Jerry Bloom (1951-2025)
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Actor and playwright Jerry Bloom, who was a frequent presence on Chicago stages, passed away on August 8 at the age of 73. Jerry often performed with City Lit Theatre in such productions as THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE, THE SIGN OF FOUR, DASHIELL HAMLET, PEYTON PLACE, HAUPTMANN, and THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES. Other credits include DANTE 360 (Athenaeum Theatre); THE MADWOMAN OF CHAILLOT, HENRY V and TIGER AT THE GATES (Promethean Theatre Ensemble); CARLISLE (Goodman Theatre); YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU (Oak Park Festival Theatre); PUFF: BELIEVE IT OR NOT (Remy Bumppo); INCIDENT AT VICHY (Redtwist); and GOLDEN BOY (Griffin Theatre). Additional productions include THE PETRIFIED FOREST (Strawdog); THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER (Circle Theatre); JEEVES IN BLOOM (First Folio); YOU NEVER CAN TELL (Village Players); KING LEAR (Body Politic); DEATH OF A SALESMAN (Raven) and NEVER THE SINNER (Stormfield Players), among many others.
Jerry was a member of Free Readers Ensemble in Oak Park since 2006, and they twice performed his swashbuckling play SWORDPLAY. At City Lit, he collaborated with Paul Edwards on a number of literary adaptations, including THE BODY SNATCHERS. Along with his other work, Jerry’s credits include numerous commercials and voiceovers. Born September 15, 1951 to S. Edward and Beatrice Bloom, Jerry attended Steinmetz High School in Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University and Northwestern University. He is survived by his cousins James Bloom, Joel Bloom, Barbara Rowland and Norma Greenberg. Per Jack Hickey — Jerry was “a true gentleman, a wonderful actor, and an avid supporter of the arts. I am fortunate to have known and worked with him.” Per Brian Pastor — “If I had a sort of surrogate father in the theatre community, it was Jerry. He was a marvel of a man, straight out of another era, complete with tweed jacket and stylish chapeau. He rarely missed one of my shows and I could usually twist his arm to come out afterward for "one drink," as he frequently put it. I genuinely can't think of a nicer guy or a more supportive friend.” |