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GENE LASKO Obituary

LASKO--Gene, was a producer-director who worked with such esteemed actors as Dustin Hoffman and Marlon Brando. An Emmy Award winner, he directed and associate produced over 150 daytime television shows. Mr. Lasko was active in founding The National Theatre of the Deaf. He taught at NYU and SUNY Purchase, and chaired the Directing Department at the Actors Studio Drama School at the New School. He is survived by his nieces Joan Friedland and Margaret Crastnopol.

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Published by New York Times on Jan. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for GENE LASKO

Sponsored by his loving nieces, Peggy Crastnopol & Joan Friedland.

58 Entries

Jeremy Kareken

January 13, 2025

It´s been a while, but I am working on a play that Gene would have loved. I wish he were here to ask how I can approach it. I imagine what he would have said. That helps.

Nikki Chawla

January 13, 2024

Thank you Gene for showing me the path to be an artist. RIP.

Detra "Sugar"

January 14, 2023

Thinking of you Gene. My class began Shakespeare work last week, I am praying for your guidance. Love and miss you.

Nikki Chawla

January 13, 2023

Miss you Gene, my first acting teacher who saw something in me.

May you RIP. Nikki

Detra "Sugar" Payne

October 14, 2022

It has been many years since your passing. So much in the world has happened and I think you would be at times shocked, definitely disappointed but ultimately hopeful. I miss you Mr. Lasko, I often think of you and the generosity you exuded to me and our class when learning Shakespeare. You gave me so much love and support while training with you, you made me comfortable with Shakespeare. I am calling upon you to guide my steps as I move into teaching what I can of Shakespeare. I will be recalling the beautiful moments I experienced being a student of such a wonderful human and channeling those times to hopefully give my students an inkling of what you gave me. You were the best and my heart continues to smile whenever I think of you Gene Lasko. Thank you for everything, you are forever thought of.

Mark Ballou

October 22, 2020

I thought of you today. As a teenager, and young actor, my mother dragged me to your class. I still remember the first private session I had with you before we started working together. I was headstrong, resistant and prone to phoning in the work. You saw right through me. Yet nearly 40 years later, I still value the techniques you installed in me. You will always be my first and truest acting teacher. Thank you.

Corinne Broskette

January 14, 2020

Another year? Be still my beating heart. Gene, I remember you as if it were yesterday the last time we met in NY. How dear you are. We need to memorialise you somehow.

NIKKI CHAWLA

January 13, 2020

My first acting teacher who helped me discover the truth.

Toby Tompkins

January 19, 2018

Gene was a great director, a great teacher, and a great friend. I miss him sorely.

Corinne Broskette

January 14, 2016

Has it been a year already? How can a heart ache so for this loss. I hope that the awards recognize Gene's contribution to our craft this season.
I also want to thank all of the writers for their memories and for continuing to pass on his insights to other actors. I recommend reading this book to all of my students at Venue Theatre in Florida. I echo his focus every session. Love and hugs to all.
Also time to remember Lee this year. Gone for so long but not forgotten.

Kathryn Kennedy-Kent

January 13, 2016

Rest peacefully. Gene. I knew you from the time I was five, when you married my great aunt's daughter, Joyce. I am sad you've left, but grateful for the memories I have of you both, will always love and remember you,
Kit

Codie Costello

February 2, 2015

You taught me so much. You will be missed...no words.

Denise Lyons

January 28, 2015

Gene changed my life. My friend Ben Bauman introduced us in SUNY Purchase and one week later I was enrolled at the New School for the Actors Studio. He always had such a gentle wisdom and kind direction in a scene, there was no other like him. But it was while watching him perform I'm not Rappaport at the Studio that I learned the most from him. No matter what you have learned you are never done. He took direction from the moderator so graciously and was ever humble in his gift. And while I forever mourn the loss of him I remember just how enriched my life is because of him. Thank you Gene.

Patricia Van Tassel

January 27, 2015

Gene Lasko. Gene was (it is difficult to use the past tense) a most generous man. He was generous with his time; he was generous with his patience; he was generous with his knowledge; with his stories; with his philosophy; with his talent, laughter, kindness, loyalty, and love. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Gene, I miss you, and I hope wherever you are, you have a really good house.
Much love,

Bethany Kay

January 24, 2015

Ears and the tail, sir.

Alice Elliott

January 23, 2015

Gene taught a free acting workshop for many years through the National Academy of TV. We had such intense sessions. He did this for love of acting and actors. I think Gene saved my life, giving me an anchor in the world of the theater. He was so generous with good work and dismissive of bad. His deep commitment to all of us in the workshop was a treasure. Merce, Sigourney, Reed, Jim, Erica, Jim, Julia, Anna, Dalton, so many old friends. Thank you.

Jerry Abeles

January 23, 2015

I enjoyed Gene's friendship for over 70 years.We walked to school together every morning and spent our summers as bunk-mates in different camps.When we were 15 years old we teamed up as weekend stock-boys at the old "Oppenheimer Collins"department store. As I recall,our day's earnings were spent lunching in a nearby deli,consuming food considered "forbidden"by our mothers.Until recently,the tradition was maintained,since we often met to catch up over a hot pastrami sandwich.As the years passed,we moved on to sharing the joys of theater-going and dining in favorite restaurants. Gene was super smart and funny.With reason, he was a special and respected teacher and friend to many.I shall think of him often and treasure the memories.

Reed Birney

January 23, 2015

What a teacher!!
What a man!!
Bravo!!

Ben Beckley

January 22, 2015

I studied with Gene off and on for seven years (whenever I had the time), and even after his retirement I'd come up to his cluttered apartment on the upper east side to run through a monologue or some sides. Sometimes our conversation would turn to the time Gene spent working with Lee Strasberg, Marlon Brando, Dustin Hoffman, or Arthur Penn. More than once he talked about Reed Birney, who had referred me to him, and how proud he was of his former student.

Most of all, though, we'd work. Gene would have us shout the text, or speed through it, or make. us. pause. between. every. word. He'd ask an actress playing Blanche in Streetcar to imagine the pews in the church where she got married or the color of the flowers on the altar. He'd tell an actor playing Lee in True West to focus on--to lean into--his aching need for validation and respect.

His favorite exercise was the whisper exercise: you'd just close your eyes and whisper the text. It didn't need to be--shouldn't be--audible to anyone else. Gene would bark out the words "DON'T RUSH!" if he sensed you were moving too fast, but otherwise, he'd remain silent. He would sit there, watching patiently, waiting for you to finish, and then -- feeling unsettled, vulnerable, out of your depth -- you'd open your eyes, and Gene would say, "Learn anything? Good." He would never ask you what you learned. That was private, and articulating it (Gene's silence seemed to suggest) would simplify it, codify it, and deaden it.

Everything Gene did was fiercely undogmatic, but of course, there was a method to it all. He would tirelessly, ruthlessly find ways to make the imaginary real and to throw us all off balance. He taught us to reveal ourselves beyond what was comfortable or familiar. He taught us to lose control. It's the single most important thing I've learned as an actor, and I learned it from Gene.

Gene kept his keychain hanging on the wing of an Emmy Award perched on his paper-strewn desk; "Take pride in your work," it seemed to say, "but don't take anything too seriously." While Gene understood the appeal of professional success, it's not what mattered most to him. In our last conversation, I told him I'd booked a show at The Atlantic. He congratulated me, and then said, "You know what I want for you? Keep doing the work I know you can do."

I will, Gene. And I'll miss you.

Joan Bogden

January 22, 2015

Gene was a truly gifted teacher and a wonderful person. I have many fond memories of not only his class, but the downtime we (he, his wife and I) spent together years past skiing, trolling the streets of Paris, and dancing with me at my wedding. Quite the character with an enormous heart and wit - he will truly be missed.

Polly Lee

January 22, 2015

Gene taught me how to have joy in and enjoy doing my work while at school. Later, he helped me have joy in life. You are missed Gene!

Gene at home in late 2014

Polly Lee

January 22, 2015

Michelle Robinson

January 22, 2015

I loved Gene Lasko. He always believed in my talent, and always believed in me. He was always there with words of encouragement, and always took the time to shoot the breeze with me. I've only begun to understand how much I'll miss him.

Ana Knight

January 22, 2015

Dear Gene, rest in peace, you were a wonderful teacher, and director, a constant inspiration, you will be missed

Angels to care for you

Corinne Broskette

January 22, 2015

Gene will always be in my heart as the one person who encouraged me to follow my dream, and directly responsible for my first professional job with NTD. He was a dear mentor, coach, director and friend, and I attribute much of my life successes to him. He will be dearly missed. I send love and angels to comfort his family, friends and loved ones.

Amie Brockway

January 22, 2015

Gene was an extraordinary teacher and an extraordinary human being. I am so fortunate to have had the privilege to study with him and to be able to call him friend. He gave me valuable tools to work with as actor, director, and teacher. He was astonishingly perceptive and simply brilliant. Fun and funny, too. I will always be grateful.

Wendy Ouellette

January 21, 2015

Gene was such a nice man to work with in the early days of the Actors Studio Drama School. His talent and dedication to his students was respected and revered. Farewell, Gene. Have a good show, wherever you are.

Laura Raynor

January 21, 2015

Gene's genuine encouragement, kindness and wit helped me to trancend myself. He made a difference in the lives of many. God bless you on your continuing joruney, Gene.

Nicole Jesson

January 21, 2015

Gene had a great treasure and he shared it with each of his students. We are all terribly lucky to have known him and worked with him. My deepest sympathies to his loved ones.

Kitt Lavoie

January 21, 2015

Gene Lasko was very simply one of the best things that ever happened to me.

Not a day passes that I do not think about Gene - not just the skills he taught me, but the kind of director and mentor I want to be to my actors and students.

He was a giant of a man.

Chris Oliver

January 21, 2015

I find myself without words. He was mentor, father, friend. I teach now, and I could not without the foundation he provided me. I only hope I can be half the man he was.

AJ Cermak

January 21, 2015

I am so privileged to have worked with Gene. His insight and gifts as an educator and mentor were invaluable in my training. I am grateful to have shared in his artistry, kindness, and generosity. His legacy is profound.

Sean Krishnan

January 21, 2015

Gene was my friend, mentor and acting teacher since my early twenties. He believed in me and saw greatness in those around him, and was always encouraging but honest. He was brilliant, and genuine and funny. I'm happy we became friends along the way after becoming his student, and appreciate and respect that he shared amazing stories with me about his childhood and working in the business. I'm thankful for the opportunities I've had over the years and continue to, but if I progress its because in the end the very core Gene's work feeds what I do, and helps me find the best of what's in me. I'll miss you Gene, and cherish those memories of year after year coming to your studio in the west village and feeling just amazing after, like a breath of fresh air. Or going to dinner and a show and laughing. I'll keep close to my heart those amazing students from class, who are now dear friends. May you be reunited with your beauutiful wife Gene, and enjoying wherever you are now. I will take you into everything I do, as I have all these years.

Joe D'Aquino

January 20, 2015

Gene was a dear mentor and friend for the past twenty years. Always honest and compassionate with me and my peers. I hope to carry his legacy forward with my own students.

Laine Dyer-May

January 20, 2015

Truly a gentle-man.

Richard Kuranda

January 20, 2015

Gene was one of the most vibrant, consistent members of our community. He was one of those rare working directors/teachers that took great pride in his talent/students ...so much so that he took professional risks on supporting them. He "sent the elevator back down." From his film work with Arthur Penn to his stage work at the Actors Studio or the O'Neill. He will be remembered and he will live on in the techniques that so many use. I am lucky to have had time with Gene both as a student and a colleague. I am ashamed that I didn't spend more time with him. He always brought out the best in people regardless of age. He truly put service above self.

John Gallogly

January 20, 2015

When I was working in a shipyard during the day, Gene cast me as Reverend Hale at URI. He was an amazing director, smart, funny and incredibly generous. When I went to NYC he got me my first job in Steve Tesich's GORKY at the American Place Theatre. He was such a loving person.

Peggy Crastnopol

January 20, 2015

We, his family, are heartened and touched to hear directly from you all about what a remarkable impact Gene made on his students during his career. I had seen Gene do some teaching and was present at a workshop, so I had some sense of this, but it's wonderful to hear it from the students themselves, in your own words.

Jewel Donohue

January 20, 2015

Thank you.

Adam Kee

January 20, 2015

Gene was a warm, intelligent, funny, and supportive teacher. . . . . who knew exactly the right thing to say to get the best out of his student-actors. He was also someone who became a dear friend. I will miss him very much.

Gene

Gerry Sheridan

January 20, 2015

My relationship with Gene began many years ago as acting teacher and student. In his class you knew that the work was important. Being truthful was important. Being your true self was important. What a gift. We became friends eventually and always had a lot of laughs even after he was in the heinous wheelchair that he couldn't wait to get the hell out of. No matter what he was inspiring and generous. I owe being published and produced to his encouragement. He recognized that there was something in my writing before I did. I hope I can honor his with my future work as well as my past. I love him dearly and always will. You're in my heart Mr. Lasko.

Michele Hill Davis

January 20, 2015

Rest in Peace Gene- thanks for all you did for me during my years at the Actor's Studio MFA program! Love to you and your family!

Al Bernstein

January 20, 2015

Gene was one of the most supportive encouraging teachers I have worked with and continued his love and support after graduation. I could always look at Gene and he at me and without any words knew where I was at with my work. A big hearted talent that I will miss very much. All my love and warm prayers to his family.

Betty Beekman

January 20, 2015

Thank you, Gene for all your work with National Theatre of the Deaf. We will truly miss you.

niketa calame

January 20, 2015

What I remember most in class at actors studio drama school is him yelling out scream it, whisper it, faster etc. And the scenes would totally change and we would find new things for intention. He was always kind and approachable.

Joe McCarthy

January 20, 2015

Gene was a great teacher and really cared about your work. He wanted you to defend and then own your choices throughout the process. He was also an incredibly sweet and thoughtful man.

Zoe Anastassiou

January 20, 2015

Gene...I had something special with you....and you will be truly missed. Every day. I have missed you since I left school, and always regret not spending more time with you since. You were a wonderful teacher but an even better friend. I will always be thinking about you.

Diane DiNonno Hines

January 20, 2015

Gene was an amazing, funny, and quick-witted teacher who will be greatly missed; I'm honored to have known him and learned from him.

Ivan Magrin-Chagnolleau

January 20, 2015

Gene, you were a fabulous teacher. Shakespeare has become a familiar companion thanks to you. You knew how to share your passion. And you definitely knew what acting was all about. Enjoy your new path, whatever it is now.

Marc Solomon

January 20, 2015

Gene, your kind heart and amazing sense of humor will be sorely missed.

Tessa Keimes-Kim

January 20, 2015

Gene was one of the greatest teachers and kindest souls I ever knew. I will so miss his gravelly voice edging us gently on to go 'slower' or 'Stop taking your own pulse and get on with it!" I owe him so much. I love you Gene.

Jeremy Kareken

January 19, 2015

I will miss Gene greatly. Always a joy to talk to, always funny and wise. Always friendly. And always helpful and encouraging. He will always be one of those heroes who is never sung about enough.

Nick Hardin

January 19, 2015

Good night, sweet Prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!

Tom Reuel Weber

January 19, 2015

Gene was the real deal. He expressed genuine love for his students and theater. His teaching style was the best. And he taught so much more than can say here - life! is the best way to put it. He will never be forgotten by me, nor by his many many students and colleagues. Gene was part of that brilliant generation that gave all of us so much. I am so grateful to have been recipient of knowledge experience - and of course all the stories!

Nikki Chawla

January 19, 2015

Gene was my first acting teacher. He was supportive, encouraging, and pushed me to be the best I can be. He was funny, inspiring, and stood by by his students. I enjoyed studying in his class and looked forward to the work. He helped me get to where I am today. I will miss him dearly but I will hold him close to my heart and work that I do. May his soul RIP. He is in a beautiful place and he is watching me do my work and he's "louder":) Love you Gene Lasko.

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