Christopher Allport

ALLPORT, Christopher Cherished father, husband, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, son-in-law. Intensely loyal friend and force of nature, whose passing leaves an irreplaceable absence in our hearts. Everyone who met Chris was captivated by his charisma, impressed by his talents and overwhelmed by his appetite for life. No matter what he was doing -- acting, skiing, rock-climbing, gardening, playing music, taking his family on trips, cooking, playing with his English bulldog, Ripley -- Chris consumed his life with a rare and undeniable hunger. His love for his wife and two sons was ferocious; he supported and encouraged all of their endeavors. Son of Alexander Wise Allport and Jane Gardiner Raible (both deceased). Attended Children's Theatre in New Canaan, CT at age nine where his acting career began. Later, Choate and Northwestern Univ. Worked with Paul Sills/Story Theatre. Performed in N.Y. with the Public Theatre at Lincoln Center, and with Ensemble Studio Theatre, and in L.A. at the Taper, South Coast Rep and with Padua Playwrights, to name a few. Last year he wrote and starred in The Backroad Home, a theatrical memoir with his original music, directed and developed by Paul Linke (Ruskin Theatre). His endless list of TV credits includes roles on "The X Files," "Commander In Chief," and most recently, "Mad Men." Survived by his wife, Susan Hayden; his sons, Andrew (Diana) and Mason; his sisters, Catherine and Susan (David); nieces, Liberty and Cecil; mother-in-law, Vivian (Robert); his Aunt Joan; and more friends than you can imagine. In lieu of flowers, the family requests honoring Chris by donating to: Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90405; and/or The Access Fund, a rock-climbing conservation org. www.accessfund.org