Douglas John Boyd

1952 - 2021

Douglas John Boyd
May 23, 1952 - February 24, 2021
Resident of Oakland, CA
Doug Boyd, actor, musician, and beloved father, died on February 24, 2021 at the age of 68. Doug was born on May 23, 1952 to John D. Boyd and Dorothy E. Boyd (Smith), the youngest of four siblings. He spent his childhood and adolescence in Culver City, CA, where he met some of his closest lifelong friends. From a young age Doug showed talent in singing and acting. In his youth he was a singing waiter at the Great American Food and Beverage Company in Los Angeles, and he won the television competition The Gong Show for his musical performance.
Doug graduated from Sonoma State University in 1975 with a B.A. in English, and subsequently began his 40-year career as a studio actor and vocalist. His vast portfolio included singing radio jingles, on-camera acting, and print modeling. Doug was an accomplished voiceover artist, his work featured in video games such as BioShock and Syphon Filter, national advertisements, TV shows, films, and educational games.
Doug married Lori A. Boyd (Owens) in 1983, and they raised two daughters in Richmond, CA. He moved to Oakland in 2002 where he spent the remainder of his life. He was always actively involved in his children's lives, and was a playful, loving father. Doug was also a substitute teacher for local public schools for over 20 years.
In his leisure time, Doug enjoyed cooking, playing word games, and camping with his friends and family. For many years he sang with the Pacific Mozart Ensemble (now called Pacific Edge Voices), with whom he traveled to Berlin to perform as a soloist with the Deutsche Symphonie-Orchester. He also participated in local theater productions over the years with companies such as the Actors Ensemble of Berkeley. Doug was always ready to pick up a guitar and sing, and patiently taught 3-part harmonies to anyone who wanted to join in.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Boyd, and his brother James H. Boyd. He is survived by his daughters, Erin Boyd and Christina Boyd (James Yelen), his brother Thomas Boyd, and his sister Joan Boyd. A celebration of life will be planned when it is safe to gather indoors. Donations can be made in his honor to St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County.


View the online memorial for Douglas John Boyd