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John Degen Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 5, 2004.

FSU theater professor Degen dies

John Degen, an associate professor of theater at Florida State University, died Wednesday after a battle with lung cancer. He was 56.

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Recent Activity

June 17, 2022

Jeannie Graf posted to the memorial.

March 20, 2014

R. posted to the memorial.

March 20, 2014

Diane Sadak posted to the memorial.

131 Entries

Jeannie Graf

June 17, 2022

I had not realized that John had passed. He was a great asset to Florida State University and will be missed greatly.

March 20, 2014

It happens more frequently than I would have imagined all those years ago when I was in your R&B weed-out class for incoming graduate students which I actually survived -- if by the skin of my teeth thanks to your patience and your decency -- that I think of you and actually still use the things you taught me. I learned so much from you, John, and not just "book-learning." You were a wonderful human being, far too fine a person for this world to lose so soon. I remember when I spoke to you on the phone by chance when you were in Joanna's office some years ago when I had called her for some reason. Later I followed up with a brief e-mail telling you how much you had helped me and how much I had learned through all our painful and devilish research and library exercises and the papers we had to write and rewrite three times and how much I had retained. You wrote back saying you were glad someone appreciated your "particular brand of academic terrorism." You were never easy, but you were so worth whatever it took!
I hope there's a heaven, John, because if there is, I am sure you are in it and having a marvelous time! It should be a far more interesting place for your presence and I hope someday I get there!
I'd even take your class again. (Oh, wait, that might be the other place!) At any rate,should that happen, I know you'll be teaching, and I'll be learning. Thank God I was lucky enough to know you!

Diane Sadak

March 20, 2014

John, I have a picture of you and Claudia at my parents' house at Christmas. It's in my digital frame in my room and pops up sporadically throughout my days. In my office,taped to the wall, a letter from you, and throughout the room gifts we shared that were in your apartment. I think of the things I did wrong that hurt you, but also of the joys we shared. Remember New Orleans? Or our cross-country drive to San Diego? Even though in the end we didn't last, I never stopped loving you, and I pray you knew that. I miss you, I wish so often I could talk to you again...long coffee sessions. I miss you. All my love still, Diane

Deborah Christy

March 19, 2014

Oh, John. At the oddest times, I think of you and it's as if you're right in the room, cigarette in hand, telling me exactly what you think of me, forcing me to be more honest with myself. What a huge influence you were, what a good, good man you were. Wishing you were still here, and grateful every day to have had your voice in my ear when I needed it most. Missing you, missing you.

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Michael Padgett

May 4, 2010

I miss you John. I keep trying to come up with a good way to say that, but the simple fact is that I miss you. And I wish you were still in that little, play-lined office, smoking out the entire floor, and bestowing knowledge in digestible bits to slow-to-learn students like me. I miss you.

Lisa Dozier

January 26, 2009

I'm working on a new musical at Pasadena Playhouse right now, and was sitting in the theatre before our matinee started, thinking about John and how much I wished that I could call to get advice and say hi.

I don't know if I would have gotten into line producing without John's guidance during those years at FSU. When I got to school, I knew I wanted to do theatre professionally, but had no clue where I fit in. I think about him at previews when things are being sculpted and changed, at opening/closing nights that I make it through, and just when I see shows that stir something up inside of me. Out of all of the people I have met during my career in NYC, none of them beat the passion and knowledge that John had for the art... I'd give a lot to have a post theatre discussion with him again, because every chat with him was a personal master class and reminded me why I needed to be a part of theatre in the first place.

John--we still miss you. Thank you for changing my life and helping to guide me to where I belong.

March 4, 2008

John,
Who could forget you that ever met you? None I dare say. Fondly, I'll remember you.

Georgia

January 4, 2008

Oh Captain, true to form, I'm late submitting again. . . . John, I read your letter today in which you state your pride at having "recruited me." Ah! We knew I wasn't one of your shining stars. Nonetheless, your words will always guide me: I happened to walk past the office as you preached to Diane about "emotional abstinence." Obviously, Diane didn't heed your advice--much to your mutual blessedness. But I did, much to my benefit. . . . Nowadays, my students hear "incredulous" tales of the good ol' days without computers and doing research by hand . . . and I have one hell of a time with the cursing in class. Thanks, John, for beating old school research into me and for seeing in me what it took years me years to realize. Of course, you were right! Mostly, thanks for cracking open that door, while we edited over coffee, to allow me a glimpse.

Diane Sadak

September 11, 2007

John, John, John -- I still think of you everyday, because I have a picture of you on the wall in my office with a letter you wrote to me back in 1990. I also have that silly orangatan I gave you, that you had on your bureau, the octagonal Asian box from your office, and your original caricature of you, me and Claudia in the French Quarter in New Orleans when we took that crazy four day road trip. Maybe Alan was right, and I should have boxed up more, but at the time it was too overwhelming just to be back in the place where we had shared so much time. The thing I see every morning, first thing when I walk in my office, though, is the beautiful sculpture of the crouching woman with her hair covering her face. Though few knew, you were SUCH a romantic and poet. As time passes, your place in my life has found its permanent place in my heart and in the rhythms of my days. I only wish that at times I could still share it with you.

Love,
Diane

Rebecca Carfagna

September 9, 2007

I'm glad there are other people who still have this page bookmarked. I think about John a lot. Anytime I have a really great experience at the theatre John is still the first person I think to write to about it. He was the only teacher I ever had who really offered his friendship to me and he is still greatly missed.

Mike Nolan

August 8, 2007

A thought of John amused me the other day. I'm currently in OKLAHOMA! but I have a strange feeling that John would have rather for me to be in SHOW BOAT.

I have become one of those guys in shows that seems to know a lot a useless information about that show and proceeds to share it with everyone. I think that's John influence. Of course he would have rolled his eyes and told be exactly how I was completely wrong, but that's okay.

Erin Kennedy

August 6, 2007

Happy Birthday, kid. You would have been 60 today. I would have called you for your birthday, but maybe not mentioned the occasion, since you hated that. I would have assumed you knew why I was calling, but partway through our conversation, I wouldn't have been able to help making sure you knew why I was calling. (It's hard to say, really, which one of us was a bigger pain in the neck.)

Still miss you. Damn your eyes for not being able to write me a recommendation for the Ph.D. I'm hoping to get. It probably never would have occurred to me to get one if it hadn't been for you. Happy Birthday.

Lissette Gonzalez

July 17, 2007

Randomly, my thoughts brought me back to John Degen again today... It would have been his birthday soon, and I would have loved to call him and say, "Hi", and catch-up.

I never had a better teacher, and was truly blessed to have known him. I think his spirit will live on in all of us who knew him, and though the years may pass, he will be with us always.

Kerri Mulder

April 11, 2005

Still can't believe he's gone. Can't imagine the FAB without him. He was an amazing teacher - so funny and never let you get away with crap. If you wrote crap, he told you it was crap. And that's great.

Laura Edmondson

March 3, 2005

It is the anniversary of your death as I write this. SoT is not and never will be the same, but you would be so proud of your beloved students as they continue to persevere, inspire, challenge, and always, always create.

Erin Kennedy

March 3, 2005

It's a year today since I sat in the Blarney Stone having a cider when Kylie called to tell me you were gone. I still think about you every day, and I bet I always will. I often wish I could still call, and it makes me really sad we'll never see another show. However, I know you knew how I felt about you and how much you meant to me while you were here.

I've wanted to sign this a number of times, and I've never quite known what to say. In a way, it's like you aren't really gone. I still have so much of you with me, all you taught me and the music and the jokes. Every time I listen to any one of dozens of musicals, or "Tainted Love", or Meatloaf's "Bat Out of Hell" album, every time I type the title of a musical IN ALL CAPITALS because there're no italics on email, you're there.

I've been listening to "For Good" from WICKED all day, and naturally it reminds me of you, but quoting Stephen Schwartz is hardly a fitting tribute. I'll close with one that's more your speed.

"In a very unusual way, I owe what I am to you/Though at times it appears I won't stay, I never go./ Special to me in my life since the first day that I met you,/how could I ever forget you once you had touched my soul?/In a very unusual way, you've made me whole."

Maury Yeston, NINE

Kylie Goetz

October 28, 2004

I don't know what strings you pulled, but thanks John! They won! We missed watching it without you but we know you were up there drinking with the Babe and distracting him with booze.

Jackie Kage

October 27, 2004

John! The Sox finally did it for you! They won the World Series! I didn't even get to see it, because I don't have tv. But I've been hearing about it all week and hoping they'd win. I'm starting to wonder if maybe you had something to do with it... maybe I'm not so agnostic after all? Love you so much - you're still in our thoughts everyday.

Nichole Utrera

June 9, 2004

I miss you very much. I was blessed and honored to have had you as an instrumental part of my life. Thank you!

(See, John, I was able to keep my "sentimental rambling" to a mininum.)

Love,

Beth Dwyer

June 8, 2004

John Degen was a man that never failed to inspire me. He was a man who lived and spoke passionately. John Degen was a man who believed in educating even those that didn't care to learn, and his words were always heard. John Degen never missed an event, and you knew he liked it if he told you how you could improve. He was a man that expected more from you than you knew you had, but taught you how to find it. John Degen's smoky laugh, his mischievous smile and his stories created a large part of my memories at Florida State. He will be truly missed. John, it was an honor.

Linda Halcott-Hall

June 4, 2004

I have spent the morning getting to know something about the grown John Degen. Time well spent. I believe the last time I saw him was 1965 when we graduated from Middletown High School. Our yearbook says of him, "This actor, director of M.H.S. may turn philosopher yet." It seems so. Part of his inscription to me reads, "Never forget the stage and our shows...". I believe the roots of John's dedication to teaching theatre may be in part credited to our outstanding high school director Hank Neuman. Hank believed in the power of youth, he believed in doing it right and he taught us how. He was the only teacher back then that one called by his first name. Hank turned a dinky little drama department into an awesome entity of which everyone wanted to be a part and in doing so created a passion for theatre. In the National Thespian picture I see John hanging off the side of ladder backstage. Now I see he never left there. It has been my great pleasure to learn some about the other stages John graced for 40 years.

Bill Mosher

June 3, 2004

These memories are from a high school classmate of John's. My fondest memories are of John being one of the original band members of the "Royal Blues" dance band, when we were in Jr. High together. John played sax, I played trumpet, Jamie Rosenblum on Trombone, Rus Taylor on Piano, Phil Ferber on Drums. I don't think we ever had a "paying" gig, but we played for local civic organizations like sr. citizens, etc. Kind of a "non-performing" performing band. We in Middletown just learned of his passing yesterday. Rest In Peace, John.

Bob K.

June 3, 2004

I knew John from 5th grade through high school. It's nice to hear about the life and friends he made for himself later and the influence he apparently had on the lives of so many others. One of his classmates posted this tidbit from John's life before you all knew him:

"John was one of the original members of the band "Royal Blues", in Veraldi Jr. High. John Degen=Sax, Bill Mosher=Trumpet, Jamie Rosenblum=Sax, Rus Taylor=Piano, Phil Ferber=Drums. I don't think we ever had a paying gig, but we used to play for the senior citizens, etc."

Angela (Stanley) Oujiri

May 2, 2004

the news of john's passing has quickly shaken free sweet, old memories that i haven't taken out for a while. it's taken some time to find the right words. one reason is that i always felt we had such a special fondness for each other. he was and is a tremendous inspiration for me on the stage and in life. but, after reading the other entries, i realize i was not alone. he touched so many people's lives.

i attended florida state a little over 10 years ago and had the privilege of not only taking his class, but of being a part of some of his creations. one of our shows was actually banned from the university, so we had to do "unidentified human remains" at some smoky bar. (not that he minded, since he wasn't allowed to smoke in the campus theatres.) i found out a while ago, that he still shows the pictures to students and brags about our "dirty little show". john would visit me in new york after graduation and we'd see some obscure show or grab a cheap bite to eat. we last emailed about 2 years ago, and it was as if nothing had changed. i'm sure he still hit subway on tuesdays for "double stamps", wore his mandals, tan button-down, short-sleeved shirts, and brown pants. he was timeless.

i pity the students who have passed through the halls of the FAB and not taken a few moments to look through the smoke (literal and figurative). john had the loudest, gruffest, toughest exterior to protect one of the deepest, most sentimental hearts i've ever known. while rehearsing for "camille" he shared some of his favorite quotes with me. they were so corny and beautiful, not something you'd expect john degen to remember. but, that was him. he was deep down a lover. a lover of art and his students. no one has ever known or loved the theatre like john degen. lucky me to have known him.

Kylie Goetz

April 26, 2004

Looks like John is working on breaking the curse for his beloved Red Sox. Keep it up, John. Keep it up. I think of you with every game. And always will.

Lorraine Mattox

April 25, 2004

On a clear day, beyond the gap in the clouds, he can be seen sippin' on soda with a cig in his mouth reading a play. If you mess up or make a wrong turn watch out for falling subway wrappers hurled straight at your head.

Leah Marie

April 19, 2004

John Degen was the only human being who yelled out my full name every time he saw me. From my freshman year to the present he has always encouraged me to make the most of my talents and to visit his office more often. As I work on the first piece of advice, I wish I focused more on the second. I am sending hugs your way John.

Thank you for everything & God Bless,

Leah Marie Burton!

Stacy (Renuart) Castiglione

April 19, 2004

I just returned home after the celebration this weekend in Tallahassee. I had not been back to the school since graduating from FSU in '98. Today, I am a high school drama teacher in a rough area of town. I started all of my classes the same way today. I told them about John, and the five classes that I took with him during my college years. At the end of my story, I closed with telling my ninth graders about holding on to the people that inspire you, and trying to find that one person who could make you laugh and cry at the same time, just by giving you "the look." After class today, one of my students came up to me and said, "You really must have like this teacher. Did he really use the F word?" It made me realize that the stories about John probably made people wonder why so many people loved him. But after being back at the SOT this weekend, and seeing everyone there, I realized that I obviously don't have to justify that. He was so loved and will be even more missed.

Diane Smith-Sadak

April 18, 2004

To everyone who attended the celebration yesterday -- and those who couldn't make it -- I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for the enormous outpouring of love, care, laughter, tears and remembrance that flowed through the Annex throughout the afternoon. John would have pretended to hate it, and would have loved it beyond all measure and cherished it deep in his heart. Special thanks to Chuck, Jalma, JoAnna, Alan and Kate for the work they did in putting it together (thank you, Mr. Sondheim!) Being in Tallahassee over the weekend helped me in so many ways, as difficult as it was. And the greatest thing we can all do in John's memory is what he always wanted from all of his students -- our best work. He'll know.

Namaste -- Diane

Wiley Gaby

April 17, 2004

If only every class could challenge students like John's. I only wish I could have appreciated it more when I had it. You will be missed more than you could ever know ... thank you for giving me a swift kick in the a**. I agree with Evyan .. the SOT is gonna need something to hold it together without you ... so stick around.

Lisa Reinke

April 7, 2004

John died without ever seeing "Forest Gump." Amazing.

Evyan Wagner

March 31, 2004

I can't wait for John to start regularly haunting the FAB; in, fact, if he doesn't, I'll be very dissappointed (HEAR THAT, JOHN??). I barely have words for this guest book. I'm still in denial and can't imagine what the School of Theatre would be like without John Degen, and I feel for any student that didn't get a chance to experience John. I got plenty of John experiences, and I thank my lucky stars for them. THANK YOU, LUCKY STARS!, and thank you, John (especially for the day YOU hugged ME, I know that took alot...)

Kathy Pittman Gaspard

March 30, 2004

Degen, oh Degen. You pushed me to do stuff that nobody else could have gotten away with. I was done with school before you came to Tally & FSU & didn't plan to do any more theatre, really I didn't! Thanks for putting me in your video "The Newlyweds Come to Call." Thanks ever and forever for casting me in "Golden Apple," pretty much against my will! It was some of the best fun I ever had & I made at least one lifelong friend as a result. Remember the wild times at the very first Theatre School Prom back in...81/82, maybe?

I'll never forget your reaction when I moved to KC, ran into you @ a party @ Brian & Aaron's in NYC, and you totally busted my chops for leaving FL.

You changed my life for the better. I'll remember you as long as I can remember anything. Love always, kath.

Diane Smith-Sadak

March 30, 2004

I keep reading and reading the entries as they appear. I look through photos, cards, letters and recall memories. I miss you more everyday.

Diane

Jacquelyn (Wyer) Kage

March 29, 2004

I could write an epic about John - I could gush about him for pages. But in the interest of time, I'll simply say that the most wonderful thing about John is that he was always full of surprises. Right when you thought you had him pegged, he'd throw you a curve. I'll never forget being in his office at 1 a.m. rocking out to his Meatloaf tape. Or the summer he let me borrow his car because my transmission was shot. He never even saw it as a favor because, eh, he was going to be out of town anyway.

Once, I got a phone call because I had skipped American Theatre History for two days. I told him I'd missed class because it would keep my papers from being late, but in truth, I was too embarassed to show up without having read the plays. My respect for him is what inspires me to learn. He was always reading some great play I'd never heard of, and I felt wonderfully ignorant in his presence. But there's more to him than that. Believe it or not, I think John taught me even more about life than he did about theatre. To count him not only as a teacher but as a friend is a privilege I am hardly worthy of. Thank you, John, for everything.

Heather Parks Jernigan

March 26, 2004

John was the first teacher/director ever to call me after callbacks were posted to ask me why I hadn't called him to ask him why I was not on the callback list. He then proceeded to tell me why, "You were terrified in that room, Heather." He was right and that phone conversation was probably the most terrifying conversation I ever had as well. At the time, I remember thinking that it was so strange but I look back at it with deep appreciation. He cared about me. He cared about all of us.

Despite him telling me when I was singing out in front of the school of theatre one day, "can you please try to stay on one note?" and making a C in his Play Analysis Class, I loved him and respected him.

I'm a theatre teacher now and I hope that my students have as many wonderful things to say about me when I pass on as they do here about Mr. Degen.

I thank you, John, for supporting works in the Fine Arts Annex and for making me believe in my talent in the face of such a huge "slip through the cracks" program.

I will miss you dearly.

Paul F. Wilson

March 26, 2004

Every time I sit down to grade a stack of 500-word reaction papers I think of John. Every time I wonder why I spend so much time pointing out grammar and punctuation mistakes when I'm a Theatre teacher, not an English teacher, I think of John. Every time I write more in the margins to deal with a student's fuzzy thinking than the student wrote in the first place, I think of John. And every time students complain about the amount of work they have to do, I think of the semester I took John's American Theatre History and John Franceschina's World Theatre II at the same time and think to myself, "Children, you just don't know ..."

"Le bon Dieu est dans le detail" -- Gustave Flaubert

Gina Phillips

March 25, 2004

Picture it: I began my studies as an 18 yr. old wide-eyed lass who had rarely been outside the shelter of my Appalachian mts. My accent was almost unintelligable; my confidence was non-existent, my intended major was Criminology. Today I'm a rather jaded show business type who travels comfortably around the world. I've professionally produced, directed, written, stage managed, and acted -- belonging to several unions. Who I am today is due in no small part to John Degen.

Without a exception, Degen was the hardest teacher I've ever had. He was also the absolute best. I was not a gifted student. I'm sure many of you heard the rumor (started by John) that Degen didn't give A's. Well, I may have gotten C's & D's in three of his classes, but, I'm living proof that an A WAS an option if you just dug down for the right stuff. I knew the other professors were easier but I routinely CHOSE his classes. I was in awe of him; he was his own special creation. Part genius, part workhorse, huge part smart alec: always a tender heart well hidden from view. I remember him consoling me and another female student when we said there was no way we could pass his test, we were actually crying. He said he knew we probably couldn't but that he respected each of our efforts in our other respective areas, tremendously. I'll never forget how much that meant to me. I got a D+ on that test.

I'll carry in my memory the red ink he bled onto my research papers after reviewing them. One comment was, "Gina, you drop parentheses like the Easter Bunny drops eggs." When he asked for my opinion in the first class I took w/ him I was so inhibited I couldn't speak. Even when what I said wasn't particularly articulate he managed to take a morsel of it & make a salient point. I loved him for that!

I remember the first day I said "the F word" in front of him. He feigned shock and said he thought I was a innocent, Southern, lady. I told him he was correct on one point -- I was Southern; I'd picked-up the word from him and, by the way, would he let me bum a fag?

In the early 80's we smoked during class. I remember the day during finals that the non-smokers demaned their own section. We got a kick out of that; they suffered at our derision. It was cool being on the same side as Degen.

I used to do an impression of Degen. I still have photos that people gave me w/ my mouth turned down in a disapproving, snide, grimace, with my glasses on crooked. I could, with just the look, crack-up my SOT chums. I could emulate his vocal patterns, too, saying Degenesque things. It was a cross between Don Rickles & Paul Lynde. (Remember, satire is a high form of flattery.)

I ran into John twice in NYC. Once @ the Ian McKellan "Richard the lll" @ BAM & another time I was caught in a jam in a cab & he was walking. Just as we connected, the traffic moved me away. I was late for an audition but had wanted to get his number. As I pulled away, I felt a sense of loss.

I had always imagined that I would start the best regional theatre, one day, and whatever it took, I'd hire John to Dramaturge for me, thereby ensuring the most accurate portrayal, most appropriate costuming, the most cutting-edge productions. I never went to the FSU library that Degen wasn't ensconced in the piles or out front, smokin'.

Good night, you chain-smokin', caustic, honest, Sweet Prince. Your life had an impact: on the world of Theatre, TV, and film; on FSU; on me.

Gita Werdesheim

March 25, 2004

John,

My entry at this late date is testament to how I've responded to your passing - total denial. I'm sorry, sir, I simply don't believe you. I still expect to see you at the FAB; I actually climbed the stairs and rounded the corner to your office today out of habit. Your door was always open to me, and a few times also your computer so I could type a last minute paper.

I will always treasure the kind words you wrote for me in a letter of recommendation only a week or so before you passed. You spoke about our experience working together on Kiss Me Kate and I couldn't help but cry. I used to get so angry with you during our rehearsal process. You and I could be so stubborn and we never seemed to be able to communicate at the correct time, or in the correct manner. But you always gave credit where it was due. And not just to me, but to the entire cast. I know you loved us all more than you ever dared to tell us. You showed it by watching us girls walk to our cars at night after rehearsal to make sure we weren't "raped or pillaged." I want you to know how much I treasure the memories from that show and that I will never forget that it was you, sir, who believed in me and put your trust and faith in me. Thank you.

You must've told me a million stories during the wee hours of the evening in your office, many of which caused my jaw to drop. I always intended to frame the poster of the Russian production of Oklahoma you did here one summer. You told me many stories from your experiences on that production that I could tell broke your heart. I thought the poster would have brightened your hospital room. I'm sorry I never did that for you. I'm sorry I never came to visit you in the hospital. Maybe that's why I can't realize that you're not here anymore.

I will treasure your memory forever and I will always be honored to have been a part of your final theatrical production in this town, in this lifetime. You inspired me with your knowledge and pissed me off with your temper and moved me to tears with your words. Thank you, John Degen, from the bottom of my heart.

Kelsey Mayo

March 21, 2004

I only had the fortune of having John as a professor once, during the 2003 summer session of the London program, but I feel like I have thousands of Degen stories. Three in particular stand out:

The first day of class, reading out my name on the role, he took off his glasses and said in a most serious voice, "This is a great name. Don't #@$% it up."

He was the only person who recognized that I was constantly humming Gilbert and Sullivan, instantly ascertain the work, and procede to sing the rest of the entire libretto with me.

And lastly, he revealed to me his best fish and chips spot in London, where he tore apart one of my papers by saying "It's not enough to like or hate something, you have to know why. And never get the cod"

John, we'll miss you. I won't eat cod, and I'll try not to #$%@ it up.

cassandra freeman

March 21, 2004

John Degan directed me in Hot'l Baltimore at TCC my first year and after that experience we were friends ever since. He was one of the few people who really got my wit and I got his and we could laugh at how quick we thought other was with their quips. He was the first and only director/teacher at FSU who told me that I was talented and could be important to theatre. He wrote me a card and said that he was happy to have had the opportunity to introduce me to everyone on stage and felt that I would have a long list of performances to come. But when I graduated 4 years later his show was the only one I had a big part in. But to have someone like him (who is painfully truthful) to believe in my talent and worth has always stayed with me and has helped me in my journey in acting. I can't believe I won't see him again. Thank you John for the laughs and talk, I will always miss you!!

Kelly Paredes

March 19, 2004

Degen..I only had one class with him. Baby class. But even from that I became attached. He was always there at the FAB when I needed to talk to someone. No matter if it was 4am or 4pm. 4pm? We'd go to subway, kicking a rock as we went. 4am? we'd go out on the walkway and 'smoke a fag' (darnit John!). He was there consistently for me for 4 years. And I know he had an equal effect on everyone who went through that building. He was great. I miss him.

Joe Shuford

March 19, 2004

Degen was one tough guy. He was tough on all his students but loved them all. His dedication to theatre and his knowledge made him a powerful and amzing educator. Ive never seen someone so dedicated. He had an impact on every person he encountered. He will be sorely missed.

Mark Von Holden

March 19, 2004

The second to last semester at Florida I was priviledged to take John for Theatre History II. After talking to him and watching him for two years I knew I needed to take a class with him or I would be robbing myself of one of the School of Theatre's finest jewels. His teachings answered many of the questions I strived to know about theatre, and more important life. Everyone that has been touched by John know that they were around a person that truly followed his passion and love of theatre every single chance he could get. Thank you John. Your life changed mine for the better. Class 2001

March 18, 2004

A DEGEN CELEBRATION

After a battle with lung cancer that lasted more than a year and a half, John Degen passed away peacefully last Wednesday, March 3rd, 2004 here in Tallahassee.

On Saturday, April 17th, 2004 a celebration of John's life will take place in the FSU School of Theatre Annex across the street from the Fine Arts Building at 3:00 PM.

As John would have wished, it will be informal - no speeches or heads bowed in silence; just good food, laughter and shared remembering. All of John's students, former students, friends and everyone his life touched are invited to attend. If you can't come and want to send a written memory, it will be displayed in a growing "Degen Scrapbook" at the celebration.

Send any E mail messages to: newport@ moodtree.com

Send any letters or cards to:

JoAnna Dolloff

FSU School of Theatre

239 Fine Arts Building

Tallahassee, FL 32306-1160

If you would like to pass this announcement on to any of John's friends, please feel free to do so.

Chuck and Rosalyn Olsen

Alexis Atwill

March 18, 2004

My first memory of John Degen is of him sitting in the theatre lobby with a small group of students, legs stretched out in front of him...John snapped,"The reason you didn't get called back at generals is because you are too mousy. You're never going to make it as an actress."

And with that, I thought that he was the scariest professor at the SOT.

Then, I took his play analysis class this fall and realized that he wasn't the scariest - he was the best. John made more of an impact on my life in one semester than any teacher has in three times that amount of time. He would ask me everyday why I was pregnant in Midsummer, why Paul was stalking me, why can't you learn to cite your sources properly?! John was so intelligent and challenging that he intimidated me. I never knew what to say and always tried to choose my words as carefully as possible. He expected nothing less than my best and I wanted desperately to show him that.

He always cared about what I thought and in class would turn to me in the middle of a discussion and ask, "And what do you think?" Those moments always meant so much no matter what the stuttering shocked response was.

I was counting on getting another class with him. I loved talking to John and never walked away from a class or conversation without learning something new.

When I heard of his death, I was devastated.

Reading everyone's stories has been amazing and knowing how many people John touched is so incredible. It makes me realize how lucky I was to get a semester in which to sit in his presence.

(Sorry for being so mushy. John would have screwed up his face in disgust and let loose an nasal groan. And I would have loved to hear it.)

Thank you John.

Lisa Musick-Kurtz

March 17, 2004

John even touched those outside of his theater classes. Though not a theater major, he recognized the theater lover in me and always welcomed me with some witty, sarcastic remark when we would pass at various shows. I consider myself lucky to have known him.

Bethiah Watson

March 17, 2004

John Degen was perhpas the greatest professor I ever had the privilege of learning under and who's opnion I valued over almost everyone's in the school of theatre. He always told me I had so much more potential than I put forward and I truly respected what he thought of me. I can't imagine stepping foot in the FAB knowing Degen is no longer there. I don't believe the school of theatre will ever be the same.

Dory Cartlidge Lock

March 17, 2004

My former husband, Keven Lock, just called me from New York to tell me the news. I was an acting BFA student in 1980 when John came to FSU to teach theater history. He was recently divorced and very bitter about it, but he also possessed a gentleness and had a great sense of humor. His apartment building was next to ours on Park Avenue and since he didn't have a car at the time, he would often accompany us to the grocery store. And since he didn't cook, we were always inviting him to join us for dinner. Later on I had him for Theater History and I remember having to work hard to earn a B. It was funny, but after not being in touch with him for more than 20 years, I just sent him a note last May. I was delighted to hear back from him. He wrote, "It's odd, but I've been hearing from a lot of people from the olden days. It's kind of like a big nostalgia festival." And I am happy to read the messages written here by so many of his students and friends who cared so much about him.

Sybil Johnson

March 17, 2004

I just happened to be looking at the website today and saw the news about John. He was my major professor and the best teacher I've ever known. I am living in and teaching at a small college in Pago Pago, American Samoa, the middle of the Pacific. I'm sure John would be amused. I can hear him now say ing, "where in the hell is Pago Pago" I will always remember his passion for teaching and his love of the theatre. I like to think that some of that rubbed off on me. FSU SOT will never be the same.

Lawrence Keller

March 17, 2004

So many people have written such wonderful things about John. All of them true. Yet I feel that somebody who thankfully is still around has not been mentioned – the other John. John Franceschina and John Degan individually were incredible teachers. But, together, they were amazing and I feel that half of a great act has left us. Like Martin & Lewis, Abbott & Costello, or Burns & Allen, I will rarely be able to think of one without the other.

Many of you were lucky enough to study with Degan. I consider myself truly blessed (not a word I use often) to have had both of these great teachers in my life. I still recall countless classes with Franceschina on keyboard with Degan giving dry commentary on endless shows. For lovers of Musical theatre, or just plain great teaching those classes were in a league unlike any other. Both of these great men touched my lives deeply. Degan is gone forever. But I can’t help but be jealous of the lucky students in Pennsylvania who are studying with that great Chaplin-like musician. I miss you both enormously.

Betsy Yancey

March 17, 2004

I found out about John's passing a few days after the fact, but I still can't believe he's gone. The FAB won't be the same without him. They should enshrine his office, every musty, smokey scrap in it; especially that couch.

Whether he knew it or not, John touched the life of everyone who came into contact with him. For those that were lucky enough to have taken his classes, not only did you learn ( a LOT), but by holding you to such a high standard, he helped you acheive more than you thought you could, perhaps even surprising yourself in the process. I had at least one class with Degen every semester I was enrolled at FSU, and I can proudly say that I finally EARNED that A; I still consider it one of my greatest achievements.

Although John would have outwardly disapproved of all the sentimentality expressed in these pages, I hope he would have known that it's because he made a big impression on all of us and these postings are an expression of our (maybe somewhat belated) appreciation.

Thank you, John. You are deeply missed.

Carolyn Bedgood

March 17, 2004

I, like so many others, was afraid to sign up for Play Analysis, having heard what a tough teacher John was. And I was right to be afraid. The first paper I got back simply said, "Promiscuous use of commas." I went to John's office to talk to him about it. He had a rubber snake that he kept perched on the back of his couch. As I was sitting there, listening to him rip my paper apart, the snake fell off the couch and onto my shoulder and I let out a shriek. John laughed and said he had been watching the snake creep down and was just waiting for it to fall on me.

He thought my last name was ridiculous, although he refrained from making any obvious jokes. When I cried in his office, he offered me Subway napkins from a pile a mile high. He wrote me a recommendation letter, although he claimed to have nothing to say about me.

John was a brilliant teacher whose brilliance I didn't fully appreciate until long after his class. He challenged me unlike any other professor ever has. I will miss him so much.

Diane Smith-Sadak

March 16, 2004

Just wanted to let you know that I've put 3 or 4 pictures in the photo album. they made me smile, laugh, cry and remember when I found them.

Diane

John @ my MFA Thesis (his flowers to me!)

March 16, 2004

The 2 of us, 88 or 89?

March 16, 2004

John & Claudia Xmas 88

March 16, 2004

Meredith LeVee

March 16, 2004

John went and got sick, or the sickness got him. It must have come in like a tornado, because by the time I heard it was just too late to speak to him. That man was like a temple. I appreciate what he did for my life. At FSU, he was my first compliment, my best dirty joke, and my ride home. After, he was my letter of recommendation. I am so sad that he is gone, but I am left with only good mememories, not one bad.

Ed Lefferson

March 15, 2004

I was just one of the thousands of students that John's life had an effect on. He was a wonderful teacher and a wonderful man. He will be missed.

Lissette Gonzalez

March 15, 2004

After one week of thinking and re-thinking this post, I realize that there will never be words to express the sorrow that I felt when I heard of John’s passing, so I’ll just attempt to jot down some jumbled thoughts that I’ve had since then…

I consider myself to have been incredibly fortunate to have the nerve-wracking, challenging pleasure of working with --and most of all, learning from-- such a talented and insightful man.

Deep inside his tough exterior was a teddy bear that I wish I could hug again, and let him know how important he was to me, and the rest of the SOT --let him know that what he taught us mattered.

I would consider myself blessed if I ever learned as much as John may have ever forgotten about the theatre, but thanks to his teaching, his plays, his 3 a.m. talks, his tough criticisms, and endless patience (especially with re-writes), I know that we (his students) are all on our way.

Guerrin Gardner

March 13, 2004

"Oh great... we got a blonde". These were the first words I ever encountered from John Degen during my first three days of being a freshman, four years ago. He gave me my first monologue, my first appreicated compliment in theatre and was the first person to honestly root for me. I have never valued anyone's opinion more.He was just great- thanks John.

Martine Shandles

March 13, 2004

John I avoided your classes like the plague in order to maintain my GPA, but you were the first professor that I met that made me feel important by letting me be on book for your show in the Annex my first month at FSU. One moment kind and the next moment short and sarcastic. I always ran to you when I needed an honest opinion even if I didn't like the answer. You hid yourself well and surrounded your life with theatre, but we all know what a passionate and caring person you are. You are a legend to all who have crossed your path. I can't imagine FSU without that nasal voice and the ruffling of the Subway bag that followed. You are missed.

A.J. Methvin

March 13, 2004

I just cried. I stared at Jersey across the river and cried. As soon as the phone rang that morning I knew. And the tears just came. I think it's a testament to just how deeply I was affected by this wonderful, crazy, paradoxical man. And talking to friends and reading this guest book I know I am not alone in my feelings. Like there was ever any question.

I remember being terrified of John for the first year of my time at FSU. That terror turned to fascination and finally to love. Love for this man who taught me so much about theatre. His Musical Theatre History class taught me as much in a semester as my own fanatic fandom did after years and years. And his opinion on my work and that of others was always one of the first I sought out. Not because he was always right or because we always agreed, but because it was always so intelligent and passionate and well thought out. Actually, it was better when we didn't agree because that's when the discussion insued. And those famous talks with John- that was teaching in it's purest, most potent form.

I have regrets that I hadn't been in touch with John as much as I wanted to be since I moved. But one of my first impulses when I saw good theatre, or bad theatre, or interesting theatre, or really any kind of theatre, was to email John and tell him about it. I think even now, that impulse will remain. I hate that I didn't catch him. John was a fixture on the SOT campus. You just assume you will see him on a breezeway or in the lobby. It will hurt to go back and not have him there. So John, wherever you may be, I can't wait to see what you think of Caroline, or Change. I miss you.

Karla Marin

March 13, 2004

I just realized that I have been writing this as if I was writing a paper for John. Many of you know what I mean....lots and lots of rewrites. Nothing can measure up to John. I know that he's probably correcting this wherever he is... smoking his Salem's. I hope he knew how many people loved him, even though he'd probably vomit at the mere mention of the word love. He will never be forgotten. He once told me that i was too decent of a person to pursue acting, when i told him i was moving to LA his words were, "you'll be eaten alive." He wished me well, and told me to stick up for myself. Thank you John...I will.

Chris Murrah

March 12, 2004

"Well, I see you made a mark. Never to be outdone, John Degen."

Reading these posts is wonderful. It's great to see familiar stories and hear things forgotten. I guess the time I will never forget with John was meeting him for drinks in NYC on spring break with Courtney Lindberg(now J. Courtney Taylor). We went to some dive bar on 8th or 9th ave and had beer and scotch. We sat around bemoaning the state of theatre but praising the work of LaChiusa and Zoe Caldwell. I had a date with me and he chimed right in with us and laughed with John. He took right to him.

Then it was too much to explain to someone how amazing this man was. But this stranger saw it in John. The humor and honesty and slight edge that keeps you on your toes. And that night, I saw John's heart and love and genuine joy. That is the John I will always see.

Sam Barrow

March 12, 2004

Well, my first entry was censored (Degen would be so proud!) so I'll try again.

Acting for Musial Theatre with the"Johns"-Degen and Franceschina. On the Town playing Clair de Lune.

Sitting on "THE COUCH" and listening to Carol Burnett singing I'm Still Here.

Hearing him say, Sam, stop singing like a 60's girl group.

Seeing him at the lakehouse and having a ball.

Not getting A's on written assignments.

Always being challenged.

Sabrina Lloyd

March 11, 2004

I will try to keep this brief. My memory of John: a free spirit, an enemy to censurship, a feminist (he did more "chick flick" type plays than any feminist theatre group in this city), he was a worrier and watcher, he was a protector, the champion of the underdog and the hard worker. I loved how clever he thought he was for splitting the Big Mac in half and making two sandwiches. I loved how he would always have a little piece of tobacco stuck on his lip. The night before generals he would give last minute coaching tips on the mainstage of FAB to us midnight crammers. I had the honor of working with him twice and have adopted many of his methods to my own madness. Had he not taken me to his doctor when the school clinicians kept sending me home, I may not have made it to graduation, I was a day away from the ICU. This is the type of teacher, mentor, friend, and father figure he was to me. He was a complete hero and a cush ball. Though his time with us was too short, in the words of playwright and poet Edna St. Vincent Millay: "My candle burns at both ends

It will not last the night;

But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends -

It gives a lovely light."

John's lovely light will never be forgotten.

Aaron Gandy

March 11, 2004

I was a student in John's Music Theater History Class in 1992 and 1993. That was back when he taught it with another gifted teacher, John Franceschina. To say that their class changed the direction of my life is no exaggeration. Prior to taking their class, I was a performance major. Then, I encounted John Degan, whose passion and staggering knowledge about Music Theater opened my eyes and redirected my course of study.

My career now focuses almost exclusively on vintage Broadway, and I've had great success as a music director, conductor, writer and guest speaker.

One of the proudest moments I had was in 1998, when I was performing a concert of Vincent Youmans' Broadway songs at the Library of Congress. Through a twist of luck, John happened to be in DC to see the performance. Afterwards, he joined us for dinner, and I'll never forget the delight on his face. In his class, he had taught about the importance of Vincent Youmans in the history of Broadway. That night, we had dinner with the Vince, Jr, the composer's son. To be able to introduce him to Vince was exciting, especially after performing an evening of Youmans' work. The reason it meant so much to me was the fact that John introduced me to the music of Youmans in his classroom. In many ways, a lot of my career can be traced back to what I learned in his class.

In the years since my graduation I stayed in touch with John, and considered him a valuable friend and advisor. He was always good for a 3 hour conversation. He will truly be missed.

Danny Buergo

March 11, 2004

Thanks to Sean Ogren I was introduced to John Degan 3 days into my freshman year at FSU. For the next 4 years I found myself sitting on that musty couch in his office on an almost daily basis. I learned more on that couch than I learned in any classroom. I consider myself blessed to have not only had John Degan as a professor but also a friend. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me to reach new levels in my work. For that I will be forever grateful.

Michele Mellor

March 11, 2004

Kicking water bottles, walks to sub-way, trying to get a props list out of that man, the NY Times crossword puzzle, computer baseball, first drafts with WHAT and EXPLAIN written all over, his couch, Baby class, American Theatre History, Play Analysis, turning papers in at 11:55, copier machine hell, sitting through general auditions, callbacks, one hell of a huge show, calling me in California, and his confidence and trust in me. What will the SOT be with out John?

Jaime Reichner

March 11, 2004

After my first "baby class" with John, he became my academic advisor, my sometimes sole support in the SOT, and my friend. It was his fierce honesty and unmatched support of his students that will endear him to us always.

Shannon O'Dowd

March 11, 2004

I learned of John's health only days before his passing. I am sadened that I didn't have a chance to let him know the impact he made on me and the world. I loved listening to his banter and wit while having a cigarette outside of the FAB. He teased to be endearing, he was cynical and sarcastic to mask how much he cared. He was a brilliant man and he will truly be missed.

Barbara Thomas

March 11, 2004

John, Johnny as I called him, was definitely a special man to myself and the entire Academic & Students Services Office. We so looked forward to his visits every day. I could depend on him entering the office and saying "Hi Barbara" even if I wasn't there. John speaks to my sweater that hangs on my chair whenever I'm not there. When I am here I could depend on him coming over and laying his head on my left shoulder waiting for me to pet his head. I did, each time. I remember one day John came in and I was sooooo busy. I was too busy to "spend quality time" with him. He told Judy that I was "too busy for him". Well, I had to make it up to him when I was able to. He's not a great pretender and I could see that he was disappointed that he didn't give him his "time".

I am so happy I got to know John Degen. It has made my job worthwhile. Not just a paycheck, you see. It is a special person that can touch so many lives in so many years.

Someone may not believe this but one Friday afternoon about two weeks before John left us HE suggested we go out for dinner. John, Jeanine Gangloff, Chris Nunez, my 2 1/2 year-old granddaughter Nikeya, and I met at the Waffle house and had a wonderful dinner. His worlds were "this is fun, we should do this more often". I said, "John this is what I've been telling you all these years". I know he enjoyed himself thoroughly. I am so glad I gave up a little time to go to dinner with him.

John was sent to this world some 56 years ago. He return home in 2004. There is a dash between these years. He lived his dash well. Let's pray our dash will have as much of an affect on others as John's has. In other words, let's make our dash count!!

I love you John. Your kindness in my life will never be forgotten

Diane Smith-Sadak

March 11, 2004

I wrote a few days ago, and have been so touched not only by all your memories of John, but of the responses I have gotten to my earlier posting. Each of you who has written to me has helped me dig deeper into my time with John and our shared memories. The trip to New orleans where we let Claudia sit between us ON A CHAIR at a sidewalk cafe and eat pastries; the charicature of the three of us from a New Orleans street artist, First Night in Boston, meeting his mom at the extraordinary family home (nine bedrooms and each with their own fireplace! An historic treasure.)

John used to throw erasers at students who were saying "stupid things" in history. But he threw them with exasperated love. Back in our day, it was meals at Hardy's with many students crowding around the table trying to get in on the conversations and debates.

When I earlier said that he loved animals more than people, he said it was because animals were living beings of unconditional love -- an animal would never hurt you, never reject you. They were the safest place for him to invest his heart. And he could be a romantic! One Valentine's Day (if you can believe it) I came to his place to find his God awful dining table filled with flowers and delicately wrapped packages in red and pink. Clearly he did that for me; I know pink was not his favorite color. I wear the ring from that day always. When I first heard of the iitial bout with pneumoniaI sent him ridiculous amounts of flowers, mylar balloons and a teddy bear. When he called, he said -- "flowers and stuffed animals. what the Hell am I suppposed to do with these?" I knew he loved them.

I've put a photo of John and Claudia in the photo gallery from the summer of 1989 just before we took our cross country drive to California to get me set up at San Diego Rep. My 2 favorite memories of that trip are the cabin at the North Ridge of the Grand Canyon, where I kept panicing because of my fear of heights and Claudia's insistence on scaling the walls of whatever path we were walking on, along with the five am knock on the door wake-up call for sunrise, where John said something unprintable to the poor steward and I crept out alone to watch the deer and the sun. the other memoriy was of us trying to drive Death Valley in a 3rd hand Plymouth Reliant K (anyone out there remember a K car?) and blowing the radiator every ten minutes. Poor Claudia just laid in the backseat with her head in a bowl of ice.

Forgive the length of this, but it has been spurred by all of your wonderful sharing. I hope Claudia and John are walking some beach together now.

My love again,
Diane

Ombra Sandifer

March 10, 2004

I have so enjoyed reading all of these posts about John. I am sitting in my office right now, reading these and it is so surreal – I keep waiting for him to burst into the office and ask me why I am still at work. Donna’s quote just about made me fall out of my chair laughing – I don’t know you, Donna, but thank you for sharing that! I loved it! While John was in the hospital, I started compiling a list of Degen quotes, and I will add that immediately.

Jo-Anna Dolloff gave me a sticker that says “Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History,” which I have proudly posted on my office door. Every time I look at it, I think about John, and I think that it goes for well behaved men, too. He certainly made history as far as we are all concerned. I enjoyed joining him in the misanthropic hobby of declining social invitations to parties. He would tell Jo-Anna that he had RSVP’d in the negative, and I loved his smile when I mentioned that I wasn’t going, either. I actually just loved any moment that I made him smile – it was a great victory, and he always looked back knowing that he got me. As much as he hated social obligations, he had quite the night life. No one went to as many plays as John, and he saw everything that any of his students did. If there was a one person show on the corner of Copeland and Call at 2:00 am, John would be there. He loved his students more than I can even comprehend, and he is definitely the teacher that I wish I could be. I can’t use the past tense with that sentence, because he is still teaching. I don’t think anyone could argue with that. Well, maybe John could.

I miss you, Dr. Degen.

O

Michael Jenks

March 10, 2004

John was cool. I never took a class from him cause I heard he was too damn hard; somehow I still learned a great deal from him. May we learn and grow from his death as we did from his life. I'll miss him.

Cydnee Welburn

March 10, 2004

"What an artist the world is losing in me."

John, the gifts you possessed will never be forgotten by anyone who ever crossed your path. If only I could hear you rasping "Buddy, put your hand down!" at me just once more. May heaven be lined with meatball subs.

Libby Nobis (Robertson)

March 10, 2004

John!

How can you be gone when I haven't yet forgiven you for making me sing "Perpetual Anticipation" in 1987?!?

Thank you for even thinking that I might be able to do it.

And thank you for scaring the hell out of us--"is he joking? is he serious?"--keeping us on our toes and always enjoying our company.

We'll miss your's.

Lisa Dozier

March 10, 2004

No one has made more of an impact on me in the theatre than John Degen, a man whose teasing was relentless and lived to better his students who he was so proud of. I will always treasure my memories of him--whether it was talking late at night on his worn couch in his office, our many emails since I left school, in the classroom or the time he took to guide me for my future. Thank you for believing in us. We will miss you.

Donna Rigdon Jones

March 10, 2004

I have laughed and cried reading all of the Degen stories. We are all fortunate to be a part of the community of people who were touched by this one-of-a kind man. He was my major professor, and I will be forever thankful to him for the history and the grammar that I learned from him. I would challenge anyone to find a mistake in my dissertation - nothing escaped his eagle eye. My favorite Degen comment was to a student in his American Theatre History class. "You'd never make it in a real school."

whitney Holotik

March 9, 2004

John was ironically the most loving generous man i have ever met. I can imagine his face right now as i say that! I was only at FSU for one semester, so i didn't get as much time with him as I would have liked. I'll never forget he gave me the nickname of little janeane which he only called me to annoy the crap out of me and jeneane. I can remember his little pouty face he made when i couldn't spend quality time with him. I also remember the huge amounts of respect he had for all his students. He was a true intelect and he let us feel the same way. John knew i was having trouble getting adjusted to FSU so he would just take me around and introduce me to people. ALl the friends i made at FSU were because john was watching out for me! I can only imagine what he has to say about all this sentimental lovey dovey stuff we've been saying about him, but its true. To know john was to love him. Thank you so much for everything you did for me!!! I can't wait to see how much fun your having up there!!! You will be so missed!

So until our next quality time! i love you

whitney

Brian Walker

March 9, 2004

Thank you for everything. I will miss you.

Kelly Smith

March 9, 2004

though i never got the chance to be in a class with you john, i was taught by merely being in your prescence. with you john, "God made man from some other metal than this earth" -much ado about nothing.

Kim

March 9, 2004

John was always there in the theatre building to give me a hug when I needed it and the first to give me a shot on mainstage doing, "Diana Dream" in ON THE TOWN. I will miss him very much and I am thankful that I had the priviledge of being taught by such an amazing man.

Lawrence Keller

March 9, 2004

I have so many memories of John. Let me share my first. When I was considering where to go to graduate school, I narrowed it to Northwestern and Florida State. I flew to Northwestern and was thoroughly unimpressed with the egotism and arrogance of the staff. So, I contacted Degan by phone who was in New York (my home at the time). We met at his favorite hangout -- Nathans. There was this disheveled, chain-smoking man carrying a library book bag stained with coffee. We talked and talked and talked. When I asked him what kind of shows FSU produced, he replied "The usual mediocrity." Those three words sum up John. The sarcasm, the insistence on better, the wit, the brutal honesty. I miss you John.

With Claudia, Summer 1989

March 9, 2004

Cindy Price

March 9, 2004

"This is the essence of the plot; the rest is episode."

Aristotle's Poetics, XVII. 5

With love,

C

Cessalee Smith-Stovall

March 9, 2004

Thank you, John Degen. Thank you for teaching me about life.

Tricia McDermott

March 9, 2004

When I was at FSU, John was my academic advisor and in my last few semesters, I was lucky to take his American Theatre history class. The toughest, most insistent man I ever knew in his capacity as advisor and professor. But always with his own brand of humor, which took a while to really appreciate.

Years after graduating, I ran into him at a show at BAM in Brooklyn during one of his regular trips. I saw him from ten feet away from the back outside during intermission and there was no mistaking John--that walk, his usual way of dressing… I called out “Hey Degen” and before he even turned to see me I heard, “McDermott is that you.” It wasn’t until after we’d become friends that I was sure he knew my first name!

From then on, I was blessed to have him in my life as a friend as well. It was always great to catch up in person when he was in NYC. Once when we were walking from the Strand bookstore, he did an impromptu tour of the city and it's old theatres, which I will never forget. What an amazing and complex man.

Now when I do teach, I think of what John’s toughness did for me. It made me a better student and a better person. So I always try, in my own way, to remember that his gift to me as a student is well worth passing on. And his gift to me as a friend was his intellect, his encyclopedic knowledge of all things theatre, and his heart. Because even when it was cloaked under so many layers of unsentimental, self-deprecating humor, it was always a good heart. I feel blessed to have had him in my life and have had him as a friend. He is deeply missed.

Nancy Parlapiano

March 9, 2004

Learning from him was a gift. Knowing him was an honor. There will never be a substitute.

Elisa Hurt Carlson

March 8, 2004

I had to work very hard for that A in John's class and am prouder of that than anything else in my college career. God bless you and rest you, John. You were a wonderful teacher and you will be dearly missed. Please save me a seat at your table.

Tracy Rose Dubin

March 8, 2004

I was a management grad student at SOT in the mid-80s, and I wouldn't take a class with John. He was always asking why, and I told him it was because I had heard he was tough. Since I wasn't required to take his classes, I wasn't putting myself in that spot. He gave me a hard time about that, and I did end up in one of his classes before I left. After I was in New York I didn't expect to be in touch with John, but one day he showed up at work to see me. I was surprised, and we had a nice lunch together. Then every time he came to New York he would make plans with me for lunch or a show. Our friendship really grew from John's efforts to stay in touch. Under his gruff exterior, he found value in pursuing our friendship, and I am so grateful that he did. I was so lucky to have him for my friend and I miss him so much. I hope that he knows how much he meant to so many people.

Rebecca Ward

March 8, 2004

The first time I ever saw John Degen was the first day of my first class at FSU in the fall of 1989, the dreaded "Research and Bibliography," a weed-out class that would determine whether each of us would continue as graduate students. Awaiting our professor that morning, the class of brand-new entering MA and PhD students were chatting pleasantly at a table for eight, with the head of the table near the door vacant, when John Degen strode into the room, somewhat disheveled in sandals and an untucked shirt. He stopped suddenly as if struck, looked at us, and then slammed his stack of books and papers down at the head of the table, and growled, "There are too goddamned-many people in this class!" Most of us were stunned, and then laughed nervously. We did not know what to make of him, but we soon learned: he was going to make good researchers and writers out of us no matter what and that took huge amounts of time and effort on his part as well as our own. A lot of time has passed since then and earlier this year, I wrote him, proudly, that I had proof-read my husband's new book, and I thanked him for all he had taught me and apologized for the trouble I was sure I had given him. I really didn't expect an answer, but some weeks later came a return e-mail saying in typical Degenese style,"Well, I guess after a month it won't hurt me to answer this. . ." and he proceeded to modestly accept my thanks and wish me well. I had no idea he was ill. As the days pass since I learned of John's death, I have been flooded with memories and I feel so lucky to have been in the same universe with him. What an extraordinary person of integrity,intelligence, grit,charm and wit, and all that love and caring he had for his students that he tried so hard to cover and really believed we couldn't see. You know, when James Lipton asks his guests at the Actor's Studio, "When you get to the Pearly Gates, what would you like to hear St. Peter say?", I have no doubt that one day one of them will reply, "That John Degen is here." Now that will be a place worth getting to.

David Ham

March 8, 2004

I had the pleasure of performing in John's last show and it was such an honor to work with a theatrical genius. He will be truely missed. We all love you John!

Wade T. Handy

March 8, 2004

Kicking around soda bottles in the lobby, performing staged readings of awful scenes from awful plays in the production office, trying to hug him only to have him bite me (literally), the philosophical conversations in the FAB parking lot at 1:30am, having a paper ripped apart by him saying "So what?", working on the Times' crossword puzzles, Subway lunches and dinners, quality time in his office listening to the Red Sox games on his computer, knowing that he is the only one who could fix the photocopier, hearing his disdain at people "commiting matrimony", and just knowing that he would always be at the FAB... these are merely a few of the memories that I will take with me. But I take comfort in my belief that his presence will always be in the FAB.

Degen was a master teacher, a genius, and, above all, a dear friend and member of my extended family. He will be deeply missed.

Amanda Wansa

March 8, 2004

I have been honored to be in John's last production this past fall and be a member of his class right now, and I can't think of a more devoted teacher. He was in class up until a week before his passing even if he couldn't speak the whole time or had to push himself to finish a pearl of wisdom because he was brilliant and devoted to us, his students. I am grateful for the short time I've had with him and saddened that I don't get more, but I will never forget his infamous greeting/joke that he loved to embarrass me with in the classroom and about the FAB lobby: (gruffly)"Hey Amanda, What would your last name be if you married a guy who's last name was Cracker?" "I don't know, John, what." "Amanda Wansa-Cracker! Get it? Its funny!" Dr. Degen, its been an honor.

Lon Haber

March 8, 2004

I swore I'd never do it, and you swore I'd never make it in Hollywood, but now you can see how glad to I am to be proving you wrong!

I'm sure you've got direct tv where you are.

It may not be broadway, but I'm making more money this way. This was I can buy my own theatre. There will be a Degen lounge.

And yes, when I win my first Oscar, I'll be thinking of you. You don't have to wear a tux, just wear a pin-stripey button-down shirt, some brown slacks, comfy shoes and a too long for your mouth ciggie.

We'll share a glass of scotch then.

But you'll have to smoke on yer own, I've quit.

Becky Rodriguez

March 8, 2004

I can still remember the last email I shared with Degen. He had called me a loser for getting married and having a kid but delighted over the fact that I was divorced. "At least you got smart" he remarked. The more blunt John was to you, the more he loved you. And boy did he love us, every last one of us... as long as you came to all his shows that is. Degen was my greatest mentor, and such a wonderful friend. You could go to his apartment at 1 o'clock in the morning, tell him you're bored, and he's invite you in to watch a movie and forget about all your problems. The greatest part of John, was the nurturer. I remember there were times when I was sick, severly sick and he would look white as a ghost with worry. He would drop everything at hand to try and make me feel better. He even let me sleep in his office during one of HIS classes. I sure did feel special :) John, you are forever in my heart and thoughts. I feel blessed beyond reason to know that you were part of my life, and I was part of yours!

I love you John!

Lon Haber

March 8, 2004

It was 1 a.m., sometime in 1996, just a few minutes after rehearsing games for our next Whammo show. I sat outside the FAB, cigarette in mouth. I was too tired to move and too hungry to know what was going on.

"Need a light, Haber?"

You always come around at the right time, John, whether to put a smile on my face or to inspire the fear and fire in my soul to wake me up and "take it like a man." I cherish all of our irreverant conversations, class time and even my first musical theatre history paper that you refused to grade. "Lon, this is a travesty." You helped make me a better writer, a more dillegent student, a more aware person and a more conscious actor.

One night/morning it must have been 3 a.m., 3 others and myself, hanging around the FAB, singing on the mainstage, up in the catwalks, doing whatever it was we did in those days. . . and as we came from the darkness of the theatre into the lobby, a stoic and curious face appeard.

Is that Degen?" "It sure looks like him."

And you said to me, "Lon, what the hell are you doing here at 3 in the morning?"

And I replied, "What am I doing here at 3 in the morning? What the hell are you doing here at 3 in the morning!"

I shall never forget the time I thought I'd flunk out of musical theatre history 2, when in the nick of time I made a brilliant correlation between the Three Penny Opera and Karl Marx's Manifesto. You began to clap and I earned myself not only a standing ovation from you and the class (thank god my mom was visiting that day), but a newfound respect and connection with you.

Yeah, I wish we had more time together like when you once came to me for advice. It was senior year and it meant the world to me that I now knew you respected and valued me and my opinions.

I don't care what anyone says, John Degen, in the core of your soul lies one of the biggest and most sincere smiles of all. Even when you're as pissed off as a fire-hydrant out of control, you're always on the brink of a smile.

I'm sure I speak not only for myself when I say I love you, J D.