WARREN L. SAMPSON (1960-2026
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Actor and director Warren L. Sampson passed away March 6, 2026 at the age of 65. Warren was a creative and versatile theatre artist who enjoyed every aspect of production, from acting and costume design to directing and writing. He was an active member of The Drama Group, performing in A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, THE LARAMIE PROJECT, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, BLITHE SPIRIT, WEST SIDE STORY and THE PHILADELPHIA STORY. He directed HOT’L BALTIMORE, OTHER DESERT CITIES and MURDER ON THE NILE, among many others. He served on the Board of Directors at The Drama Group, was Chair of the Play Selection Committee and was instrumental in introducing the Staged Reading Program.
Warren graduated from Rogers High School in Michigan City, which was where he discovered his passion for theater. He later became very involved in the drama department at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, where he shared his love of the stage and the arts. In his younger years he was involved with local theaters in Michigan City and Long Beach before later becoming active in the Chicago theater scene. He loved the collaborative nature of theater and valued the friendships and memories formed through those experiences. In addition to his theatre work, Warren was an activist for LGBTQ+ rights and worked diligently on a square for the AIDS quilt in honor of his long-time partner, Zak Slipakoff. Warren and Zak restored an historical home in the Pullman neighborhood, which proudly made it onto the historical registry. Warren also enjoyed reading, had a strong appreciation for literature and storytelling, and loved to travel and explore new places. Born November 24, 1960 in Valparaiso, Indiana to the late Warren L. and Gertrude M. (Thielbar) Sampson, Warren is survived by his sister, Toni (Nicholas) Griswold and niece, Amanda Francis. |