Chuck Spencer (1959-2024)
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Long-time Chicago actor, teacher and director Charles (Chuck) Tommy Spencer passed away on December 24. Chuck received a Joseph Jefferson (“Jeff”) Award for his portrayal of Ken Carpenter in Redtwist Theatre’s production of MAN FROM NEBRASKA and was Jeff nominated for his role as Willy Loman in Raven Theatre’s DEATH OF A SALESMAN. While a company member at Raven Theatre, other memorable performances included NOT ABOUT NIGHTINGALES, ALL MY SONS, A FEW GOOD MEN, DANCING AT LUGHNASA, MARVIN’S ROOM and GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, among many others. Additional credits included A DELICATE BALANCE (Redtwist), AUTUMN GARDEN (Eclipse Theatre) and WIT (The Gift Theatre), as well as work with Steppenwolf (understudy), Footsteps and Prop Thtr.
In addition to his stage work, Chuck taught acting, speech and communication for many years at Wilbur Wright College and Roosevelt University. His directing credits included CLYBOURNE PARK and THE ADDAMS FAMILY (Stage Wright Productions) and DINER TALES at Raven Theatre. Outside of theatre, he had an early start working at WKAI Radio in Macomb, IL as a disc jockey, sales rep and copywriter; followed by work in Chicago at Diners Club International and Traveler Jones Productions. Born in Winterset, Iowa, Chuck received his undergraduate degree in Communications from Buena Vista College and a Master’s in Theatre Performance from Western Illinois University. He moved to Chicago in 1985 and began finding work as an actor on stage and in commercials and small films. He met the love of his life, fellow actor Millie Hurley, in 1995 through mutual theater friends. The two married in 1997. Chuck loved many things, including history, hiking, classic movies, sports, and spending time with his family and many friends. Aside from his talent, he was known for his kindness, laughter, wit, generous spirit and adventurous soul. Chuck is survived by his wife, Millie; son, Jason (Alexa); grandchildren Ruby and Asher; sisters Cheryl and Lorene (Jack); nieces and nephews Cody (Whitney), Samantha (Stephen), Ernie and Paul (Corrine). Paul Engelhardt said about Chuck: “Chuck was one of those rare theatre folk. He was always kind, gentle, and supportive of others. He was an excellent actor, but one who was much more interested in the art within himself than in himself in the art. He had a team mentality in his roles, knowing that the true work of the actor is to interlock with all of the others.” |