Mark Thomas Kemble

Los Angeles and Providence - Mark Kemble, beloved playwright, screenwriter, director, teacher, dramaturge and Providence native, died early morning August 14th, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was at his brother Ned's home when he passed away with his loving family and long time friend, Iris Gilad by his side.

Mark Thomas Kemble was born in Providence Rhode Island on August 21st 1953. Mark played baseball in his youth and showed unique talent as a pitcher in his Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball League teams.

After graduating high school, Mark served in the U.S. Navy completing tours in the Philippines.

When he was 24, Mark moved to Los Angeles with a drive to work and create in the theatre and film industries. He studied acting at The Beverly Hills Playhouse under the artistic direction of Milton Katselas. After performing in many stage productions and several roles on T.V. and film, Kemble turned to writing and directing. He developed his skills and found his voice in several writing programs in Los Angels including the prestigious Mark Taper Forum Mentor Playwright Program. In his 45 years of creating, Mark wrote and directed over 30 stage productions which were produced in Providence, Los Angeles, London and New York. Many of them received nominations and won several awards.

Mark's play about the Hollywood Blacklist, "Names" had its World Premiere run at the Matrix Theater in Los Angeles to sold out audiences. The show was Critic's Choice in every major newspaper and was named one of the top plays of 1995 by NPR. "Names" was also produced Off Broadway in New York City in the spring of 1997 to more critical acclaim. Mark directed both of those productions.

Mark co-wrote with Tom Musca the screenplay for the HBO film, "Race" which won the Imagen Award and together with Noel Quiñones they also co-wrote the Showtime released film, "Facing Fear" which went on to win the Best Family Feature Award at the Hollywood Film Festival.

A lifetime member of The Actors Studio, Mark Kemble was honored with the position of Artist In Residence at The Actors Studio West by then Artistic Director, Martin Landau. He also co-moderated the Playwrights Development Unit with Peter Flood.

Perhaps his most personal creative achievement was directing his feature film, "Bad Hurt" based on his play "Bad Hurt On Cedar Street" which painted a vivid picture of his own family. The play had a workshop run at the Actors Studio West and a commercial production at The Greenway Court Theater which won critical acclaim and garnered four Ovation Award nominations including Best New Play. With Jamieson Stern co-writing and co-producing the film, Mark Kemble's "Bad Hurt" premiered at The Tribeca Film Festival in 2015 to standing ovations and was in the Top Ten Audience Favorites of the festival.

Mark's love and nurturing of actors, directors and writers knew no bounds. His workshops and classes inspired innumerable artists to develop authenticity, find confidence and grow both personally and professionally.

Mark collaborated and co-wrote many creative projects with multiple artists, including penning songs with his brother, Ned, with the song "All City John" being a standout.

His one-of-a-kind humor and wit along with his burning passion for art and life will be sorely missed.

Mark is survived by his three siblings, Mary Ellen Kraus, Frances Kemble, and Ned Kemble. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grandnephews, cousins, friends and collaborators who've been like family and their kids who were lucky to have Mark in their lives growing up.

Mark Kemble is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Dorothy Kemble and his brother Kevin Kemble.

Mark donated his body to Brown University Medical School.

A memorial honoring his life will be held in West Hollywood and Providence at a date to be determined.

Godspeed Mark Kemble.