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BORN
1934
DIED
2015
William Newman Obituary
William MacLeod Newman, age 80, passed away on May 27th at Hayes Manor Senior Residence in Philadelphia, after a prolonged struggle against the vascular affliction, Multi-Infarct Dementia.
He was born in Chicago on June 15th, 1934, and moved to Seattle in 1937. He graduated from Roosevelt High School
in 1952, and the University of Washington in 1956. He was awarded a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship for advanced writing study at Columbia University from 1958-1960..
Through the late 50's and early 60's he served in the Armed Forces, married the former Julia Tayon, and taught English. In 1965 he secured an acting position with the Seattle Repertory Theatre which determined the course of his professional life for the next forty years.
He alternated between jobs with theater companies throughout the country including The Seattle Repertory, Baltimore Center Stage, Stephens College (Artist-in-Residence) of Columbia, MO, Minneapolis Guthrie Theater, Denver Center Theater, and Repertory Theater of St. Louis. In addition, he played Off- and On-Broadway in New York, some highlights being Beggar's Opera, Over Here, and Strangers. Among his numerous TV and film credits were Mosquito Coast, Mrs. Doubtfire, Tom & Huck, Silver Bullet, and The Postman Always Rings Twice. As much as he loved the work, he held the countless and varied friendships that the work provided, in equally high esteem.
He was known by friends and loved ones as a deeply spiritual man, and became a convinced Quaker in 1989, where he found much love and support in the spiritual communities of his Meetings on both coasts.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Margaret Ramsey of Ardmore, PA., his son, Liam Newman of Seattle, WA, his daughter, Katherine Newman of Los Angeles, CA., and his brother, Stephen Newman of New York, N.Y. A third child, Matthew, died of a fatal fall in 1976 at age 10.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, June 27, at 3 PM at Old Haverford Friends Meeting, 235 East Eagle Road in Havertown, PA. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to The Friends Council on Education, 1507 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Newman
Deirdre Stanek Burton
October 3, 2024
Something told me to google Bill. He was such a fine actor. My thoughts drift to Peggy, a college friend. My deepest sympathy.
Lawrence (Skip) Watkins
April 18, 2016
Mr. William (Bill) Newman had a great impact on myself as a student in his English Class, Seattle, Washington 1962-63(?)He was a wonderful person, a great communicator I have always followed his career and also drifted into the film & television world as stills photographer..I always have remembered that point of seeing him in Mrs.Doubtfire..charm, charisma ..Goodby Mr. Newman it was a pleasure knowing you for that very short time, but always in my memories my whole life...
December 2, 2015
I am just now discovering the sad passing of Bill. I was a student of theatre arts at Stephens College from 1967-1969, and Bill was one of my teachers. I treasured his presence then for he never had a unkind word about anyone or anything, and always looked to seek how we, as actors, could improve our performance with the greatest suggestions. I was just thinking of
Bill and Peg this past Monday...I guess it was Bill passing through to say 'hi'. Blessings on you Bill...and I'll be 'seeing' you later. My condolences to Peggy and Bills family. I share in your loss.
Beth Thomson Tracer
Huntington Beach, Ca
June 11, 2015
I was a student at Stephens College in 1969-1970. Mr. Newman was my drama teacher. I have seen him often throughout the years in both movies and television programs. I will always remember him fondly.
Pam Proctor
formerly of Leawood, Kansas
now living in Ohio
Mark Wolfe
June 7, 2015
As a child my sisters and I always looked forward to Bills visits and learning of what he had just worked on (some of which are listed at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0628309/). However it was the way he told the stories that always transported us to the experience he was sharing. This is a gift the he shares with his brother Steve. Bill we love you and miss you and know you are in a better place.
Lance Davis
June 3, 2015
They needed a sweet man in heaven. With a voice like honey and a laugh to light up the room. Till we meet again, Swede.
Terry Layman
June 2, 2015
Bill was one of the great men of the theatre. It was an honor to have worked with him and to have known him.
Marilyn McIntyre
June 2, 2015
Bill was such a sweet man and a lovely actor. I'll always remember him in Under Milk Wood at Interact. He always put a smile on my face!
Jill Walker
June 1, 2015
Love and many thoughts of you during this time. May you all find peace in his memories!
Ruth Bookwalter
June 1, 2015
This obituary speaks of the man with the beautiful spirit I knew and loved. Love to Peggy, Liam and Kate.
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