Marjorie Nelson

Marjorie NELSON Marjorie Nelson, actor, director, producer, teacher, and activist, died February 12th after a brief illness. Powerful, persuasive, and passionate, Marjorie was a champion of the arts. She had an unerring moral and artistic compass that challenged, enlightened and inspired those fortunate enough to come in contact with her. Born in Seattle, Marjorie joined the original Seattle Repertory Playhouse lead by Florence and Burton James. Marjorie then went to Hollywood and joined the Actors' Lab, where she met her first husband, Howard da Silva. After being blacklisted during the McCarthy period, they went to New York where she appeared in a variety of productions. In 1963 Marjorie joined the Seattle Repertory Theater as a founding member and acted in many shows there. She also performed or directed for most of the local and regional theaters including Intiman, ACT, The Bathhouse, Seattle Children's Theater, Alice B. Theater, and Empty Space. Some of her favorite playwrights included Beckett, Chekov, and Brecht. Marjorie was passionate about supporting not only new theater but art and artists of all kinds. She founded The Port Townsend Festival Theater and co-founded The Floating Theater Company. She was also a respected teacher of The Alexander Technique throughout the Northwest. Always involved in community, politics, and activism, Marjorie supported many local, national, and civil rights causes and worked throughout the years for peace. With her second husband, Victor Steinbrueck, she helped save the Pike Place Market and other Seattle landmarks. Marjorie will be remembered for her wonderful talent, wit, perseverance, bravery, insight, intelligence, and sense of fun. She will be greatly missed and forever loved and appreciated. She is survived by her sister Becky Jones, two daughters, five step-children, twelve grandchildren, two nieces, one nephew, their families and all the other people who love her. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her two husbands and her brother, Judson Nelson. Remembrances can be made to the arts, community or peace group of your choice. Please join us for a celebration of her life on Monday, March 22nd at 6:30 PM at the Leo K Theater at the Seattle Rep, 155 Mercer Street. For more information or to share your thoughts or memories go to marjorienelsonactor.blogspot.com