The ACBL Hall of Fame lists players who have carved out their own identities within the world of bridge.
One thing I’ve noticed while reading through the names is that players listed here have often achieved success, merit or fame in areas that weren’t limited to bridge. Accomplishments in bridge often means that the person displays the same passion and prowess in other areas of life.
So, what do some ACBL Hall of Famers do when they’re not playing bridge?
Here are 5 ACBL Hall of Fame Players and their careers away from the bridge table.
#1: George Rapée – Real Estate
George Rapée is perhaps better known as the player behind the Stayman convention, even though it was later named for Sam Stayman instead. When he wasn’t playing bridge, Rapée was qualified as an attorney, but spent more time as a real estate investor. (As an added fact, the man also served 3 years in WW2.)
#2: Jill Meyers – Music Consultant
Jill Meyers is a champion bridge player and Grand Master from Santa Monica. When not playing bridge, she acts as a freelance music consultant for films and TV. (Yes, this means that she’s part of the Hollywood process that approves soundtracks.) View her IMDb profile here.
#3: George Rosenkranz – Scientist
George Rosenkranz left this world in 2019 at the age of 102, but left behind a legacy that spanned decades. As a bridge player, he wrote more than 15 books and had several wins to his name; away from bridge, he was a famed scientist and part of the team hailed for inventing the birth control pill.
#4: Bob Hamman – Insurance
Most bridge players already know Bob Hamman as a man who’s great at the game – and certainly passionate about it! – but not many know that he’s also the founder of SCA Promotions, an insurance company specializing in promotions, competitions, sweepstakes and odds.
Here’s a great interview with Bob in DM Magazine about his career outside of the game – and why bridge matches up with it.
#5: Barry Crane – Producer
Barry Crane was known as one of the most prolific bridge players of all time, at least when it comes to tournament titles. When not playing bridge, he was a producer and director who worked on episodes of shows like The Incredible Hulk. Famously, he was murdered in the 1980s, with the suspect confessing to his killing in 2019.