Lenka O'Connor

I crossed paths with Lenka when I was running wardrobe for "Other People's Money" (the play, not the movie), in which Lenka had a role. Even though I knew her for only a short period, she was truly a standout among the many people I've known. A great lady - wise and kind and vibrant! Something brought her to mind today, and I googled her and saw that she had passed away. My deepest sympathy to the family!

Lenka was a wonderful actress and person. I had the good fortune of directing her in "American Playhouse: Pigeon Feathers" in 1987. She was an inspiration to everyone on that project, a blessing to us all. I will forever cherish the memory of working with her and learning from her talent, intelligence and wisdom. Rest in peace, dear Lenka. My heartfelt condolences to your family and friends.

Lenka was such an inspiration in my life and I loved being part of her first school play production at Holy Family School in New Rochelle, NY with the production of the Wizard of Oz. My first surprise was that shy old me was selected to be Dorothy. I spent hours in play rehearsals at the O'Connor household and enjoyed co-acting with Glynnis, Darren, and Brian. She uplifted everyone around her. She was such a presence in a room. Many years later, I had the amazing fortune of bumping...

To understand the world in which we are destined to live, and to imagine the world in which we would like to live, we learn and develop from others that which we discover of ourselves. Lenka's greatest lesson was: Go outside yourself and play. I liked living in Lenka's effervescent world, there was laughter and poignancy, assurance and resilience. People always felt she saw them fully, with those hopeful eyes, and we were always rewarded, seeing the best of ourselves through her, for she...

Lenka was pivotal in the ultimate direction of my life. Her founding of the Westchester Young Actors Theatre gave me a place to find myself at a time I was troubled and in need of safety and self discovery. Her nurturing guidance and wise direction and the free community of creative teenagers she created with W.Y.A.T. was exactly the space that allowed me to thrive and begin outgrowing the darkness that was my family of origin. I am forever grateful for her generosity of spirit, her hopeful...

It was my good fortune to be a grade school friend of Darren....Elk Avenue friend as well. Darren´s wonderful Mom made room for me in their home and in her grade school theatrical projects. No talent but she gave me and many others a place in The Show!! I am forever grateful