Charles Hopkins Obituary

Family-Placed Death Notice

Charles Randall Hopkins, artist, playwright, actor, director, teacher, died January 3, 2005 age 59. Rand was a leading creative force in the theatre arts, especially in the City of Atlanta. Survived by mother, Maxie Edna Hopkins of Duluth, GA; brother, Mark Hopkins of Loveland, CO; sisters, Ginger Dean of Norcross, GA; and Gay Baker of Knoxville, TN; numerous nieces, and nephews and longtime friend, Scott Shelton Ebert of Clarkston, GA. Appeared on stage, TV, and film. Wrote many plays and scripts. Known for his Peabody Award winning, "The Boy King", Member of SAG/AEA. The family encourages donations to your favorite organizations in support of the arts in lieu of flowers. Friends are invited to remember Rand at a gathering Saturday, January 8th, 3-5 PM at Onstage Atlanta, 2597 N. Decatur Rd. Decatur.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution from Jan. 6 to Jan. 8, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Hopkins

14 Entries

Rick Richey

January 1, 2006

"Papa Bear" is what I called him, and he truely was. He was gentle and loving, kind and funny, but very protective of me. I love you still and miss you greatly. I will never forget you and I have your paint and canvas to remind me daily of your gifts and your life. My best to the family which I am sorry that I never got a chance to meet, because Rand spoke of you all on a regular basis ... especially his moma. Rand, you are forever remembered by those that love you. God Bless.

"Monkey Boy"

-Rick

Antonne Broussard

January 17, 2005

Heaven just got back one of their "ANGELS"........You will be missed and I thank you for giving me that chance of knowing you.

xxoo

Marilyn Whitmer

January 17, 2005

Rand was such a dear friend to me. A person who loved and cared for all around him. I was lucky to have known him. He was such a character and you always knew where he came from. He wore his heart on his sleeve. How lucky the heavens are to have him!

My thoughts and love go to Scott and Rand's mother.

Theresa Davis

January 8, 2005

I was the public relations director of NARAS (Grammy Award Organization) when I first met Rand. He always thought I was going overboard and doing my job too well when I spoke of him and his accomplishments. That was just like Rand...a bit embarrased at the time it took to mention his lengthy awards and credits. He made me a board game, Yankee Go Home, for my birthday one year. We shared months of laughter over the hilarious and witty game pieces, drawings and 'Yank-isms' he invented. We were working on a script together...Common Scents...a fragrance story set in Paris, Texas and, once again, he made me laugh hysterically when working along side his genius. His unfaltering beliefs in his family, his circle of friends, his faith, his work and people in general only added to this very special man's spirit and those he touched. I will carry him with me all the rest of my days here on earth.

Fare thee well, my friend.

Jason Eden

January 7, 2005

Rand was a true friend, motivator, and inspiration to me for over 20 years. I will miss him dearly.

Joyce Bohannon

January 7, 2005

There's a brighter star in the heavens tonight. May God bless you Rand and give you peace.

Jeremy Farrell

January 6, 2005

Adding a Christmas tune in the middle of a Hannukah play and having it be the tune that the children came out of the Jewish Theatre singing - putting a song about the dradel in a coming of age Christmas piece - This was Rand. Always finding something to make you think about, laugh about and feel. Frogs. Why frogs of all things to remember him by? In a shop across the country or a sculpture downtown, if it had to do with the little green fellas it brought a smile to your face and a thought of him. I guess they always will. I think of Kermit as he sang "movin'right along" Rand always wanted the people around him to be successful, not at some job, but in life. Following their passion, their dream, to find who they were for themselves. I guess in a way that him leaving in the night with a steady commercial running, print ads throughout the city, his paintings hanging in homes across the country, people who he loved and who were loved by him, his friends, those of us whose lives he touched, will remember him fondly and with a smile. I love his creativity and I am proud to know that he did what he wanted to do his way and he was true to who he was. I'm gonna miss him... Here's to the frog.

Rick Richey

January 6, 2005

Rand was one of the greatest influences in my life. His desire for me to expect more out of myself made me a more sucessful person in every aspect of my life. I love Rand as a teacher, mentor, comedian (which he could have been in addition to everything else he did) and close friend. I offer my condolences to his mother (whom he wanted me to meet since I first meet him ... he said "You're gonna love my momma,") sisters, brother, and the rest of his immediate and extended family.

Rand, I will remember you until my time here ends. I still have many tears to cry and many laughs to belt because I have known you. You are a blessed friend, loving supporter, and my "Papa Bear". In loving memory -- "MonkeyBoy"

Margie Eden

January 6, 2005

Rand Hopkins was a very special person. Many times I thought of him as the pied piper, with the many children dancing at his feet. He loved children...he loved entertaining them and he loved teaching, encouraging and helping them to reach their goals.

Rand was a friend to our entire family, but especially to my son Jason. He was there for him in good times and a great shoulder and supporter in the bad. We love you Rand, and will all miss you very much. My sincere condolences to Scott and your family.

Geoff McKnight

January 6, 2005

One of the true "friends" I had in the acting business.

I will miss him deeply.

Blair Bonds

January 6, 2005

Rand was one of the best friends I have ever had, and I believe that he will go down in the book of my life, as one of the best I EVER had. His ability to laugh, his ability to love, his ability to encourage and his ability to create magic are the things I'll always remember about him. I will also remember him thru the cherished works of art in my home. For those of us that knew him and loved him, we will think of him every time we see a frog. My love and condolences to his biological family, to Scott, and to the many of us that made up his extended family of friends. May he rest in peace.

Richard Lifshey

January 6, 2005

The city of Atlanta has lost a great friend and patron of the arts. Too few take on the challenge of bringing theater to children, especially anything other than the usual bland fare. He brought important ideas and beliefs to childrens' theater. The Boy King was and remains a landmark in local theater and did much to introduce children to the civil rights struggle. Rand did it gladly and was recognized for it with a prestigious Peabody Award. But no award can match the joy he brought to theatergoers all over the Metro Atlanta area. He will be missed.

Karen Lifshey-Shapiro

January 6, 2005

"Lullaby, lullaby, let me sing you a lullaby. Don't you cry, don't you cry, there's no reason for you to cry. Have no fear, have no fear always know that I'm right here. Yes, it's true, yes, it's true, I love you..." Rand wrote that song for me 2 hours before the opening night of TEDDY BEAR. He liked to say, "We don't want to peek too soon."

Rand had such an impact on my life and my career. His belief in me kept me going on those days when I would head out to another audition. And his wit kept me sane when those auditions didn't go the way I wanted them to. On the day I was cast in my first Broadway show he was one of the first people I called. I wanted him to know that he was partially responsible. His trust, his belief, his heart were with me and they always will be.

I have a daughter now and I sing that lullaby to her. It's my own little piece of Rand that will be with me always.

My prayers of strength go to his family and Scott. I had heard gossip that Rand was so happy. I am so glad. he deserved nothing less.

"Now close your eyes got to sleep, sing a silent prayer in your heart, you'll be alright I promise you..."

Much Love,

Karen Lifshey-Shapiro and Diane Lifshey-Thompson

Melinda, David and Corrye Mobley

January 6, 2005

Rand was a dear friend. We will always have him with us through his beautiful art that hangs all through our house. Our heart-felt condolences to his family and to Scott. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. God Bless. MELINDA, DAVID and CORRYE MOBLEY

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