Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Arthur Wellesley French Jr.
Arthur Wellesley French Jr.
Obituary
Guest Book
Arthur French Jr. Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Ken Fitch
August 2, 2021
Joining with hundreds of members of the theatrical community in mourning the loss of one of our most beloved colleagues, a fellow artist, mentor, teacher, and friend.
His long career and presence have been an inspiration to us all in myriad ways.
He has always been abundantly generous in sharing his insights, wisdom and advice with several generations of NY theater artists.
While he has appeared often in film, television and media, where his presence was always resonant and anchoring, often to the extent that he would be greeted on a subway platform by people who recognized him from a recent commercial, he was above all a man of the theater,
His presence on the stage had a deeper eloquence all its own for his illumination of the human condition.
He has been a central figure in the New York theatrical community for over half a century, acting continuously in all manner of venues from starry Broadway productions to Off Broadway productions and Off-Off Broadway showcases and readings of new plays by the hundreds.
He is well remembered as one of the founding members of the Negro Ensemble Company, one of the world’s most distinguished acting ensembles.
His performances in a variety of venues were often indelible with unforgettable moments like his opening number in the truly innovative Broadway Musical, “Aint Supposed to Die a Natural Death,” his historic presence in the George C. Scott revival of “Death of a Salesman.” and his deeply moving performances in “Nevis Mountain Dew,” and the New Federal Theatre revival of “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” in which his performance refocused that play, illuminating an underlying emotional core. In the season of that unforgettable performance, he would receive the lifetime recognition of an “OBIE Award for Sustained Excellence.” He would also receive a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in the Signature Theater revival of Two Trains Running. Later, from Actors’ Equity, he would receive the distinguished Paul Robeson Award - “given to an individual or organization that best exemplifies and practices principles and ideals of this great humanitarian.”
For those of us in the theater community, he was always accessible, with honesty, humility and encouragement, but above all with that luminous spirit that always reaffirmed our commitment to the special uplifting work of human community to which we are called.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Cheridan Westmoreland
August 1, 2021
Arthur, Thank you so much for being a wonderful teacher director and friend. When I first met you we were working for Weill Cornell Medical Center as Standardize Patients. You were always so warm and giving. Then I came over to New Federal Theatre and studied with you! I also thank you for coaching me when I had auditions for different networks. I can still hear you giving me notes, laughing and always listening. May God continue to bless your family and thank you for sharing your father. I will do you proud.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
1712 S. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, CA 91205
Make a Donation
in Arthur French Jr.'s name
People and places connected with Arthur
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Arthur's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Arthur French Jr.'s life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
