Bill Panzer died suddenly March 18, 2007. While his death initially was attributed to a fall in Sun Valley, Idaho, his wife, Priscilla, advised that the cause was an aneurysm.
Bill grew up in Flushing, N.Y., and graduated from Lawrenceville. Bill lost his father when he was very young. His eighth-grade principal saw his promise, knew the Lawrenceville headmaster, and convinced him to admit Bill on a scholarship. At Princeton, he was involved with WPRB, Theatre Intime, and Key and Seal.
Friends will never forget going to Panzer’s casino in Holder Hall. Word spread quietly across campus. Arrive late in the evening and give a special knock on the door. The living room was set up with a craps table, a roulette table, and a blackjack table. Bill presided, dressed in black tie. It was Casino Royale.
Bill attended NYU’s film school and was a movie producer in Hollywood, best known for the Highlander fantasy films. The original 1986 Highlander, about an immortal Scottish warrior, starred Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery. Highlander conventions are now held around the world.
Bill’s wife, Priscilla, is his only survivor. She has asked that donations be made to a scholarship fund in Bill’s name at the Lawrenceville School. The class extends deepest sympathy to Priscilla.