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BORN
1940
DIED
2017
Bernard Pomerance Obituary
Longtime agent Alan Brodie said Tuesday that Pomerance died Saturday of complications from cancer at his home in Galisteo, New Mexico.
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"The Elephant Man" was based on a true story and has been frequently revived since its 1979 New York debut. It examines the life of John Merrick, an extremely disfigured but indomitable man who becomes a celebrity in Victorian London.
On Broadway, such diverse performers as David Bowie and Mark Hamill eventually followed the mesmerizing Philip Anglim in the title role. Billy Crudup starred in a 2002 revival, and Cooper led one in 2014 that earned four Tony nominations. Hurt starred in David Lynch's 1980 film adaptation.
Pomerance's tale showcases the triumph of a very human spirit, personified by the sensitive, almost saintly Merrick. He is a man who finds safe haven in a London hospital after spending much of his life in second-rate carnivals as a freak attraction — and then blossoms into the confidante of celebrated actresses, statesmen and even royalty.
"Sometimes I think my head is so big because it is so full of dreams," Merrick says at one point in the play. "Do you know what happens when dreams cannot get out?"
Pomerance's play also puts Merrick in the middle of a tug-of-war between science and religion. "The Elephant Man" becomes whatever the viewer wants. "I conclude that we have polished him like a mirror, and shout hallelujah when he reflects us to the inch," says his doctor.
Pomerance was born and raised in New York City and educated at the University of Chicago. Along with Roland Rees and David Aukin, Pomerance founded the theater company Foco Novo in 1972, a name taken from Pomerance's play of the same title. Pomerance also wrote "Quantrill in Lawrence" and "Melons," produced at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1984.
He is survived by his children, Moby and Eve; grandchildren William and Gabriel; and brother Michael.
Written by Mark Kennedy
Copyright © 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Pomerance
17 Entries
September 18, 2019
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the Family's...My heartfelt sympathy...
Sheelagh Killeen Rees
November 4, 2017
He was a great friend of my husband Roland Rees, the Theatre Director.
Bernard often made delicious Italian lunches for us whenever we went to Randolph Ave for them to meet up & talk. He had very special intelligence and empathy for the downtrodden, which imbued all of his poetry and writings, and for which his play THE ELEPHANT MAN became famous.
P
September 4, 2017
We thank the family of Bernard Pomerance for their support as he shared his talent with us all
My prayers are with you during this time
May the hearer of our prayers give you peace from above
Tish Wells
September 3, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Although your hearts are filled with pain and sorrow, our prayer is that you gain comfort and hope from God's promise to reunite us with our love ones on the earth, never having to say goodbye again. For Jesus will make this earth the problem-free paradise that His Father intended it to be. We have gained comfort and strength from this promise, may your family do the same.
September 2, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bernard Pomerance on his passing. May you find the strength and peace God provides during this difficult time of grief. Psalms 91:2
Jane Dowling
September 1, 2017
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
September 1, 2017
I am sorry for your loss. May the peace of God be with you.
September 1, 2017
Moby, Eve, William, Gabriel, Michael, Family, Friends,
Our condolences to the family on the loss of your dear loved one. He sure knew how to write a play that touched our hearts and made us take a hard look at ourselves. It changes some of our lives and made us look at people in a different way. We all have some kind of problem, we are no better than anyone else regardless of how the look!!!!! Thanks For Caring
L Jara
August 31, 2017
Dear Family, So Sorry to hear of the passing of your dearly loved Bernard. May all the fond memories help to soften this time of sadness. May you find comfort also that our Father and Creator can give us the comfort that we need to get thru this hard time. You are in my prayers.
August 30, 2017
My warmest thoughts and heartfelt condolences to the family and acquaintances of Bernard. So sorry for your loss. May God's assurance of love comfort and strengthen you that he cares for you deeply, and will soon fulfill his promise of eliminating the root cause of sickness and death. With Love & Prayer
August 30, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. It us not the creators intention that we part from our loved ones. Please know that he will comfort and make you strong during this time of sadness. ( psalms 147 : 3 )
G. Freeman
August 30, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
August 30, 2017
The Elephant Man was one of my favorite movies as a child. Fearful at first then intrigued the next. The meaning of the movie is what attracted me to it. I send my sincere condolences and prayers and condolences to the children, grandchildren and other family of Mr. Pomerance. 1 Corinthians 15:26
Cindy
August 30, 2017
so sorry for your loss. May you find a measure of solace in the words at Number 6:24-26
August 30, 2017
May "The God of all comfort" be with friends and family.
2 Cor 1:3
August 29, 2017
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
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