Larry Randolph
Larry Lee Randolph first stepped on stage while in the sixth grade at Belle Grove Elementary in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and blew a trumpet blast announcing the entrance of Queen Mab and her court. It was an auspicious beginning to a life in the Theater. Born on February 27th, 1937, he took his final bow on August 18th, 2014. Larry was an accomplished renaissance artist: actor, director, teacher, playwright, and costume and set designer. Above all, he was a raconteur extraordinaire, a magnet for celebrated and interesting people, and a treasure to all that knew him. His early career in New York City included working as an assistant to Patricia Zipprodt, the Tony-award winning costume designer, and positions at Circle in the Square, Shakespeare in the Park, and the Joffrey Ballet. Returning to academic theater, he served on the faculties of Purdue and Texas Tech Universities, influencing countless young students of theater arts. He spent many happy summers in Cherokee, North Carolina, as a resident actor, director, and designer with the historical outdoor drama, "Unto These Hills," as well as touring on the Country Dinner Playhouse circuit. Summoned to Los Angeles in the early 80s, he spent several years as both dialogue director and actor on the hit TV series "Hotel." It was here that he forged many enduring friendships with stars and celebrated personalities. During a leave of absence, he made his San Francisco debut in "Greater Tuna"; it turned into a three-year run that brought him much acclaim. He later toured Texas with the play opposite his friend and former student, Jaston Williams, the show's co-creator. In the 90s, he returned to Texas, performing and directing in Dallas, Austin, and Granbury. In 2007, he co-founded One Thirty Productions, a professional theater, and in 2013, he received the Dallas-Fort Worth Theater Critics Forum Award for his performance in "The Madness of Lady Bright." For him, it was the pinnacle of an extraordinary career. A proud member of Actors' Equity for more than 40 years, he once said of himself: "My profession is theater - my hobby is theater." Larry is survived by a niece, a nephew, and a host of friends, colleagues, and fans. He was preceded in death by his loving dogs, Gypsy Queen, Miss Bertha, Otie, Mr. Goldman, and Cassie, and is survived by his faithful pal, Indy. A memorial celebration will be held on Monday, September 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at Dallas Children's Theater at 5938 Skillman, Dallas, Texas 75231. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA or Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
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