Leslie Wieder

January 17, 1943 - August 21, 2024
The son of Hungarian immigrants James and Hilda Wieder, Les was born in New Britain, Connecticut. He attended LA Valley College and received a BA in Theatre Arts and an ? MA in Fine and Theatre Arts from Cal State Northridge.

His 40-year career included working in the music industry, theatre and television, but his longest stint, 28 years, was teaching theatre and television at Moorpark College. He directed more than 72 plays at the college and in Hollywood. He won the LA Ovation award and an NAACP Image Award for his play, "Sojourner: The Story of Sojourner Truth".

His play "Voices", based on the slave narrative tapes, premiered in L.A. His fractured fairytale for children, "Zamo," received rave reviews. Les' commitment to civil rights was the theme in his short film "Do Something" which he co-wrote and produced and is distributed on Tubi streaming service. The film went on to receive international acclaim.

Les was one of the most inspiring members of the Moorpark faculty, and his classes were filled with eager students. The plays he produced and directed played to sold out audiences.

His students were changed for the better, and he maintained relationships with many of them after they graduated. He never stopped teaching, mentoring and guiding. Les won an NCAAP President's Award for his dedication to diversity in casting for his plays.

In 1978, he met Tyree who became the love of his life. They are admired and envied for their enduring, loving and exemplary marriage. And, when Shavonne was born, Les became an ideal father.

The three Wieders loved to travel together and visited destinations around the world. Les enjoyed swimming, working on his golf swing, playing Bocce ball and was an avid reader. He loved telling stories, a good cigar and a dry martini. His great joy was spending time with his family.

Les and Tyree are longtime, dedicated members of Temple Ahavat Shalom, Northridge.

Besides his beloved wife Tyree and adored daughter Shavonne, Les leaves behind a host of friends and a large and loving family who were blessed to have him in their lives and who will dearly miss him. Donations in his memory can be made to lavcfoundation.org – Wieder Scholarship or mailed to LAVC Foundation 5800 Fulton Ave. Valley Glen, CA 91401.