Bill Hilliard at the quasquicentennial celebration of South Pasadena, March 1, 2013 (Photo – Larry McGrail)
For about 20 years Bill Hilliard was the dynamic presence of the South Pasadena Museum (earlier known as the Meridian Iron Works).
By Daniel Evans
Every Farmers Market Thursday, and also for special events, Bill hosted visitors at the Museum, explaining all about the Ostrich Farm, the original grocery store from the 1880s, Route 66, and other aspects of South Pasadena history. Bill was a delightful host, he loved to meet people, he welcomed children.
Most Museum visitors had no idea about Bill Hilliard’s earlier life.. Bill served in the U.S. Air Force, largely as electronics expert in Tokyo in the 1960s. He continued as a civilian advisor to the USAF at Kwajalein Island.
Later he moved to Hollywood, where he
- produced several science fiction films,
- developed holography,
- worked on Battlestar Galactica for Universal, and
- produced the Saturn Awards.
He also developed holographic exhibits for the Los Angeles Children’s Museum, the California Science Center, and others. About 20 years ago he gravitated away from Hollywood, towards South Pasadena.
Bill Hillard passed from us last July. He is greatly missed by all.
Daniel Evans is the Secretary of South Pasadena Preservation Foundation.
Bill Hilliard (Photo – Larry McGrail)
I am interested in the films he produced and his work on Battlestar Galactica is there someone who can reach out and tell me more about it. He is not in IMDB anywhere that I can find. Thanks