At 6’4″, Robert Mailer Anderson has a towering presence on the tennis court. Before serving, he towers over the service box, ready to fire his powerful serves. Standing a few feet back from the baseline, I brace myself, eyes shut, and swing wildly as the ball rockets toward me. By the time I react, Robert is already at the net, poised to finish the point.
I met Robert through a mutual friend who shares our passion for tennis. Since then, we’ve hit the courts together several times, and it’s always a highlight. During our first meeting, I asked Robert about his profession. He humbly replied that he tries to write when he’s not busy with his kids, mentioning his sporadic work on screenplays.
Each time we played, I was curious about his writing progress, though I never pried. It felt right to let him focus on his craft without my interference.
One day at the tennis club, I was admiring a sleek black Italian sports car parked outside. Its massive wheels and finely stitched leather seats caught my eye, reminding me of my own passion for cars. As I was lost in admiration, the front desk attendant commented on the car’s beauty. I agreed enthusiastically, only to be stunned when I learned it belonged to Robert—the tall, glasses-wearing writer I knew from tennis.
We weren’t playing together that day, but later, while sipping a lemon Gatorade at home, I stumbled upon an article about Robert in the SF Chronicle. It featured his photo and detailed his role as Co-Chair of the SFJazz Center’s fundraising efforts. I discovered that Robert wasn’t just a fellow tennis enthusiast but also a bestselling author and screenwriter. His humble demeanor had never let on the extent of his accomplishments.
Motivated by my newfound understanding of Robert’s involvement, I reached out to him about how I could support the SFJazz Center. He invited me to a fundraising event at Bimbo’s 365 Club, suggesting a “small party.” Expecting a low-key affair, I was shocked by the glamour and scale of the event, complete with red carpet interviews and celebrity attendees like Amy Tan, Ben Jealous, and Kamala Harris. It was a far cry from the intimate gathering I had anticipated.
Robert’s speech at the event resonated deeply with me. He spoke of the universal love for jazz that brought us all together, emphasizing that it wasn’t about status or wealth but a shared passion for the music. His ability to connect with the audience without notes was a testament to his genuine engagement with the cause.
Through tennis, Robert and I found common ground, a space where titles and achievements didn’t matter—only the game and our respect for each other. It’s in these moments, shared around a common passion, that true relationships are forged, free from ulterior motives.
Robert’s story is a reminder of the power of humility and the importance of staying true to one’s roots. Despite his success, he remains grounded, connected to his past, and dedicated to giving back, not only to the jazz community but also to all those he encounters. His journey from varied beginnings to influential cultural patron exemplifies how one can leverage personal achievements for broader communal benefit.
