Howard Witt

Howard Witt, a Chicago actor with a long career that included regional theatre, TV, and stints on Broadway, passed away peacefully on June 21st after a long illness. He was 85. Howard was born in Chicago and raised in Albany Park, attending Hibbard Elementary School and Von Steuben High School. He received his Certificate in Acting in 1967 from The Theatre School at DePaul (then the Goodman School of Drama) where he later became a member of the Alumni Board. He spent 10 years as a member of the acting ensemble at Arena Stage in Washington DC, under the artistic direction of Zelda Fichandler. Some of his most memorable Chicago performances include The Goodman Theatre's Death of a Salesman, King Lear, Griller, and Three Sisters, as well as The Price (Writers Theatre), and Twelfth Night (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre). He was nominated for three Jeff Awards, a Tony Award, and a Drama Desk Award. A veteran of the Navy, Howard served during the Korean War. He is preceded in death by his parents Isadore and Lovell Witt, sister Jessie (Seymour) Kravitz of Chicago, and his former wife Patricia Dickey Witt of Washington, DC. Survivors include his children Deborah Witt of Chicago, Joshua Witt of Clinton, MD, Robin Witt of Charlotte, NC, grandson Sean Witt of Evanston, IL, cousin David (Linda) Ross of Glencoe, IL, and former daughter-in-law Cathy Witt of Evanston, IL, as well as many cousins. Memorial service, date pending. In lieu of flowers, please donate to DePaul University's Joseph Slowik Endowed Scholarship, The Theatre School.