Sy Kravitz was the father of Lenny Kravitz, an American singer, songwriter, and actor. Sy was an Army Green Beret who served in the Korean War and remained in the Army Reserve after he returned to the United States. Afterward, he ventured into the media world and made his mark there.
Sy Kravitz had a successful career and left a legacy his son has judiciously carried. However, as seen in this piece, he wasn’t the best father or husband. While some of his actions aren’t excusable, some blame who he was on his childhood and career choice.
Here’s everything we know about Lenny Kravitz’s dad.
Who Is Sy Kravitz?
Seymour Sol Kravitz, famously known as Sy Kravitz, was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Joseph Kravitz and Jean Kaufman on December 10, 1924. He had a Jewish background and came from a mixed ethnic heritage. His father worked for a telecommunication company, and his mother was a housewife. In addition, he grew up with his younger brother, Leonard Martin Kravitz.
Sy attended Beverly Hills High School and later pursued a university education, earning a Bachelor of Arts. The late TV producer joined the military at a young age as a Green Beret. However, his stay in the army made him a highly disciplined, exacting man, which would later impact his parenting.
Why Did Sy Kravitz Blame Himself for His Brother’s Death?
Like his late brother Leonard, Sy Kravitz served as an American soldier in the US Army during the Korean War. However, Leonard tragically lost his life at 20 on March 7, 1951, during a Chinese offensive in Yangpyeong County, South Korea. In recognition of his contribution, Leonard was posthumously honored with a medal.
In addition, the military awarded him the Distinguished Service Cross, the country’s second-highest valor award, which Laurie Wenger, Sy Kravitz’s daughter from his first marriage, received in 2014.
Leonard had been eager to follow in Sy’s footsteps by joining the military, and his untimely demise devastated the family. Sy’s parents blamed him for influencing Leonard’s decision and never forgave him for their loss.
In a revealing interview, Sy’s son, Lenny Kravitz, shared that his father had to live with the knowledge that he bore some, if not a significant amount, of the blame for his brother’s death. Consequently, Sy honored his deceased younger brother by naming his son Leonard as a tribute.
When Did Sy Kravitz Start Working at NBC?
After being ranked as an officer and fighting in both the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, Sy started working as a news reporter for the National Broadcasting Company. His diverse experiences in the military and the television industry contributed to his professional journey.
Consequently, Sy Kravitz had a successful career at NBC. He served as a TV executive, overseeing video production and development. In addition, his work in the television industry brought him recognition and even led to his appearance in a documentary titled “Sid Bernstein Presents…” However, the former US military official became famous thanks to his son’s success in music.
What Happened to Sy Kravitz’s First and Second Marriage?
Sy met Roxie Roker, a black Bahamian actress, at a jazz club. Despite the risks involved in embarking on an interracial relationship, they fell deeply in love. However, before meeting Roxie, Sy Kravitz was wedded to Erika. They tied the knot in 1948 and had two children but did not publicly discuss their marriage.
However, Sy ultimately divorced his first wife and married Roker in 1962, mirroring the interracial marriage portrayed by Roxie’s character in “The Jeffersons.” Sy and Roker welcomed a son whom they named Leonard, popularly known as Lenny, two years after they tied the knot.
However, Sy Kravitz’s imperfections as a husband and father became evident over time. According to reports, Lenny accidentally overheard Sy talking to another woman. It became apparent to Lenny that his father financially supported a young mistress using his mother’s money.
Upon learning this, Lenny informed Roker about the situation. Although the revelation was devastating, Roker disclosed that Sy Kravitz had been unfaithful since the early days of their marriage. However, this financial infidelity was the final straw in their strained relationship.
Did Lenny Kravitz Have a Good Relationship With His Father?
In his autobiography “Love Rules,” Lenny shared that he experienced fear towards his father during childhood. Although Sy Kravitz was generally kind, he had a strict and uncommunicative parenting style that Lenny described as “hardcore.” In addition, Sy’s military background influenced his approach to raising his son.
Consequently, Lenny Kravitz sought love and support from his mother, Roxie, as his father became increasingly distant as he grew older. Moreover, Lenny often attributed his decision to leave home at 15 to his strained relationship with his father. Hence, the father-son duo had a turbulent relationship. However, they reconciled before Sy Kravitz died of leukemia.
Like his father’s marriage, Lenny’s marriage to Lisa Bonet ended after six years. However, reports suggest that his alleged infidelity led to their divorce.
