspired those around him with his vision.

“Henry Segerstrom was a local icon whose impact can be felt all over the world,” said Andrew Russell, President and CEO of PBS SoCal. “It’s important we tell the stories of the people who make Southern California special – and Mr. Segerstrom is one of them. He leaves behind a proud legacy of community leadership.”

He turned his family land into the world-renowned South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. He convinced Nordstrom to expand beyond the Pacific Northwest and brought exclusive European designers such as Chanel and Hermes to Orange County, revolutionizing the shopping experience and creating one of the highest grossing retail centers in the U.S.

A patron of the arts, Mr. Segerstrom became one of Orange County’s top philanthropists. Beginning with a Segerstrom family donation of land and funds to South Coast Repertory, his leadership and generosity led to the creation of The Orange County Performing Arts Center. The Henry and Renee Concert Hall followed and the entire complex was renamed the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. He was a friend to influential artists and designers including Isamu Noguchi, Plácido Domingo, Richard Serra, Valery Gergiev and Cesar Pelli.

“As his wife, I know what a great man he was during his lifetime, and how incomparable and positive his imprimatur was on Orange County,” said Elizabeth Segerstrom. “it makes me prouder than ever to see others recognize and confirm it.”

Henry T. Segerstrom: Imagining the Future tells Mr. Segerstrom’s story through his own words and the words of those whose lives he touched. It features archival footage and a host of interviews with notable people including Frank Gehry, Misty Copeland, Renée Fleming, Nigel Lythgoe and Bruce Nordstrom. Henry Segerstrom: Imagining the Future is a PBS SoCal production.