John Higgins

John Edward Higgins, Jr. Jan. 2, 1940-Nov. 11, 2011 "Don't be afraid to dream." -John Higgins Actor, Director, Producer, Teacher, and Dialect Coach. Born in Sydney, Australia, the eldest of six sons of John Edward Higgins of San Francisco, California and Joyce Higgins of Melbourne, Australia. Upon graduation from St. Ignatius High School in Riverview, John and his younger brother filmmaker Colin Higgins (Harold and Maude, Foul Play) moved to the USA and settled with their family in Atherton, California. John received a Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) from San Jose State University in California, an Acting Diploma from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, and served honorably in the United States Navy in the early 1960s. John made his professional acting debut with the Old Globe Theater in San Diego, California. He appeared in sixteen of William Shakespeare's plays in Repertory, working with eminent directors William Ball, Craig Noel, and Allen Fletcher, before relocating to London in 1970. In London, John performed with The Royal Shakespeare Company, and appeared in the original West End productions of "The Boys in the Band," and "Fortune and Men's Eyes." John divided his time between England, the United States, South Africa, and his beloved Australia, sharing his wisdom with others and challenging himself to take on new goals in the fields of stage, television, and movie directing and acting. In the 1990s, he performed in and directed several plays and musicals in a number of Northern California venues such as the Berkeley Repertory, the Alcazar, the Eureka Company and the Spreckels Performing Arts Center. He was an innovator and a leader, with an unrelenting passion for adventure and discovery. In addition to John's many achievements in the theatre arts and entertainment fields, he was a champion swimmer, and accomplished sailor, and a professional photographic model. John will be fondly remembered for his pioneering work in the Theater, drawing attention to the universal struggle against oppression. His sincere interest in others and belief in their worth earned John the respect and affection of acting students all over the world. Since returning to Australia in 2000, he was in high demand as an acting and dialect coach, assisting such notable actors & actresses as Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Rose Byrne (Bridesmaids), and Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy of Harry Potter films). While in the process of preparing a revival of his celebrated musical on Bob Dylan called "Words & Music," and creating an updated version of "Midsummer Night's Dream", he learned he had oral cancer. John underwent initial treatment in Australia, after which he traveled to the United States to seek further treatment and to be with his family. The illness took his life on November 11, 2011. He died peacefully at his brother's home in Fremont, California. He is survived by his mother Joyce Higgins of Fremont, California, brothers Gary of Hawaii, Brian of Fremont, Barry of Tasmania, and Dennis Kelly Higgins of New York, in addition to his nephews Patrick, James, and Sean Higgins, and by all the friends and family he touched with his wit, irreverence and spirit. On February 4, 2012, we had a "Celebration of John's Life" party on the Sydney Harbor in Australia. We want to do the same in San Francisco for the many friends, colleagues, and students that worked with him and loved him so much here in the States. Information will be available soon regarding the date, time, and place on John's website at www.professorjohnhiggins.com. Also, feel free to email John's brother Brian at higginsb28@yahoo.com John Higgins-- Son, Brother, Uncle, and a True Friend until the very end. "Thanks for all the fun"--John