Archie L. Lang

Archie L. Lang, 95, of Elizabethtown, died Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, at Kensington Center in Elizabethtown.

He was a native of Chicago, Illinois, a World War II Navy veteran, a 1942 graduate of St. Benedict's College and received a master's degree in music from Columbia University in New York.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Gladys Lang; dear brothers and sisters, Elizabeth Skok, Patricia Clarke, Paul Lang and John Lang.

He is survived by his loving and cherished partner of 20 years, Georgietta Raikes. He was the loving father of Denise Lang and Michael Lang; grandfather to Taylor (Brian) Wilson and Ryan Caldwell; and "PaPa" to Bobbie Jo Harris and Jonathon Lairmore.

Archie spent his life in various aspects of the entertainment industry. He began his career as a singer in the "Holiday Ice Review," television announcer and program host for WKRP in Cincinnati, Ohio. He produced the nationally renown Ruth Page version of "The Nutcracker" for the Chicago Tribune Charities, performed at the Arie Crown Theatre for 25 years. Stars of the international ballet world vied for roles during his tenure as producer, knowing Archie would treat them fairly and with respect. In the 1970s and 1980s, he created presentations and hosted the annual Passavant Cotillion and for more than 15 years was director of the Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital (Rush) Fashion Show.

While living in Los Angeles, he pursued his career as an actor, in television, most notably in a recurring role on "Dalla," with appearances on "Growing Pains," "Murder She Wrote," "Highway to Heaven" "Bonanza," "Three's Company" and as a member of The Mighty Carson Art Players on the "Tonight Show" hosted by Johnny Carson. In the movies, he was in "Blow Out," "Berserk" and many other films. His theatre performances included a variety of roles at The Actors Forum in Los Angeles.
In 1981, Archie was a performer in Michael Nesmith's "Elephant Parts," which won the first Grammy Award given for Video of the Year.

Archie's love of Broadway musicals, classical music, books both fiction and non-fiction, history, current news and crossword puzzles, were a part of his life, he passed on to all who would listen.

A private memorial will be held in Chicago. Arrangements are pending.

Condolences may be expressed at www.brownfuneral.com.