Chuck Lorre on “Crowning Moment” With Eponymous Family Clinic

When Chuck Lorre and his Chuck Lorre Family Foundation gifted the Venice Family Clinic a $7 million donation in early 2022 for its modernization update at 604 Rose Ave., the super producer said when renovations were complete, the clinic would continue to be “an oasis of hope for generations to come.”

The results of the makeover were unveiled Aug. 26 during an official ribbon-cutting event attended by Lorre and the Venice Family Clinic team, and because of his support of the clinic — Lorre has donated more than $20 million over a 20-year span — the Rose Avenue flagship has been renamed the Chuck Lorre Rose Avenue Health and Wellness Center.

“I’ve been involved with the Venice Family Clinic for 25 years, and this was the crowning moment. The newly refurbished facility on Rose Avenue will be an oasis for both patients and staff for many years to come. I’m deeply grateful to have played a part in making that happen,” Lorre tells The Hollywood Reporter, before getting candid when asked what it’s like to have his name on the building. “To be perfectly honest, it’s weird and embarrassing. Which is why I plan on sneaking by in the dead of night with a ladder and chisel and scraping it off. Maybe replace it with another name. Doesn’t even have to be a real person. The John Wick Rose Avenue Health and Wellness Center would be a real attention-getter.”

But seriously, aside from the name change, the newly made-over address features improved spaces for comprehensive care including behavioral health, substance use services and pediatric care. The updated clinic now offers two showers for homeless patients to use before appointments. A separate pediatric waiting room and dedicated pediatric exam rooms were also added. The event also featured an unveiling of a new custom art piece by Christina Angelina (Starfighter), a Venice-based visual artist. Other support for the revitalization included $500,000 from the S. Mark Taper Foundation and a $500,000 appropriation set aside by U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu to help pay for furnishings and new technology.

“We are truly grateful to Mr. Lorre for his unwavering commitment and remarkable generosity. His support, and the contributions of countless other donors and volunteers, empowers Venice Family Clinic to continue to bring comprehensive health care to people in need, across Los Angeles and beyond,” offered Venice Family Clinic CEO Dr. Mitesh Popat. “This renovation enhances our facilities to ensure they match the exceptional quality of health care services we provide and represents our significant investment in creating healthier communities.”

A version of this story first appeared in the Sept. 6 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.