Douglas B. Sebern

Douglas B. Sebern, 64, died at home on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008. Doug was born in Burbank, Calif., and grew up in the film and television industries.

He served in the Navy during the Vietnam war and then earned an AA degree from LA Valley College, a BA at Santa Clara University, and an MFA from the University of Iowa. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity Association. His career as an actor and director continued until two months before his death.

Doug can be seen in character roles in a number of films shot in Montana, including "Son of the Morning Star," "Return to Lonesome Dove," and Steven Segal's "The Patriot," and Doug and his wife both appeared in "North Fork." Doug also directed productions of "Old Times," "'Night, Mother," "Steel Magnolias," and "A Lie of the Mind" in Bozeman, as well as "Two Rooms" and a reading of "A Body of Water" for the Blue Slipper Theatre in Livingston.

He also painted, wrote, and created extraordinary architectural miniatures for collectors.

Doug was a caring mentor to aspiring actors and also had a lifelong love of classic automobiles. Along with his older brother Ted, he served as a judge for Concours d' Elegance competitions in California.

Doug met his wife Saralyn at the Occidental Summer Theater Festival in Eagle Rock, Calif. Their shared passion for the performing arts brought extra layers of enrichment to a long and happy marriage. His wife's homesickness for her native Montana brought them to the Gallatin Valley in 1985, and Doug connected with the magic of Big Sky country.

Doug was predeceased by his parents.

He is survived by brothers, Ted and Brian Sebern; sister, Barbara Sebern Rowe; niece and nephew, Amanda and Colin Sebern; and wife, Saralyn.

A celebration in honor of Doug's life will be held at his home on Saturday, Sept. 6.

Donations in his memory may be made to The Blue Slipper Theatre, 113 E. Callender St., Livingston, MT 59047.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.