ROBERT LuPONE Obituary

LuPONE--Robert. The MCC Theater community mourns the loss of our much loved and uniquely inspiring creative partner, colleague and dear friend, Bob LuPone, who died on August 27, 2022 at age 76 after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. As one of MCC's founders and co-artistic director for more than three decades, Bob had an extraordinary impact on an immeasurable number of artists, students, collaborators and supporters. As an actor and - first and at his core - a dancer, Bob also brought great joy to audiences, most notably (but not only!) in his Tony-nominated role as Zach in the original landmark production of A Chorus Line. But what mattered most to all who knew, worked with, and loved him dearly was not his many professional accomplishments but the way he lived life - fearlessly and with great curiosity, good humor, a boundless passion for connection, and a whole lot of heart. Our hearts go out to his wife, Virginia, and son, Orlando. We will miss him deeply and always. Bernie Telsey and Will Cantler, Artistic Directors Blake West, Executive Director Barbara Doran, Chair MCC Theater Board of Directors

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Aug. 30, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT LuPONE

5 Entries

Tony

September 29, 2022

To the family, many, many friends, and fans of this wonderful man Mr. Robert LuPone fine comfort with you during this difficult time in your lives. Mr. Robert LuPone was an actor who was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance as Zach in the original Broadway cast of "A Chorus Line." May the God of all comfort who is the hearer of prayers be with you in your time of need with his loving kindness and peace as He strengthens you to cope during this difficult time. May family, friends and extended family cherish his memories.

Rozanne Gates

September 8, 2022

It is jolting and heartbreaking to wake up and find out that one of your more memorable life challengers just passed away. Robert LuPone came to me in the early 80's. He was looking for an agent who understood his intense desire to act and not to dance (he was Zach in the original Broadway production of "Chorus Line"). But a dancer's life is short-lived and he wanted a very long life in the theatre. I took him on as a client vowing to him that he and I would work together as partners with the same vision for his career. We were quite successful together. One day he came to me and said he wanted to start his own theatre. I immediately said, "Yes, Bobby. You can do it." Not only did he prove me right he proved to himself that with determination, vision, and guts his dream would come true. He and Bernie Telsey created the Manhattan Class Company (MCC). Bobby and I were the right fit for each other at the right time. I had never had a more challenging client as an agent. Several times, he and I went sailing on his boat in Northport, LI. It was a boat he owned with his brother and sister. He pulled me out of the water once when I was treading too far away from the boat. He dove in the water and brought me to the life raft. He saved my life. How I wish I could have saved his life this time.

September 5, 2022

Such a talented and versatile actor, a familiar face and always a joy to watch. Heartfelt condolences to the Lupone family, so very sorry for your loss. May God give strength and comfort you all to help as you go through this very difficult time of your loss.

Barbara Robertson Brown

August 30, 2022

Grew up & went to school & dancing instruction in my youth with Bobby (& Patti & twin Billy) in Northport. He was always full of fun & a sweet soul. Proudly attended his performance as Zach in "A Chorus Line". I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to the Family. Dance with the Angels, Bob.

Stephanie Schell

August 29, 2022

My prayers are with the Lupone family during this very difficult time.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results