Jim Hillgartner - One of Richmond's Very Best!
The thing about living in Richmond is that there really are some truly fine actors, directors, designers, musicians, and other talent that it takes to create theatre. I love living here. I love the variety of performing arts, and I'm particularly fond of the theatre here.
One of my very favorite actors for many years has always been Jim Hillgartner. I do not care what play he is in, I'm there, front and center. The man can really hold your attention, and it seems from what I've heard that he is kind, intelligent and very giving. Well, you cannot ask for better than all those traits added in with his superb skill.
And on top of that, I saw him at many theatre events. What are the chances that I happened to go to the theatre on the same night as Jim on many occasions? This just goes to show that he really must have supported local theatre. Classy guy, that Jim Hillgartner.
Last evening, we lost this amazing person. Richmond theatre just will not be the same.
I'm glad I was able to see him in many performances - I think my favorite was in Pirates of Penzance at TheatreVirginia. I know that we are all saddened by this great loss. But Jim is a part of all of us - those who have seen him and worked with him - and we shall try our best to carry on his grand tradition of fine acting and supportive audience member.
Here's to Jim!
(For a bio and photo of Jim, go to this link for Heritage Repertory, and click "Jim Hillgartner" - and then there is a great photo of Jim with Lorna Luft from the UR Players production of Gypsy.)
One of my very favorite actors for many years has always been Jim Hillgartner. I do not care what play he is in, I'm there, front and center. The man can really hold your attention, and it seems from what I've heard that he is kind, intelligent and very giving. Well, you cannot ask for better than all those traits added in with his superb skill.
And on top of that, I saw him at many theatre events. What are the chances that I happened to go to the theatre on the same night as Jim on many occasions? This just goes to show that he really must have supported local theatre. Classy guy, that Jim Hillgartner.
Last evening, we lost this amazing person. Richmond theatre just will not be the same.
I'm glad I was able to see him in many performances - I think my favorite was in Pirates of Penzance at TheatreVirginia. I know that we are all saddened by this great loss. But Jim is a part of all of us - those who have seen him and worked with him - and we shall try our best to carry on his grand tradition of fine acting and supportive audience member.
Here's to Jim!
(For a bio and photo of Jim, go to this link for Heritage Repertory, and click "Jim Hillgartner" - and then there is a great photo of Jim with Lorna Luft from the UR Players production of Gypsy.)
UPDATE: RTD Obituary - note that a tribute to Jim is planned for May 21
UPDATE: There is a very nice insert tribute to Jim in the Amadeus playbill (running through Sunday 4/23 at UR).
UPDATE: Barksdale's The Syringa Tree has been dedicated to Jim's memory.
Categories: general_theatre, theatre_peopleposted by ART Newsletter at
3:11 PM
1 Comments:
A wonderful actor and even more wonderful person, Jim and I first crossed paths at Heritage Rep in Charlottesville in the late eighties. Somehow, he made time to come to my wedding in 1995 -- one of the few from my "theater life" who attended. I recently moved back to Richmond after a decade away, and ran into Jim at one of our Richmond Symphony concerts in January: he made room for all the performing arts in his life, and was a passionate advocate. The years melted away, and it was as though we hadn't missed a step. We made lunch plans for April, which will never be fulfilled -- I miss him dearly, and my life is the richer for having know and worked with Jim Hillgartner.
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