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IRA BILOWIT Obituary
lifelong New Yorker dedicated to his passion for theater, passed away July 22 at the age of 90. Ira mounted his own musical adaptation of John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" with the Nobel Laureate's earnest approval in 1958, its cast including Art Lund, Jo Sullivan and Leo Penn; The New York Times called it "a work of substance and power." An arts journalist for six decades, Ira was a theater critic and editor at "Show Business," contributing editor for "Backstage," and editor-publisher of his own "New York Theatre Review" in which many of Ira's insightful interviews appeared with renowned personalities including Tennessee Williams, Eugene Ionesco, David Mamet, Martin Charnin, Howard Korder, Marsha Norman, Lanford Wilson, Hal Prince, Uta Hagen, Ian McKellen, Estelle Parsons, Joan Plowright, Alfred Drake and Rex Harrison. Ira was an active member of the American Theatre Critics Association since 1976, former vice-president of the New York Drama Desk, a member of The Dramatists Guild and the International Association Of Theatre Critics. Survivors include sons Michael and Bill, and his second wife, prominent acting teacher Alice Spivak. His third wife, Debbie Wasserman, preceded him in death.
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Memories and Condolences
for IRA BILOWIT
Sponsored by Bill Bilowit.
Esther Modell
January 14, 2017
I'm still in shock and I don't know who, so long after Ira's death, will read this and know I miss him. I never met his children.
Ira and I, despite a gap in ages, were good friends for many years. I was a freshman, when first we met, at CCNY. He was a dramatist who returned to coach us at the college. We became close and he was very influential in my life. I'm 82 now. For no particular reason I can discern, suddenly today (January 2017), after many many years when we hadn't spoken, I had an urge to contact him. It was devastating to find he hadn't waited for me.
Leslie (Hoban) Blake
December 2, 2016
One of my sadder duties as Historian of the Drama Desk, will be to eulogize my long-time friend and colleague, Ira Bilowit at this year's annual DD Membership Meeting, an event he NEVER missed.
Ira was a true man of the theater and a true gentleman and I knew of him, long before I actually met him.
I had seen a college production of his wonderful musical adaptation, "Of Mice and Men" and was a faithful subscriber to his New York Theatre Review - even before it covered an Off-Broadway show that I was in ("Love Match, at The Glines).
Some years later, Ira and I finally did meet as members of both the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA) and the Drama Desk, where we served together on several committees, including the all important updating of the DD By-Laws.
I last chatted with Ira (and Alice) during an intermission (of course) and I still can't believe I won't be sitting near him in some theater soon again.
His encyclopedic knowledge, gracious presence, generous spirit and twinkling smile will be missed by all of us in his beloved theater and critical communities.
Harris Shore
November 19, 2016
I only now find out about this great loss to so many who knew, loved and respected this brilliant man of letters. Ira and I became friends in the early '70s when we both worked at Show Business Newspaper. Up until two summers ago, when Ira stopped returning my calls - and I knew he was ill and just couldn't reach him - we would always get together every summer when I visited New York in the summer with my daughter. Ira was quite the ceramicist and silversmith, and he always made something special for Peri or me to bring back to Los Angeles. I only now learn of his passing, and it brings a deep ache to my heart. I will always remember my brilliant and thoughtful friend, Ira J. Bilowit. L'hitraot...till we meet again.
Jacqueline Gerber
October 12, 2016
Ira was a memorable character. He was a fabulous institutional memory in the American Theater Critics Association, to which I belonged 1996-2002. He was generous with his invaluable knowledge about theater and its business. We learned about his talent for metalworking. He even made some initial pins for some of the members. Ira was a treasure whose passing leaves so many of us with a sense of loss.
Michelle Belaskie
September 12, 2016
Ira was such a kind and generous man. Always quick with a smile or a comforting word. He taught me a lot about theatre and journalism, and the world in general. I shall miss him greatly. They really don't make men like him anymore.
Deborah Rosen
August 15, 2016
Our deepest condolences to your family. I am sorry that we didn't here of his loss sooner. We are third cousins and my mother was Ethel Milchman. May he rest in peace. Debbie Milchman Rosen and Bob Rosen
Jack Lyons
August 11, 2016
Ira... I will miss those burning-bright eyes and your smile the width of the Grand Canyon. You were one of a kind. RIP
Retta Blaney
August 2, 2016
I will miss Ira at the theatre. Since our last names were close alphabetically we were often seated right next to each other. I will look for him mentally for a long time when I go to the theatre. God bless you, Ira.
Karen Rousso
July 29, 2016
A life truly well lived. Ira meant so much to me. He was an extraordinary man and an extraordinary artist. I will miss him immeasurably. My thoughts are with his family.
Louis Brown
July 28, 2016
Condolences to all of Ira's friends and family. He had a passion for out of the box thinking, the theater, and my late cousin Debbie Wasserman.
Michael Wasserman
July 27, 2016
Sincere condolences to Ira's friends and family. Wonderful man.
Carol Davis
July 26, 2016
Marcy, my deepest condolences on the loss of your uncle. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Marcy Bilowit
July 26, 2016
Ira will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Our condolences to Michael, Bill, Grela, and Alice.
July 26, 2016
My condolences to Ira's family. May the God of comfort be with you all in your time of need.
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