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Samuel James Guidotti, known as S.J., Guido, and Jimmy to his many friends, was born in 1948 in Trenton, New Jersey to the late Samuel Guidotti Sr. and Ruth Hubbard Guidotti. He had three sisters, Janice, Elsie, and Marie. He attended college at Boston University where he made many friends and concentrated in Film Studies. He loved his time at B.U.
S.J. moved to Los Angeles in 1972, after a spring break road trip with B.U. friends convinced him that the Golden State was his true home. He settled in storied Laurel Canyon where he soon met Gary Morgan, his dear friend of over 50 years.
S.J. was a prolific writer of screenplays that often reflected his wild sense of humor, left wing politics, and societal concerns. He had 2 produced films that truly showcased his humorous writing talent, “Voyage of the Rock Aliens” and “Elvis is Alive. I Swear I Just Saw Him Eating Ding Dongs Outside the Piggly Wiggly.”
The latter was written with his writing partner Amy Freeman Cohen. Amy calls him her true-blue friend. Together they created many wonderful projects including a screenplay about George Orwell, on which they worked side-by-side with David Bowie, and a series about Laurel Canyon in the 60s “Ladies of the Canyon.”
He attended the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica where he served on the Nominating and Building and Grounds Committees. He was the 5th generation of his family to be Unitarian Universalist. One of his ancestors was Susan B. Anthony, also of this denomination.
In 2000, he met his true love Melinda Ewen at the church. They soon married. Melinda and S.J. shared many marvelous adventures including camping trips, especially to their beloved Big Sur. They were constant travelers and shared a love of music and live concerts. They especially loved the Grateful Dead.
Some of the best times of his life were spent at the Renaissance Faire working the various games owned by Gary and Suzy Morgan. This was the highlight of his year. He especially loved telling the stories from the dunk tank.
S.J. was an devoted Dodger fan, a follower of current events, and, often, a volunteer for campaigns of Democratic political candidates. S.J. was always ready to help a friend and was a talented builder. He loved helping Gary Morgan and Jerry Houser with work on their own homes. He enjoyed hiking, camping and rock climbing. His favorite campground was Kirk Creek on Highway 1 in Big Sur.
He leaves behind many beloved friends including Denise Fondo, Jerry Houser, Randy Fuller and the hundreds of creative, outrageous, and loving characters he met along his way. His was, truly, a life well-lived.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday March 9 at 2:00 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness online at nami.org.
