Michael Moynihan

1946 - 2018

Moynihan, Michael Michael John Moynihan was a multi-faceted writer, director, performer, visual artist/car-toonist, film-maker, teacher, social justice rabble-rouser/ satirist and father. Born July 23, 1946 in Milwaukee, Michael graduated from Carroll University in 1969 with a degree in Speech, with courses in Theatre, Art and Film-making, which he taught at Marshall High School during the'70's. Michael and Barbara Leigh co-founded Friends Mime Theatre/Milwaukee Public Theatre in 1974.The company's pioneering mostly free-to-the-public outreach programs brought educational and inclusive original theatre arts to hundreds of thousands of people of all ages, cultures and abilities throughout the State. Michael co-created over 30 original theatre-works, many about social issues incorporating mime, circus, puppetry, music and pageantry. He began working with MATA/Milwau-kee Community Media, in 1992, fostering the talents of Milwaukee film-makers and continuing to work with MPT, First Stage and Combat Theatre. After a severe heart condition Michael died Friday, November 9th, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Floyd and brother Jay and is survived by his sister Maureen Moynihan; Melinda Boyd, mother of their children Margaret and Emily Moynihan; grandchildren Maddox and Maisy. A Memorial/Celebration of Michael's life will be held Sunday, December 2nd from 2-5 PM at Yankee Hill, 626 E. Kilbourn Avenue. Guests are invited to bring food and stories to share. Donations to the Moynihan family are gratefully accepted.