It is with deep sorrow that Actors' Equity Association announces the passing
of Patrick Quinn, the former President and newly appointed Executive Director.
He died Sunday morning of a massive coronary. He was 56 years old.
Mr. Quinn was a working actor for all of his adult life and a strong champion
for the rights of his fellow actors. He had served as a Councillor of Equity
since 1977 and held many leadership positions within the Union. He was elected
President in 2000. During his tenure, Mr. Quinn led the Union with strength
and distinction through the aftermath of September 11, 2001, during which he
worked closely with the other theatrical unions and employers to stabilize
the industry and reinvigorate tourism for New York City. A strong advocate
for theater labor, he walked the picket line in a show of union solidarity
during the Local 802 Musicians strike on Broadway in 2003 and faced a similar
situation a year later when Equity's own Production Contract negotiations nearly
resulted in a shut down of Broadway and road houses across the nation.
A native Philadelphian and graduate of Temple University, Quinn began his
Equity career in 1970. He made his Broadway debut in the revival of FIDDLER
ON THE ROOF with Zero Mostel. His other credits include ten Broadway shows,
including A CLASS ACT, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, LEND ME A TENOR and the revival
of THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
His most recent appearance was in the Cape Playhouse production of SYLVIA
and earlier this season he appeared in GUNMETAL BLUES at the George Street
Playhouse. Last year he starred as Daddy Warbucks in the record-breaking engagement
of ANNIE at the Walnut Street Theater and reprised that role in this season's
ANNIE WARBUCKS.
Mr. Quinn is survived by his partner of 12 and a half years Martin Cassella.
He is also survived by his brothers James and his wife Sondra, of Naples, Florida;
Gerard and his wife Gail of Cotesville, Pa; John and his wife Marguerite, of
Doylestown, Pa; and a sister, Livanne Antonucci and her husband Joseph; and
nine (9) nephews and nieces.
Donations can be made to the Actors' Equity Foundation, BC/EFA, or the Actors'
Fund of America.
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