Larry H. Miller
Encyclopedia
Lawrence Horne "Larry H." Miller (April 26, 1944 – February 20, 2009) was a Utah
businessman and philanthropist
who was well known as the owner of the NBA's Utah Jazz
and the of Triple-A baseball team, the Salt Lake Bees
, 41 automotive dealerships throughout the Western United States , and a variety of other business ventures including Prestige Financial, Jordan Commons, Megaplex Theatres, KJZZ-TV
, Miller Motorsports Park
, the FANZZ
chain of sports apparel stores, the advertising agency Saxton Horne - named after Miller's wife's maiden name and his middle-name, and the EnergySolutions Arena
(formerly the "Delta Center"), all of which are still owned by the family's Larry H. Miller Group of Companies.
Following his graduation from West High School, Miller was employed in construction
by his uncle William Reid Horne until 1964, when he went to work for American Auto Parts. Softball
and drag racing
, two of his interests, helped launch his careers in sports and automobiles. From 1963 to 1970, Miller raced cars, and from 1962 to 1985 he was an outstanding fast-pitch softball player, pitching in the Salt Lake City Metro League and the Denver Metro League.
In 1966, he became a parts manager and later manager of the parts and service departments for a Utah auto dealer. In 1970, he moved to Denver to play softball and work as a parts manager for two Denver Toyota dealerships. In 1978, he was promoted to operations manager over five Toyota stores.
Larry H. Miller was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose for-profit arm manages the company's TV station today.
Miller married his high school sweetheart, Karen Gail Saxton, on March 25, 1965. Their marriage
produced five children: Gregory Scott, Roger Lawrence, Karen Rebecca, Stephen Frank and Bryan Joseph. He was the grandfather of twenty-six grandchildren.
of Murray, Utah
. It opened on May 1, 1979 as Larry H. Miller Toyota. In October 1981, Miller bought out his uncle's share in the business. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, he acquired a number of automobile dealerships in Utah
, Colorado
, Arizona
, and New Mexico
, creating the Larry H. Miller Automotive Group. In 2007, Selling Power listed him as the tenth largest U.S. automotive dealer, with forty-two dealerships and sales of $2,327,000,000.
After a failed attempt to start a television
outlet on the last remaining VHF frequency in the Utah market, Miller purchased Salt Lake City independent station KXIV in February 1993. He later changed the call letters to KJZZ-TV
as a reference to the Jazz.
Miller also owned the Larry H. Miller Megaplex, Prestige Financial, Miller Motorsports Park (opened in 2006), Fanzz (a chain of sports clothing & memorabilia outlets), and the successful Jordan Commons cinema/restaurant
complexes along the Wasatch Front. There are five Megaplex Theaters
located in shopping centers along the Wasatch Front; the Gateway Mall
in downtown Salt Lake City, at the aforementioned Jordan Commons in Sandy
, at The District in South Jordan
, at The Junction in Ogden
, and at Thanksgiving Point
in Lehi
. Together the theaters total 70 screens. In late 2010 another theatre location in Centerville, Utah was announced. In 2010 the Megaplex at Thanksgiving Point started showing large format movies on the Mammoth Screen.
Miller built the EnergySolutions Arena
(formerly the Delta Center) in downtown Salt Lake City to house the Jazz NBA team.
Miller was an unpaid consultant in the project to construct Spring Mobile Ballpark, now the home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
's AAA affiliate Salt Lake Bees
. He purchased the team in 2005, changing the name from the Salt Lake Stingers to the Bees.
He also owned the Salt Lake Golden Eagles
ice hockey
team, which he purchased in September 1989.
Miller was also the owner of the Utah Starzz
WNBA team (Starzz referencing a former successful ABA team, the Utah Stars
and the double-z in Jazz). Miller sold the team in 2002 to San Antonio Spurs
owner Peter Holt
who moved the team to San Antonio and renamed them the San Antonio Silver Stars
.
Miller also owned a racetrack in Utah, Miller Motorsports Park
and a road racing
course.
The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah
presented by Zions Bank is an annual professional road bicycle racing
stage race.
diabetes.
On February 20, 2009, surrounded by family at his home, Miller died of complications from type II diabetes.
On the day of his death, at a news conference attended by his family and physician, it was revealed that his diabetes was compounded by a rare and incurable disease known as calciphylaxis
, which he was diagnosed with just one week prior to his death.
Utah Governor Jon Huntsman issued the following statement on February 20, 2009 regarding the passing of Larry H. Miller:
"Every citizen in our state feels a little empty today. Larry was Utah and Utah was Larry. He inspired many and served countless. We all have been made better by his extraordinary life. Mary Kaye and I wish to express our deepest love and sympathies to his wonderful wife, Gail,
and their entire family and wish them a sense of deep condolences at this difficult time."
Governor Huntsman had appointed Miller to chair the Governor's Commission on Strengthening Utah's Democracy in January; a replacement is to be named at a later time.
NBA Commissioner David Stern issued a statement on the passing of Mr. Miller: “It is with great sadness that I offer condolences to Gail and the Miller family on behalf of the entire NBA family. Larry's legacy extends beyond the NBA as he touched many lives in the Salt Lake City region through his business ventures and charitable endeavors. The NBA lost a great leader, colleague and friend today. We will miss him.”
On February 21, 2009, the Utah Jazz played in Miller's name against the New Orleans Hornets, honoring him with a special ceremony and giving their condolences, and the game ball, to his wife, winning the game 102–88. They also wore a pin depicting the Jazz' first Utah logo for the remainder of the season.
, which are both named in his honor.
In November 1995, he formed Larry H. Miller Charities, whose mission statement is, "We give back to our communities by focusing our united service and corporate giving on youth and children with an emphasis on health and education." Since its inception, the foundation has raised more than $1 million, distributing those funds to charitable organizations in the communities where the Larry H. Miller Group does business.
His public service was recognized by numerous awards, including the Utah Minuteman
Award from the Utah National Guard
in 1990, an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Utah
in 1991, and the Tourist Achievement Award from the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau in 1992.
was pulled from Miller's Megaplex 17 theater at the last minute after Miller learned from a radio reporter that the film featured a gay romance. Other R-rated films, such as the comedy Grandma's Boy and the violent horror film Hostel were still allowed to be shown. As a result, the businessman was accused of exhibiting bias
against homosexuality.
The cancellation brought international attention to the theater. The Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Utah and other gay rights groups urged its members to avoid patronizing Miller's various businesses. Jay Leno
joked about the incident on The Tonight Show
.
Miller later explained the cancellation, saying that he was concerned about "getting away from the traditional families
", what he called "a very dangerous thing." Miller noted that several individuals purchased automobiles from his dealerships as a form of support for the decision. He also expressed regret for any feelings that were hurt as a result.
John Amaechi
, a retired center
who finished his career with Miller's Utah Jazz in 2003, publicly announced his homosexuality
on February 7, 2007. Miller issued a statement the following day, conceding that he had made a bad decision in pulling Brokeback Mountain. He described it as a "knee-jerk reaction" and said that he would probably allow the film to be shown if faced with the same decision again; however he said he was still unsure how he would react to an openly gay player on his basketball team.
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
businessman and philanthropist
Philanthropist
A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes...
who was well known as the owner of the NBA's Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
and the of Triple-A baseball team, the Salt Lake Bees
Salt Lake Bees
The Salt Lake Bees are a Pacific Coast League minor league baseball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Bees serve as the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They play their home games at Spring Mobile Ballpark, known to fans as the Apiary, which was...
, 41 automotive dealerships throughout the Western United States , and a variety of other business ventures including Prestige Financial, Jordan Commons, Megaplex Theatres, KJZZ-TV
KJZZ-TV
KJZZ-TV, virtual channel 14, is a full-service Independent television station serving Salt Lake City, Utah, USA and surrounding areas, broadcasting in digital on UHF channel 46. The KJZZ transmitter is located on Farnsworth Peak in the Oquirrh Mountains...
, Miller Motorsports Park
Miller Motorsports Park
Miller Motorsports Park is an auto, motorcycle, bicycle and kart racing facility located in the unincorporated Erda area just outside Tooele, Utah.- The Track :...
, the FANZZ
Fanzz
Fanzz is a retailer in the sports apparel and team gear industry, with serving as its online store front. Fanzz began operations in 1985 and has grown to be one of the largest sports apparel and merchandise providers in the Western United States. Fanzz currently has 62 retail store locations in...
chain of sports apparel stores, the advertising agency Saxton Horne - named after Miller's wife's maiden name and his middle-name, and the EnergySolutions Arena
EnergySolutions Arena
EnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
(formerly the "Delta Center"), all of which are still owned by the family's Larry H. Miller Group of Companies.
Biography
Miller was born as Lawrence Horne West to Mary Lorille Horne and Howard Hanley West. His parents divorced in 1946, and in June 1948 his mother married Frank Soren Miller. Larry was legally adopted by his stepfather in September 1949, and his last name was changed to Miller.Following his graduation from West High School, Miller was employed in construction
Construction
In the fields of architecture and civil engineering, construction is a process that consists of the building or assembling of infrastructure. Far from being a single activity, large scale construction is a feat of human multitasking...
by his uncle William Reid Horne until 1964, when he went to work for American Auto Parts. Softball
Softball
Softball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 10 to 14 players. It is a direct descendant of baseball although there are some key differences: softballs are larger than baseballs, and the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand...
and drag racing
Drag racing
Drag racing is a competition in which specially prepared automobiles or motorcycles compete two at a time to be the first to cross a set finish line, from a standing start, in a straight line, over a measured distance, most commonly a ¼-mile straight track....
, two of his interests, helped launch his careers in sports and automobiles. From 1963 to 1970, Miller raced cars, and from 1962 to 1985 he was an outstanding fast-pitch softball player, pitching in the Salt Lake City Metro League and the Denver Metro League.
In 1966, he became a parts manager and later manager of the parts and service departments for a Utah auto dealer. In 1970, he moved to Denver to play softball and work as a parts manager for two Denver Toyota dealerships. In 1978, he was promoted to operations manager over five Toyota stores.
Larry H. Miller was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose for-profit arm manages the company's TV station today.
Miller married his high school sweetheart, Karen Gail Saxton, on March 25, 1965. Their marriage
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
produced five children: Gregory Scott, Roger Lawrence, Karen Rebecca, Stephen Frank and Bryan Joseph. He was the grandfather of twenty-six grandchildren.
Business accomplishments
Miller formed a business partnership with Horne to purchase a Toyota dealership in the Salt Lake City suburbSuburb
The word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
of Murray, Utah
Murray, Utah
Murray is a city situated on the Wasatch Front in the core of Salt Lake Valley in the U.S. state of Utah. Named for territorial governor Eli Murray, it is the state's fourteenth largest city. According to the 2010 census, Murray has approximately 46,746 residents.Murray is close to Salt Lake City,...
. It opened on May 1, 1979 as Larry H. Miller Toyota. In October 1981, Miller bought out his uncle's share in the business. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, he acquired a number of automobile dealerships in Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
, Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
, Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
, and New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, creating the Larry H. Miller Automotive Group. In 2007, Selling Power listed him as the tenth largest U.S. automotive dealer, with forty-two dealerships and sales of $2,327,000,000.
After a failed attempt to start a television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
outlet on the last remaining VHF frequency in the Utah market, Miller purchased Salt Lake City independent station KXIV in February 1993. He later changed the call letters to KJZZ-TV
KJZZ-TV
KJZZ-TV, virtual channel 14, is a full-service Independent television station serving Salt Lake City, Utah, USA and surrounding areas, broadcasting in digital on UHF channel 46. The KJZZ transmitter is located on Farnsworth Peak in the Oquirrh Mountains...
as a reference to the Jazz.
Miller also owned the Larry H. Miller Megaplex, Prestige Financial, Miller Motorsports Park (opened in 2006), Fanzz (a chain of sports clothing & memorabilia outlets), and the successful Jordan Commons cinema/restaurant
Restaurant
A restaurant is an establishment which prepares and serves food and drink to customers in return for money. Meals are generally served and eaten on premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and food delivery services...
complexes along the Wasatch Front. There are five Megaplex Theaters
Megaplex Theaters
Megaplex Theatres was founded in 1999 by the former owner of the Utah Jazz, Larry H. Miller. It is an independent movie theater chain in the state of Utah, with five locations along the Wasatch front and another set to open in October 2011. The theater chain is now operated by Greg Miller, CEO of...
located in shopping centers along the Wasatch Front; the Gateway Mall
Gateway District
The Gateway District is a large open air retail, residential and office complex in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. The complex is centered around the historic Union Pacific Depot in downtown Salt Lake City...
in downtown Salt Lake City, at the aforementioned Jordan Commons in Sandy
Sandy, Utah
Sandy is a city in Salt Lake County, Utah, United States. It is a suburb of Salt Lake City. The population was 87,461 at the 2010 census, making it the sixth-largest city in Utah....
, at The District in South Jordan
South Jordan, Utah
South Jordan is a city in the U.S. state of Utah. The city lies in the Salt Lake Valley between the peaks of the Oquirrh Mountains and the peaks of the Wasatch Mountains and is part of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area...
, at The Junction in Ogden
Ogden, Utah
Ogden is a city in Weber County, Utah, United States. Ogden serves as the county seat of Weber County. The population was 82,825 according to the 2010 Census. The city served as a major railway hub through much of its history, and still handles a great deal of freight rail traffic which makes it a...
, and at Thanksgiving Point
Thanksgiving Point
Thanksgiving Point is a 501 educational institute and associated museum complex and estate garden in Lehi, Utah. It is funded by contributions, admissions, and profits from its retail operations, and concessions. The current logo is a stylized version of its establishing landmark, a water tower...
in Lehi
Lehi, Utah
-Attractions:Lehi Roller MillsLehi Roller Mills was founded in 1906 by a co-op of farmers. George G. Robinson purchased the mill in 1910, and since then it has remained in the family. It is run today by grandson R. Sherman Robinson....
. Together the theaters total 70 screens. In late 2010 another theatre location in Centerville, Utah was announced. In 2010 the Megaplex at Thanksgiving Point started showing large format movies on the Mammoth Screen.
Sports involvement
Miller became a co-owner of the Utah Jazz when he purchased a 50% interest in the team on April 11, 1985 for $9.5 million. On June 16, 1986, he purchased the remaining 50% from Sam Battistone for $17.3 million.Miller built the EnergySolutions Arena
EnergySolutions Arena
EnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
(formerly the Delta Center) in downtown Salt Lake City to house the Jazz NBA team.
Miller was an unpaid consultant in the project to construct Spring Mobile Ballpark, now the home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
's AAA affiliate Salt Lake Bees
Salt Lake Bees
The Salt Lake Bees are a Pacific Coast League minor league baseball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Bees serve as the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They play their home games at Spring Mobile Ballpark, known to fans as the Apiary, which was...
. He purchased the team in 2005, changing the name from the Salt Lake Stingers to the Bees.
He also owned the Salt Lake Golden Eagles
Salt Lake Golden Eagles
The Salt Lake Golden Eagles were a minor professional hockey team based in Salt Lake City, Utah from 1969 to 1994.They played in the Western Hockey League from 1969 to 1974, the Central Hockey League from 1974 to 1984 and the International Hockey League from 1984 to 1994...
ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
team, which he purchased in September 1989.
Miller was also the owner of the Utah Starzz
Utah Starzz
The Utah Starzz were a Women's National Basketball Association team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They began play in the 1997 WNBA season as one of the league's eight original teams. The Starzz relocated, in 2003, to San Antonio, Texas where the team became the San Antonio Silver Stars...
WNBA team (Starzz referencing a former successful ABA team, the Utah Stars
Utah Stars
The Utah Stars was an American Basketball Association team based in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.Under head coach Bill Sharman the Stars were the first major professional basketball team to use a pre-game shootaround.-History:...
and the double-z in Jazz). Miller sold the team in 2002 to San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
owner Peter Holt
Peter Holt
Peter M. Holt is a businessman. He is the CEO of Holt Cat, the largest Caterpillar dealership in the United States and chairman, CEO, and owner of Spurs Sports & Entertainment, which owns the 4-time NBA champion San Antonio Spurs, theWNBA's San Antonio Silver Stars, the AHL's San Antonio Rampage,...
who moved the team to San Antonio and renamed them the San Antonio Silver Stars
San Antonio Silver Stars
The San Antonio Silver Stars are a professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah before the league's inaugural 1997 season began; the team moved to San Antonio...
.
Miller also owned a racetrack in Utah, Miller Motorsports Park
Miller Motorsports Park
Miller Motorsports Park is an auto, motorcycle, bicycle and kart racing facility located in the unincorporated Erda area just outside Tooele, Utah.- The Track :...
and a road racing
Road racing
Road racing is a general term for most forms of motor racing held on paved, purpose-built race tracks , as opposed to oval tracks and off-road racing...
course.
The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah
Tour of Utah
The Tour of Utah is a U.S. professional road bicycle racing stage race across the state of Utah. It began as a regional race, the Thanksgiving Point Stage Race, and became the Tour of Utah in 2004. The Tour of Utah takes riders over Utah's climbs and diverse terrain. It was founded and managed by...
presented by Zions Bank is an annual professional road bicycle racing
Road bicycle racing
Road bicycle racing is a bicycle racing sport held on roads, using racing bicycles. The term "road racing" is usually applied to events where competing riders start simultaneously with the winner being the first to the line at the end of the course .Historically, the most...
stage race.
Declining health and death
Miller had been in declining health for several years. In June 2008, Miller suffered a severe heart attack, and was hospitalized for 59 days with complications that included kidney failure and gastrointestinal bleeding, which required a blood transfusion. In October, he developed a bone infection and diabetic ulcers on one foot that required outpatient surgery. On January 23, 2009, Miller underwent surgery to amputate both legs six inches below the knee, a result of complications from type 2Diabetes mellitus type 2
Diabetes mellitus type 2formerly non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetesis a metabolic disorder that is characterized by high blood glucose in the context of insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. Diabetes is often initially managed by increasing exercise and...
diabetes.
On February 20, 2009, surrounded by family at his home, Miller died of complications from type II diabetes.
On the day of his death, at a news conference attended by his family and physician, it was revealed that his diabetes was compounded by a rare and incurable disease known as calciphylaxis
Calciphylaxis
Calciphylaxis is a syndrome of vascular calcification, thrombosis and skin necrosis. It is seen almost exclusively in patients with Stage 5 chronic kidney disease. It results in chronic non-healing wounds and is usually fatal. Calciphylaxis is a rare but serious disease. Calciphylaxis is one type...
, which he was diagnosed with just one week prior to his death.
Utah Governor Jon Huntsman issued the following statement on February 20, 2009 regarding the passing of Larry H. Miller:
"Every citizen in our state feels a little empty today. Larry was Utah and Utah was Larry. He inspired many and served countless. We all have been made better by his extraordinary life. Mary Kaye and I wish to express our deepest love and sympathies to his wonderful wife, Gail,
and their entire family and wish them a sense of deep condolences at this difficult time."
Governor Huntsman had appointed Miller to chair the Governor's Commission on Strengthening Utah's Democracy in January; a replacement is to be named at a later time.
NBA Commissioner David Stern issued a statement on the passing of Mr. Miller: “It is with great sadness that I offer condolences to Gail and the Miller family on behalf of the entire NBA family. Larry's legacy extends beyond the NBA as he touched many lives in the Salt Lake City region through his business ventures and charitable endeavors. The NBA lost a great leader, colleague and friend today. We will miss him.”
On February 21, 2009, the Utah Jazz played in Miller's name against the New Orleans Hornets, honoring him with a special ceremony and giving their condolences, and the game ball, to his wife, winning the game 102–88. They also wore a pin depicting the Jazz' first Utah logo for the remainder of the season.
Public service
Miller contributed to a variety of causes and organizations, including a $21 million dollar training center for law enforcement and corrections officers, as well as a significant investment towards a campus for Salt Lake Community CollegeSalt Lake Community College
Salt Lake Community College is the largest higher education institution with the most diverse student body in Utah . The College offers and operates throughout the Salt Lake valley. Even with its large student body, the College maintains a student to faculty ratio of just 20 to 1...
, which are both named in his honor.
In November 1995, he formed Larry H. Miller Charities, whose mission statement is, "We give back to our communities by focusing our united service and corporate giving on youth and children with an emphasis on health and education." Since its inception, the foundation has raised more than $1 million, distributing those funds to charitable organizations in the communities where the Larry H. Miller Group does business.
His public service was recognized by numerous awards, including the Utah Minuteman
Minutemen
Minutemen were members of teams of select men from the American colonial partisan militia during the American Revolutionary War. They provided a highly mobile, rapidly deployed force that allowed the colonies to respond immediately to war threats, hence the name.The minutemen were among the first...
Award from the Utah National Guard
United States National Guard
The National Guard of the United States is a reserve military force composed of state National Guard militia members or units under federally recognized active or inactive armed force service for the United States. Militia members are citizen soldiers, meaning they work part time for the National...
in 1990, an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Utah
University of Utah
The University of Utah, also known as the U or the U of U, is a public, coeducational research university in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. The university was established in 1850 as the University of Deseret by the General Assembly of the provisional State of Deseret, making it Utah's oldest...
in 1991, and the Tourist Achievement Award from the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau in 1992.
Brokeback Mountain
On January 6, 2006, the film Brokeback MountainBrokeback Mountain
Brokeback Mountain is a 2005 romantic drama film directed by Ang Lee. It is a film adaptation of the 1997 short story of the same name by Annie Proulx with the screenplay written by Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry...
was pulled from Miller's Megaplex 17 theater at the last minute after Miller learned from a radio reporter that the film featured a gay romance. Other R-rated films, such as the comedy Grandma's Boy and the violent horror film Hostel were still allowed to be shown. As a result, the businessman was accused of exhibiting bias
Homophobia
Homophobia is a term used to refer to a range of negative attitudes and feelings towards lesbian, gay and in some cases bisexual, transgender people and behavior, although these are usually covered under other terms such as biphobia and transphobia. Definitions refer to irrational fear, with the...
against homosexuality.
The cancellation brought international attention to the theater. The Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Utah and other gay rights groups urged its members to avoid patronizing Miller's various businesses. Jay Leno
Jay Leno
James Douglas Muir "Jay" Leno is an American stand-up comedian and television host.From 1992 to 2009, Leno was the host of NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Beginning in September 2009, Leno started a primetime talk show, titled The Jay Leno Show, which aired weeknights at 10:00 p.m. ,...
joked about the incident on The Tonight Show
The Tonight Show
The Tonight Show is an American late-night talk show that has aired on NBC since 1954. It is the longest currently running regularly scheduled entertainment program in the United States, and the third longest-running show on NBC, after Meet the Press and Today.The Tonight Show has been hosted by...
.
Miller later explained the cancellation, saying that he was concerned about "getting away from the traditional families
Nuclear family
Nuclear family is a term used to define a family group consisting of a father and mother and their children. This is in contrast to the smaller single-parent family, and to the larger extended family. Nuclear families typically center on a married couple, but not always; the nuclear family may have...
", what he called "a very dangerous thing." Miller noted that several individuals purchased automobiles from his dealerships as a form of support for the decision. He also expressed regret for any feelings that were hurt as a result.
John Amaechi
John Amaechi
John Uzoma Ekwugha Amaechi OBE is a retired American-born British basketball player who currently works as a psychologist, educator and political activist in Europe and the United States....
, a retired center
Center (basketball)
The center, colloquially known as the five or the post, is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. The center is normally the tallest player on the team, and often has a great deal of strength and body mass as well...
who finished his career with Miller's Utah Jazz in 2003, publicly announced his homosexuality
Coming out
Coming out is a figure of speech for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people's disclosure of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity....
on February 7, 2007. Miller issued a statement the following day, conceding that he had made a bad decision in pulling Brokeback Mountain. He described it as a "knee-jerk reaction" and said that he would probably allow the film to be shown if faced with the same decision again; however he said he was still unsure how he would react to an openly gay player on his basketball team.
Places, buildings, and events named after Miller
- Larry H Miller Campus for Salt Lake Community College
- Larry H. Miller FieldLarry H. Miller FieldMiller Field may refer to:* Larry H. Miller Field, a stadium in Provo, Utah, United States.* Miller Field , an airport in Valentine, Nebraska, United States .* Miller Field , a baseball stadium in Owensboro, Kentucky....
- Larry & Gail Miller Public Safety Education and Training Center — Salt Lake Community CollegeSalt Lake Community CollegeSalt Lake Community College is the largest higher education institution with the most diverse student body in Utah . The College offers and operates throughout the Salt Lake valley. Even with its large student body, the College maintains a student to faculty ratio of just 20 to 1...
Miller Campus - Miller Automotive Training Center — Salt Lake Community College Miller Campus
- Miller Corporate Partnership Center — Salt Lake Community College Miller Campus
- Miller Free Enterprise Center — Salt Lake Community College Miller Campus
- Miller Professional Development Center — Salt Lake Community College Miller Campus
- Miller Motorsports ParkMiller Motorsports ParkMiller Motorsports Park is an auto, motorcycle, bicycle and kart racing facility located in the unincorporated Erda area just outside Tooele, Utah.- The Track :...
- Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah — bicycle race
- Larry H. Miller Softball Complex