Dennis Letts, Actor & Father of 'August' Playwright, Dies

Dennis Letts, who was currently appearing as the patriarch-gone-missing from the highly-acclaimed new play August: Osage County, penned by son Tracy Letts, has died of lung-cancer on Friday, February 22.  He was 73 years old.

Dennis Letts originated the role of Beverly Weston in August: Osage County, with both the Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago and the Broadway company at the Imperial Theater on Broadway.  He was an Oklahoma actor and retired English university professor; and appeared in more than 40 films and TV shows in his lifetime.

Tracy Letts released the following statement: "My father was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in September of last year, following the Chicago run of August: Osage County and prior to the Broadway transfer. His choice to persevere with the New York production in the face of his devastating diagnosis is a testament to his love for the project and the people involved. Dad had a full and fascinating life, and August: Osage County was the cherry on top. My family will be forever grateful for the many kindnesses shown to Dad by the wonderful people associated with the production."

The New York Times details: "Letts, whose cancer was diagnosed in September, was an English professor for 30 years, mostly at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant. He performed in community and university stage productions during those years and took up acting as a second career after retiring from teaching. His acting credits include Where the Heart Is, the film version of a novel by his wife, Billie Letts; he served as an editor for her novels."

Dennis Letts is survived by his wife, Billie; brother Ray Don; and three sons, Tracy, Dana and Shawn. A memorial service for Letts will be held on Thursday, February 28 at Mallett Funeral Home Chapel in Wagoner, Oklahoma.

Dennis Letts (photo by Joan Marcus)