KEVIN DOYLE (1957-2026)
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Actor Kevin Doyle passed away on May 9 at the age of 68. He was a member of The Second City Touring Company and became a cast member of Second City e.t.c., where he performed in the original revues: SMALL ARTS AND CRAFTS WARNINGS; KUKLA, FAWN AND OLLIE; CHANNEL THIS and THE HELITROPE PLAYERS’ PRODUCTION OF THORNTON WILDER’S AMERICAN CLASSIC ‘OUR TOWN’ AS DIRECTED BY d’ERIC BLAKEMORE, OR CASH STATIONS OF THE CROSS. Other Chicago theatre work included I’M NOT RAPPAPORT (Briar Street) and EARLY AND OFTEN (Famous Door).
Kevin also appeared in numerous films and television shows, including THE UNTOUCHABLES, MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING, ER, EARLY EDITION and CHICAGO PD. After spending nearly two decades pursuing acting, Kevin decided to scale back in favor of steadier work in the police force. He served as a Chicago Police Officer in the 18th District for 22 years, retiring in 2020. Born in Chicago on June 30, 1957 to William Doyle Sr. and Rosemary Doyle (nee Walsh), Kevin grew up on the Southwest side. He graduated from St. Bede the Venerable Grammar School and attended both St. Rita and Carl Sandburg High Schools. In high school, he discovered his love for running and theatre, participating in varsity track and performing in numerous productions. While attending Northern Illinois University, where he received his bachelors in Political Science, Kevin worked as a Local 597 pipefitter in the summers to pay for school. His love of running and theatre followed him to Northern Illinois University, where he participated in both. During his senior year of college, Kevin was invited to act with the New Globe in New York, performing Shakespeare, Ibsen and Tennessee Williams, before eventually returning to Chicago. Kevin is survived by his wife Mary Lou, daughters Claire (Nicholas) and Eve, grandson Connor, and siblings Jimmy (Stephen) and Rosie (Bill) Meghan. Per former Second City producer Cheryl Sloane — “The really great thing is that not only was he a cop, but he was a cop in Second City’s district. Because of that, we saw him all the time. He played jokes on everybody. He continued to be funny and really smart, and also he showed up. The thing about Kevin is, he showed up. He was there — in good times and in bad, he was a good guy.” With thanks to the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune. |