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DFW Theatre Pioneer Jerry Russell Passes Away

 

 

Jerry RussellThe DFW Theater Community has lost such a great force within our family: At 3:00am this morning, one of the greatest pioneers within the Dallas-Fort Theatre Community passed away, Mr. Jerry Russell. This was after being hospitalized for several weeks following complications from abdominal surgery. He was the founder and Artistic Director of Stage West. He was 77.

His daughter state Sen. Wendy Davis had postponed her plans to announce whether she would be running for Texas governor in 2014, posted on her Facebook page that Russell died peacefully in the early hours of the morning.

“He was surrounded by his children and his wife, our stepmom, Suzi [McLaughlin]. During his time in the hospital, there was never a moment that one of us wasn’t by his side. We, and the community, will forever be grateful for the significant impact he made on our lives. He and his warm, sparkling brown eyes will be deeply missed. My family and I thank you for surrounding us with your prayers and comfort during this time.”
Before his death, he was in the midst of rehearsals for Stage West's production of THANK YOU JEEVES. The same production in which Charles Ryan Roach was a part of the original cast, until his passing in July.

Besides being the founder of Stage West, Jerry performed in theaters all around the DFW area, including the Dallas Theater Center, Contemporary Theatre of Dallas, Casa Mañana and others. We will post Funeral arrangements when they are announced later.

On a personal note, I had the esteemed pleasure of being directed by Mr. Russell at Stage West in a production of THE PROMISE. I learned a lot from this man in rehearsal, using some of his teachings even to this day in my work as an actor. He was such a genius in the creation of theater. He elevated the art form.
Please send your prayers to his family and friends during this great loss to them. The stage lights are much dimmer now due to this great man who is no longer with us.

The Memorial and wake for Jerry will be Sunday September 15, 6pm (may shift by a half hour). Fort Worth community arts center; Scott theatre; 1300 Gendy st; Fort Worth 76107.