AEA Executive Director Patrick Quinn Dies at 55

By: Sep. 24, 2006
BC/EFA
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It is with deep sorrow that Actors' Equity Association announces the passing of Patrick Quinn, the former President and newly appointed Executive Director. He died Sunday morning of a massive coronary. He was 55 years old.

Mr. Quinn was a working actor for all of his adult life and a strong champion for the rights of his fellow actors. He had served as a Councillor of Equity since 1977 and held many leadership positions within the Union. He was elected President in 2000. During his tenure, Mr. Quinn led the Union with strength and distinction through the aftermath of September 11, 2001, during which he worked closely with the other theatrical unions and employers to stabilize the industry and reinvigorate tourism for New York City. A strong advocate for theater labor, he walked the picket line in a show of union solidarity during the Local 802 Musicians strike on Broadway in 2003 and faced a similar situation a year later when Equity's own Production Contract negotiations nearly resulted in a shut down of Broadway and road houses across the nation.

A native Philadelphian and graduate of Temple University, Quinn began his Equity career in 1970. He made his Broadway debut in the revival of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF with Zero Mostel. His other credits include ten Broadway shows, including A CLASS ACT, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, LEND ME A TENOR and the revival of THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

His most recent appearance was in the Cape Playhouse production of SYLVIA and earlier this season he appeared in GUNMETAL BLUES at the George Street Playhouse. Last year he starred as Daddy Warbucks in the record-breaking engagement of ANNIE at the Walnut Street Theater and reprised that role in this season's ANNIE WARBUCKS.

Mr. Quinn is survived by his partner of 12 and a half years Martin Cassella. He is also survived by his brothers James and his wife Sondra, of Naples, Florida; Gerard and his wife Gail of Cotesville, Pa; John and his wife Marguerite, of Doylestown, Pa; and a sister, Lizanne Antonucci and her husband Joseph; and nine (9) nephews and nieces.

Donations can be made to the Actors' Equity Foundation, BC/EFA, or the Actors' Fund of America.
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