Alice Spivak Obituary

It is with sadness that the family and friends of legendary acting teacher Alice Spivak announce her sudden passing on November 9th, 2020. For more than 60 years, Alice devoted herself to the craft of acting, and through her teaching, coaching and mentoring she elevated the work of countless artists.

To so many students from the 1960s to the time of her passing, Alice was much more than just a teacher. She was their friend, life coach, and champion. She nurtured in her students a love for theater, an understanding of the craft and the belief that the work was more important than any job or outcome. She was a steadying influence for countless actors attempting to navigate their way through a tumultuous industry. Many artists at all levels of the industry consider her as having been integral to their life and careers, and her own life and teachings were proof of a belief that every person matters. Alice never sought notoriety through her work, only taking joy through the successful work achieved by her actors.

Alice was candid, insightful, extremely funny; her consummate storytelling would teach as well as entertain. She generously shared experiences from her own life to encourage breakthroughs, fully engaged and present in every conversation, every performance, every moment in her work and life.

Alice had an exceptional acting career of her own on stage, film and television, continuing to audition and perform up until the Spring of 2020. She worked tirelessly, making the last decade of her life arguably the most creatively significant. Her passion for theater and her desire to provide her students an outlet to practice their craft on stage inspired her to form OnTheRoad Repertory Company in 2012 in her native New York City. As the Artistic Director of the company, Alice directed productions, guided development of new theatrical works, and performed herself.

Alice continued to teach and coach until just days before her passing. She has left an indelible mark on the craft of acting and on all who've been lucky enough to spend time in her presence. Although she will be missed terribly by all those who've studied with her, her last lesson is that of faith, as she's taught countless times, that we all just need "to listen more closely, look a little further…"

She is survived by her two sons, Michael and William.

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

Published by New York Times from Dec. 27 to Dec. 28, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Alice Spivak

8 Entries

[email protected]

December 3, 2023

I studied acting with Alice from 1972 to 1975. She was so inspiring and my life changed on many levels with all those classes. I will forever love her with much graditude. She was a great artist.
Davidson Garrett

Rory Barish

December 21, 2022

Sending love to Billy and Michael...You and she will always be in my heart.
If I had a dollar for every time I mention Alice's name in one situation or another...I would be a big lotto winner.
Love you Alice and I am sure you are having one hell of a jaunt with those loved ones who went before you!
MUAH! xo Rory

Stephen Ott

August 21, 2021

One of my proudest moments as an actor was when Alice said what I had just done in the class scene was "...( thoughtful pause) interesting." From such a master? What more could you want?

I was honored to study with such a great teacher. Her memory will inspire many. I pray her family, colleagues and students are comforted.

CHARLIE QUEARY

March 31, 2021

Today I was asked to describe Alice's process. I remembered everything she said in the first class I took from her, maybe every word. I felt like I could hear her voice. Then I searched her and I learned that she has passed. She showed me a simple, clear approach to acting, and I am forever grateful for her generosity and help. (Michael, I hope you are well, I have fond memories of you. I was one of the many students who passed through your home in the Village, and I helped you and your mom to move to 98 Horatio. My best to you and your brother.)

Pauline O'Driscoll

March 19, 2021

Dear Billy and Michael, I am so very sorry to hear that your wonderful mum and my friend and teacher Alice died last November. I owe her my career, it was she who encouraged me to move to New York to pursue acting as a career. I even rented her spare room (your room Micheal) for a time in 1995. She visited and stayed with me both in Bath, England in 1997 and Cork, Ireland in 2006. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Alice was a witty, talented, beautiful, generous, supportive and kind soul. I counted her as a friend and I will miss her greatly.

Judy Bauduy

March 13, 2021

I am so sorry to just learn about Alice's demise. She was special to the theater world and to friends who knew her. I enjoyed the times I spent with her and was enthusiastic about her repertory company and donated a little and attended the shows when I was in NYC. I always remarked on how her students clustered around and adored her.
She, of course, adored her sons.

Helen Vukotich White

January 9, 2021

January 9, 2021

It has been two months since you are gone, dear Alice.

Although life's journey for you has come to an end,
Your spirit will always be with me, dear friend.

Helen Vukotich White
Lifelong friend of Alice's going back to Public School 143, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, graduating class of 1949.
Condolences to all of us who had the pleasure of knowing and loving you.

rory barish

December 27, 2020

I would like to say that she was my friend, my coach, my mother and my shrink all rolled into one. She was passionate and compassionate and gave so much of herself to so many. She was so supportive of me, even when I felt that was was underachieving. She was absolutely tireless and I remember the acting classes going into the wee hrs of the morning.. In the almost 40 years of knowing her, no time slipped by when we picked up the phone even if we had not spoken in a while (separate coasts). I loved this woman.
Alice, may you rest in peace and may your soul be eternally blessed. I will hear your voice in my head forever and you will continue to make me laugh forever more. You were one funny woman and will have the angels laughing all day long. I will miss you. xoxo

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