Thomas Cooke

I was fortunate to have Tom Cooke as my Theatre History professor and even luckier to have worked with him on theatre productions while learning my craft at the University of Tennessee. Those years were formative and influenced the work I do today. Thank you Tom for your guidance all those years ago. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

My deepest sympathies to the family of Dr. Cooke. Dr. Cooke was a great director, teacher, and intellect. I was fortunate to study under him at UT in the 70s. His trust and belief in my talent and abilities instilled in me a much needed confidence that has remained with me throughout my life. Gentle, unassuming, modest, trustworthy, brilliant, and delightful, he never broke character. I still have the note he wrote me on opening night of "Hot l Baltimore" in 1979. I treasure it . He must...

Tom Cooke's influence loomed large on anyone connected to UT Theater. Not only was he the most consequential mentor in my professional life, but he was also the connective tissue to many of my deepest friendships. He was endlessly curious. He loved the art of telling stories through theater and he loved and respected the artists lucky enough to work with him. My deepest sympathy to his family.

I knew Tom from the University of Tennessee in the 1970s. He was a visionary, a bold but quiet force of nature. I can say with some certainty that all of his students and actors adored him. He had a great gift for reaching deep into our souls and helping us find our best selves. He managed to be our mentor and our friend, earning our complete respect and loyalty. Very few teachers stay with us all our lives, and he was top of that list. I will never forget his quiet strength, encouragement,...