Joseph G. Medalis

1942 - 2018

August 24, 1942 - November 3, 2018 Actor, writer, singer, teacher, Joseph passed away at the age of 76 after an 18-year battle with Parkinson's disease. All who knew and worked with Joseph found him to be a charming, funny, caring person and a wonderful actor. He never complained and lived life to the fullest to the very end. Joseph was born in Shenandoah, PA, to Joseph & Estelle (Kozak) Medalis. He leaves wife Lucille (aka) Luce Morgan, sister Angela (Mark) Waiksnoris, nephews Mark (Mary Alice), Jason and Timmy. Also, great-nephews Tyler and Connor. His parents and brothers, Raymond and Gerald, preceded him. Joseph attended Immaculate Heart Academy high school and received advanced degrees from Penn State and Stanford Universities in Theatre Arts. He also served as Actor-in-Residence at Stephens College in Columbia, MO, where he acted, taught acting, and directed for three years prior to coming to Los Angeles. Joseph and Lucille met in 1965 while acting in a Summer Stock production of Bertolt Brecht's The Beggars Opera and married in Philadelphia, PA, in 1966, packed up a small U-Haul and drove away to Palo Alto, CA, and Stanford University. On September 17th, 2018, they celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary in West Hollywood, CA, where they resided for many years. Feature films include: Sister Act, Endangered Species, True Confessions, Making Love, Looker, Dead and Buried, Kentucky Fried Movie. Among numerous TV appearances are: 3rd Rock from the Sun, and guest starring roles on the Ben Stiller Show, Married with Children, Taxi, LA Law, Hill Street Blues to name a few. TV movies and specials included: Billionaire Boy's Club, World War III, Friendly Fire and Roots. Joe worked extensively in theatre at the The Mark Taper Forum, Lincoln Center, the Oregon and LA Shakespeare Festivals, and Ford Theatre in Washington, DC. Joe's ashes will be spread in his beloved Shenandoah and celebrated by family and friends. We wish to thank his wonderful neurologist, Dr. Nicholas Szumski, and Dr. David M. Frisch who kept us healthy for so many years. Lucille wants to thank Cedar Sinai Hospital for their amazing doctors, nurses, social workers and, also the Palliative Care group headed by Dr. Jessica Besbris. Gifts in Joe's name may be sent to: Parkinson's Community LA (www.parkinsonscommunityla.org), or Motion Picture and Television Fund (mptf.com).