Ron Wells (1961-2025)
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Actor, director and founding member and chief of operations of The Den Theatre Ron Wells passed away on July 14 at the age of 63. Ron appeared in the Den’s inaugural production of BUS STOP in 2010, as well as SUMMER AND SMOKE and THE QUALITY OF LIFE (Jeff nomination). Ron also directed two shows for The Den — CITY OF THE DREADFUL NIGHT (Jeff Nomination, Best Director) and THE ROPER. The Den is a Chicago hub for theater and comedy, remaining one the few venues that rent space to itinerant theater companies, and Ron took on the role of chief of operations for the last five years.
Ron won a 2008 Jeff Award for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in A PRAYER FOR MY DAUGHTER with Mary-Arrchie Theatre. His other stage credits include THE RAID (Jackalope Theatre Company), DIVIDING THE ESTATE (Raven Theatre), JOAN’S LAUGHTER (The Side Project Theatre Company), THE END OF THE TOUR (16th Street Theater), and THESE SHINING LIVES (Rivendell Theatre). Earlier, he was seen in MANY LOVES (Caffeine Theatre), THE FOURPOSTER (Citadel Theatre Company), THE GREY ZONE (A Red Orchid Theatre) and DETAIL OF A LARGER WORK (Steppenwolf), among others. Ron also did voiceover work, and one of his favorite characters was voicing Captain Zidgel in 3-2-1 PENGUINS, a spinoff of VEGGIE TALES. Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, Ron was the third of four children born to the late Ronald and Geraldine (Jaroe) Wells. He grew up in Bucyrus, Ohio and served as his high school class president, going on to receive his BA in Theater from Ashland University in 1983. After college, Ron moved to the Chicago area to pursue his acting career, while also working as a bartender at Roscoe’s Tavern for more than 25 years. Ron is survived by his siblings, Dan (Roxanne) Wells, Cindy (Dave) Markley, and Linda (Glen) Assenheimer; nieces and nephews, Mick Wells, Michelle (Paul) Garinger, Andrew (Melinda) Markley, Kylie Lohr, Kym Markley, Joel (Laura) Assenheimer, Kyle (Jacqueline) Assenheimer, and Emily (Sean) Zimmer; 17 great nieces and nephews; and one great-great niece. Four of his longtime college buddies and Ron comprised a self-named group they called the “fist” — they were Jim Janisch, Steve Emerson, Mark Bostleman, and Steve Ransom. Another longtime college friend of Ron’s is Bill Paine, and the entire crew at The Den Theatre, including Ryan Martin, were Ron’s Chicago family. National parks were one of his passions; donations can be given to The National Park Foundation at www.nationalparks.org. Per The Den — “Ron has been a founding member of The Den since 2010; a constant presence, and invaluable friend and co-worker. All who have come to The Den will recognize Ron’s booming voice over the loudspeaker inviting you into the theatre and his sharp whistle to cheer on the conclusion of shows in our Heath Mainstage. He cared deeply about the growth of The Den as an institution, and his compassion extended to every employee, patron, and performer.” |