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Sam Shepard
1943 - 2017
Sam Shepard
1943 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1943
DIED
2017
Sam Shepard Obituary
A representative for Shepard's family said he died of complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease.
Shepard won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1979 for his play “Buried Child.” He also received nominations for “True West” and “Fool for Love.” Shepard, who penned nearly four dozen plays, also had two Tony Award nominations.
Between 1964 and 2014, Shepard wrote stage and motion picture scripts including “Paris, Texas,” “Zabriskie Point,” “The God of Hell,” and “Kicking a Dead Horse.”
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Tall and handsome, Shepard played roles in films including “Days of Heaven,” “Frances,” “Crimes of the Heart,” “Steel Magnolias, and “Safe House.”
He was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar for playing the test pilot Chuck Yeager in 1983’s “The Right Stuff.”
Samuel Shepard Rogers III was born Nov. 5, 1943, in Fort Sheridan, Illinois. After moving to New York City, Shepard acted in small theaters while also writing plays.
Shepard once said he preferred acting onstage to doing films.
“You’re still much more afraid of the audience,” he told the Hartford (Connecticut) Courant in 2005, “and yet on the other hand, you desperately want to plunge into new territory. So every once in a while the real opportunity to make this leap gets handed to you. It’s like jumping into cold water.”
As for film, Shepard said movies are “all about narcissism. Terrence Malick called it ‘sanctioned vanity.’ Everything is attended to. ‘Would you like some Perrier? Anything we can do? May we throw ourselves on the ground in front of you?’ This unbelievable barrage of indulgence.”
125 Entries
Tom Mitchelll
August 19, 2024
Watching Sam play basketball in high school, I was always impressed by his grit and determination. He would get to the net and score through opponents against seemingly impossible odds. I'm so sorry for your loss. Janet Broxon and Tom Mitchell, Finn and Aidan want you to know that you're in our thoughts. Love to your family.
Cathey
March 26, 2021
He was my first love, when I understood that a man could be gentle and tender.
He certainly is now,
Peaceful in Heaven. I got there briefly, but was snatched back.
So I look forward to being with God and my Daddy, and Sam especially.
Love and Peace to everyone who loved him.
Marianne MILLS
October 3, 2020
Sam was a very talented actor and he will never be forgotten.
Anita Pergson
May 18, 2020
I shared Sam Shepherd's wonderful scripts and movies over the years. He will be sorely missed!
How you can show support
David Eyges
June 26, 2019
the short story..Blinking Eye..had a tremendous resonance for me since i buried my father Leonard's ashes where he moored his boat in Boston harbor..my very best friend Mary was with me..
Kathy Anderson
August 31, 2018
I miss Sam. He is a full blown HERO. My dad died of ALS in 1981. It is brutal. He stayed brave to the end. He was 45. I love every single piece of work that Mr. Shephard did. He was amazing. AND soooooo HANDSOME. God hold Sam safely. He is missed. I hope that he has found my son, Kris in heaven and my soul " Sista" Elaine who I just lost to brain cancer. I LOVE all of you and thank you for sharing Sam with all of us.
February 11, 2018
To Sam's Family, Sam was a part of our family to. So sorry for your loss. We shall miss seeing his talents on the screen. Such a gentleman. All of you were blessed to have had him in your life and I know he was blessed to have all of you in his. He is safe in God's tender hands. Theresa B., Lake Forest, IL
January 31, 2018
Thank you Sam for sharing your talented legacy, your sincerest deep heart, you are a blessed gift to all. You were a man of few words in Baby Boom, my first experience of you as an actor, your lasting darling expressions left many a lady falling for you in love. Then in Frances, we fell in love again with you and your darling partner in life. The experience of love is the sharing of talents empowering others to be one world as it needs to be and the errors of our ways, which we all have and they are many, need to be forgiven. We forgive you in abandoning us too soon. I speak for many, we will miss and pray your family has healed and all will carry this lasting impression you have endeared to us all.
Cathy
South San Francisco
don brumley
January 26, 2018
Great man, love his action and never forget Baby boom, one great man.
Michael Bellina
January 11, 2018
A great actor, and shall always be remembered through the movies we love.The Right Stuff is my favorite. A true inspiration to what it takes to meet the challenges, to venture into the unknown.As a fan ,he will truly be missed on the big screen.So many great actors have pased on lately , and it's sad to see them go.I hope that his children will consider carrying on his legacy in acting.God Bless you Sam , for all the great work that inspired America.
nancy collier
January 4, 2018
My husband and I are grateful for the amazing gifts that Sam Shepard shared. Profound memories of Atlanta theater production of one of Mr. Shepard's plays. We now live in Santa Fe area and have memories of his and Ms. Lange's presence here. Condolences to all his family and friends. God be with all. Love eternal.
August 27, 2017
It's never easy loosing someone we love. May your family gain strength from the support of others and prayer to our Heavenly Father.
My deepest condolences.
August 26, 2017
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. So treasure that memory. I am truly sorry about the loss of your loved one. May the peace that comes from God strengthen and support the family to endure this difficult time. Deepest sympathies.
Jeremiah 29:11
B. Condon
August 24, 2017
My heartfelt sympathy to all the family and friends of Sam Shepard. His voice, his talent, his legacy will live on. May you find comfort in the good times. RIP Sam Shepard
Fan forever,
Barbara Condon
Paula Hunsicker
August 22, 2017
RIP Sam Shepard, until that glorious day we're all called home to our Fathers house.
Our sincere condolences to all your family, friends and coworkers.
Thank you Sam for all the great works you left for all of us to enjoy.
J M
August 19, 2017
The world has lost a true genius. Rest in Paradise Sam Shepherd.
August 17, 2017
So sorry for your loss. May the God of peace be with the family during these critical days ahead.
August 15, 2017
Thank you for all of your kind help in new York. I'm sure you told no one about it. Thank you and we will see you again.
Maria
August 14, 2017
Godspeed. You will be missed.
Favorite film
Suzanne Stephan
August 13, 2017
Sam Shepard was one of my all time favorite people!
My deepest sympathy to all his family fans and friends. He will be missed!
Kim Korrick
August 12, 2017
My heart goes out to Jessica Lange, and her's and Mr. Shepard's children. I loved his plays, and saw as many as I could when living in NYC. I so loved and will miss his work so much-- the play, "Heartless," and his collection of short stories, "Day Out of Days," which I read to and gave to my 28-year-old nephew to treasure.
Kim Korrick
New York City
jeanine
August 10, 2017
don't make them like they use too! the best
Eva Seward
August 10, 2017
One of the best! R.I.P.
Lois
August 10, 2017
I loved Mr. Shepard movies, especially Baby Boon. His memory will live on in his family and movies. May God bless and strengthen you to endure your loss. Psalm 116 : 15
Lynn Repp
August 9, 2017
One of the Greatest Actors of all times. I loved every movie he ever made. I will truly miss him & his wonderful movies. RIP my friend. Prayers for his family & loved ones.
Abigail J
August 8, 2017
What a great loss for us all, all of those who knew Sam's work and loved him so dearly. He was courageous in telling the truths about the hurt and pain inside families, and his writings attest to the fact that we can survive the dysfunction that affects so many families. Sam's relentless productivity is a mark of his genius, but also of his bravery in his honesty. There was nothing Sam couldn't do: plays, scripts, books, novels, short stories, directing films, singing, and even riding his horses. He was a remarkable, beautiful human being taken from us far too early. My heart is broken that this shining star in the universe is gone. Despite that, he left behind a mountain of glorious work for us to treasure. Even moreso than that, he had a loving family of three children and his lifelong devoted sisters. They were with him, at his side, when he died, and that gives me a sense of peace that he knew how loved and treasured he was to so many, to those of us who even had the slightest knowledge of his vast work. All my condolences and sympathies to Sam's children and sisters, and a shared heartfelt sadness to all those here who admired and loved him so much. RIP Sam, and Godspeed.
Maria Lidstone
August 8, 2017
Sam Shepard you were an inspirations as far as my acting career went! I am from Minneapolis, MN and I made it as far as the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City 1984! I was scared and I didn't know a soul! I read the play by Tennessee Williams "Crimes Of The Heart" and I used as my monalog by that play to get into to the American Academy! Thank you for your art and your talent! As well as for coming into Tulips restaurant on Selby Ave in St. Paul, MN and bringing your own bottle of wine! Your date no other than Jessica Lang! I worked there at the time, however, I never had the nerve to say "Hello" However, we were all thrilled to have Midwestern Boy in our midst! God Bless You Sam Shepard and rest now! You attained a tremendous amount in your short life spam!
Sincerely a fellow actor, Maria M. Lidstone
Chrstian
August 8, 2017
My deepest condolences for your loss. Rest assured life is precious to our Creator. He promises to act in our behalf.
1 Corinthians 15:26
Evans family
August 8, 2017
Our thoughts are with the family. May the peace of God guard your hearts. Thinking of you with deep sympathy .
Dan Scott
August 8, 2017
We have truly lost an outstanding member of the acting profession. Sam Shepard was brilliant in all of his works....he will be greatly missed. Rest in peace dear friend.....enjoy now what you have worked for so long. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Nancy Blindauer
August 6, 2017
May God keep you in the hallow of his hands. May your family find comfort in knowing that you are peace now. My heart & prayers go out to all who loved you. God bless
August 5, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Diana Simons
August 5, 2017
God Bless your living soul Sam.
May the Holy Spirit give comfort
To your Family and Friends.
Allyson 5 Neyens
August 4, 2017
Rest In peace Sam Shepard. Such a wonderful actor. You. Be missed dearly!
Lisa Weiner
August 4, 2017
To Sam Shepherd,
You were a very talented actor. My prayers go to your family and friends. Lisa Weiner
donald stokes
August 4, 2017
A GREAT ACTOR TAKEN TO SOON. WILL MISS HIS WORK VERY MUCH!R.I.P.
R D
August 4, 2017
Please except my deepest sympathy for the loss of a GREAT actor Sam Shepard. May comfort and peace by with your during this difficult time. Hosea 13:14
Jacki
August 4, 2017
Rest In Peace! You will be greatly missed!
Carolyn Herzog
August 3, 2017
I have seen all of Sam's movies but I have to say I love "Country" the most. It took a lot of courage to make that movie. To speak for farmers during that period of time was really powerful. Sam had guts and wasn't afraid to say what he thought. He will missed more than we know now.
Terry Mitchell
August 3, 2017
Sam was a great guy and a fantastic actor, I always enjoyed knowing that when at Keeneland he was eating the food that I prepared you will be missed by so many people, prayers for the family your friend chef Terry Mitchell
Becky W.
August 3, 2017
I thought he was so good as Doc in Crimes of the Heart playing opposite Meg (Jessica Lange). I was sad when they did not make it as a couple in the movie but knew in real life they were together and very much in love-had two kids together!
Scott Wellman
August 2, 2017
I knew he was a great person but not until I read the piece, by Patty Smith, just how alive he truly was. To read about thelr friendship,in Patty's words, was so sobering .
P
August 2, 2017
May the God of comfort bring you peace from above
My prayers are with you during this time
Allison Johnson
August 2, 2017
Love you both as actors, but the one that got me was the country one trying to save farms, and the one with Mery Streep as a cancer survivor with Julia Roberts. My condolences to Mr Shepherds family and friends
August 2, 2017
Sam made words come alive.....now Sam is still alive with his words, his plays and his family...
C McGhee
Pat Conrad
August 2, 2017
So sad to see this notice, did not know he had ALS-Loved him with Jessica Lange in Frances. He was one of the GREATS.
Meant so much to so many.
B. Mcbain
August 2, 2017
N Dupre
August 2, 2017
Sam Shepard heightened our awareness of Life as Art. Now, when I observe such moments, I say, I just had a Sam Shepard moment. Thank you Mr Shepard for your insights and gifts.
August 2, 2017
Goodbye to you Mr Shepard for now, we miss you so much. May the Almighty God of comfort and peace be with family and friends bat this very difficult time. God love you.
August 2, 2017
You will be missed. Rest in peace.
Ruth Ferguson
August 2, 2017
Our Condolences to your family and friends. Such a great loss. In your walk through life you touched many hearts. Rest in piece, Sam Shepard. You will be missed.
August 2, 2017
Laura S
August 2, 2017
Sam had a rich talent.
Comfort to his family.
Pamela Henry
August 1, 2017
You will be missed. Few can hold a candle to you. Rest in peace.
August 1, 2017
A Prayer in memory of a great actor!
Diane Adams
August 1, 2017
He is absolutely one of my favorite actors I will miss him dearly RIP...
Diane
August 1, 2017
Pat
August 1, 2017
Thoughts out to family and friends.. Sam's the reason I got my pilot licence. Great man.
Shelley Meyer
August 1, 2017
Wings
A play by Arthur Kopit
Sam was in San Marcos Tx shooting
Raggety Man 1980? Close date
He asked to meet me
I was among first to attempt to play Emily
Just a kid was I
Sam bothered to attend the play.
Glad both I didnt know he was there
Glad he was there.
I got Best Actress that year.
August 1, 2017
Loved to watch Sam S. movies. Prayers go to his family and long time partner Jessica Lange. RIP
Marlene
August 1, 2017
Rest in peace.
August 1, 2017
Sam was an outstanding talent who performed in many aspects of the entertainment world with excellence. May his children know that their father will also be remembered as a gentleman. An Admirer of all of Sam's accomplishments-Jane M.
Kathleen K.
August 1, 2017
Talented in all he starred in, produced, directed and written. Rest In Peace.
Rinda
August 1, 2017
Deepest sympathies to his friends and family. I loved all of his work. Rest well.
D Sheridan
August 1, 2017
You were a quiet American hero. You excited me to pursue theatre. In your plays, I could only guess at what an amazing man you were. The news of your passing not only stunned me but caused me to weep. American realism playwriting lived again with and in you. Your legacy will live on for eternity and you deserve every bit of accolades and blessings. My heart goes out to your family. How lucky we all were to have you in our lives. Thank you ever, ever so much.
August 1, 2017
One of the last and best brilliant actors and playwright - by far your best was Country - such appreciation for portraying the struggle of the american farmer.
With my deepest admiration,
-Lori Ann
August 1, 2017
Rest in peace.
J Lewis
MV
August 1, 2017
We will miss his acting. He made every character seem as real as life. I am so sorry for the family's loss. Wishing you peace and comfort to help you through these days of grief. I am praying for the family.
Lisa Weiner
August 1, 2017
To Sam Shepherd,
You were an excellent actor. My prayers go to your family& friends. Lisa Weiner
August 1, 2017
I'm praying hard for your loved ones.
Carolyn Hart
August 1, 2017
So sorry for your loss. What a man - a legend is lost. Rest easy Sam Shepard.
Valenda Newell
August 1, 2017
A WONDERFUL ACTOR who's GREATNESS will be missed, so many accomplishments such a talent, there will be no other that can match his writing and acting abilities......PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS to family and friends
Nancy Woodwell-Freedman
August 1, 2017
So sadden by the loss of the great Sam Shepard, taken much too soon. My prayers, thoughts & condolences go out to his family, friends & associates. He was wonderful in all his movies, but my favorites are "Days of Heaven", "The Right Stuff" and "Baby Boom". His amazing body of work will be his lasting legacy. May he rest in eternal peace and may the perpetual light shine upon him.
August 1, 2017
May God comfort the family of this wonderful actor.
Marilyn
August 1, 2017
Enjoyed your performances so very much. You will be missed by anyone who had the pleasure of watching you on the screen. Your family has our true sympathy. God Speed Mr. Shepard.
Les Breese
August 1, 2017
We have lost a wonderful talent with the passing of Sam Shepard...I especially enjoyed his portrayal of Chuck Yeager in "The Right Stuff." My condolences to Mr. Shepard's family, friends, and fellow fans at this sad and difficult time.
August 1, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family and friends...
August 1, 2017
Shocked to hear of Sam's passing. He was one of my favorite actors. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. May God bless and comfort you until you meet again.
Thea
August 1, 2017
I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. And also may your family find comfort love and strength and with the loving support of family and friends at this time.
Sheila
August 1, 2017
A great talent gone too soon. Rest well Mr Shepard.
Jan
July 31, 2017
So very sorry to learn of your loss, Sam you are beautiful! I loved you in "Baby Boom". Your love for playwright and acting will live on forever. You will be missed!!
July 31, 2017
He was a wonderful, down-to-earth actor that you felt like you've known personally all your life. It is so sad to hear of the loss of this talented man. While words cannot completely erase the sorrow felt because of his loss, hopefully God's assurance at John 6:40 will bring a measure of comfort to you.
David Wallen
July 31, 2017
God bless, and go rest high on that mountain!
Loner
July 31, 2017
Handsome, talented man, evil disease.
RIP
Gina Escobedo
July 31, 2017
So sorry for your lost my deepest condolences to you and your family. A great actor we will miss him.
July 31, 2017
Condolences to the Shepard family , loved him in the movie Country and the baby movie with Diane Keaton. He was an all around actor funny yet serious too . Loved his movies. God Bless Him in Heaven . rest now in peace.Sad to hear he had ALS . such a terrible disease. Thoughts and prayers to his family
July 31, 2017
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Susan Bartl,ow Stephens
July 31, 2017
It is always sad to see the good one pass. Though he has left a lot for us to remember.
niecie
July 31, 2017
Baby Boom my favorite movie. RIP
Lisa Horan
July 31, 2017
Shocked! Truly a fine actor. God bless him and his family. Rest In Peace.
Sharon Chambers
July 31, 2017
❤❤❤
July 31, 2017
One Of the greatest.
July 31, 2017
So sorry for your loss. May the God comfort help you endure this difficult time.
Cece
July 31, 2017
Such a wonderful actor! Thank God for his talent and such a wonderful legacy of movies.
God bless you.
carolyn gunther
July 31, 2017
Great man, actor, who will be missed by his family, and so many others..Rest in peace..xo
Bonnie Horner
July 31, 2017
To the Family of Sam Shepard so sorry for your loss, know that we enjoyed how talented he was as a actor on stage and movies. We are praying for you and hopefully someday they can find a cure for ALS. We know Sam is a peace and not suffering anymore. God Bless
Dan and Bonnie Horner
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