Michael Judge Obituary

Judge

Michael Judge

Michael Judge, an actor, playwright, screenwriter, folklorist and Congressional historian and guide, died May 20, 2022. The cause was complications from cancer, which he courageously battled for several years. He was 62 years old.

Michael was a native of Washington, DC. He attended Georgetown Preparatory School and Washington and Lee University. He became part of a close group of actors, artists and writers who worked in the growing D.C. theatre scene of the 1980s.

The highlight of his theatre work in Washington was winning the Helen Hayes Award for Best Actor in 1988. He won this honor for his role in the play "How I Got That Story," staged at the Source Theatre. He also starred in an acclaimed production of "Julius Caesar."

Michael also wrote several plays. His best-known work as an author was The Dance of Time: The Origins of the Calendar, published in 2004. The book explored the creation of the Western calendar.

After residing briefly in New York and Los Angeles, Michael returned to Washington to begin a long career as a US Capitol Tour Guide and Congressional historian. Representatives and Senators often requested Michael's services for special guests. He used his extensive knowledge of the Capitol to edit the Senate newsletter, The Inkwell. He retired in 2015 after 20 years of Federal service.

During his tenure at the Capitol, he met and married Nancy McWilliams in 2002. They were often seen in the city walking their dog, Oliver. After his retirement Michael spent time recommending books, movies and music in funny and insightful on-line reviews. He loved to cook and was an accomplished artist, spending several hours a day drawing.

Michael is survived by his wife, Nancy; a sister Alyson Frederick of Crofton MD; a brother Mark Judge of Potomac MD; a brother Joseph Judge of Virginia Beach VA; a sister-in-law Marianne Springer Judge of Virginia Beach VA and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. A celebration of Mike's life will be held in October. Condolences may be left at

www.dignitymemorial.com

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

Published by The Washington Post on May 26, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Judge

5 Entries

Bill McKenney

May 28, 2022

Mike was a terrific housemate at our place we called "Vermonticello", 1328 Vermont Avenue, just off of Logan Circle. And we were all part of that close group of artists, actors and writers, most of whom had worked at the Source Theatre on 14th Street, in the days when DC's small theatre scene was just coming into flower.

We were great friends until we sort of drifted apart in the mid-1990s. Life took each of us in different directions, and that's just how it is sometimes.

I loved Mike's sense of humor, and he was generously accepting of my being gay. And we each were supportive when it came to acting and theatre matters. I recall vividly seeing his performance in "How I Got That Story". He was brilliant, hilarious and heartrending all at once, and he deserved that Helen Hayes Award.

Mike was one of those people who could energize a room simply by entering it. And trust me, you would be laughing in moments, he was simply a naturally funny guy!

I was flattered when he asked me to sing at his first wedding, at St Matthew's Cathedral, and I even composed a work specifically for the ceremony. Alas, that marriage to Ann did not work out. But his later marriage to Nancy seems to have succeeded quite beautifully, and that is something to applaud.

Rest in peace, Mike. You were a great colleague and a great friend.

Bill

Bob Barry

May 26, 2022

A favorite memory of Michael was his performance as Martin Vanderhof in our production of "You Can't Take It With You" at Prep. Michael was a fabulous lead for a wonderful cast. He has gone too soon but his impact resounds over the years. My condolences to Nancy and his family.

David Linn

May 26, 2022

Mike and I had such a similar sense of humor that we rarely texted words, just pictures of old, bad television shows and has-been celebrities. We worked together at the Capitol and I learned much from him. Mike's presentation style was the best. My condolences to Nancy and the family.

Pamela Gagen

May 26, 2022

Sending sympathies to the Judge family especially Nancy! Mike and I were tour guides in the US Capitol for several years and I learned so much from him and his knowledge of history. I thank him for that! Rest In Peace Mike and may God surround your family in his loving arms at this difficult time! Pam Gagen (Former Tour Guide-US Capitol)