Ryan Roach, right, in one of his signature roles in ‘Greater Tuna,’ alongside close friend Chris Robinson.
A theater community really is a “community.” Even if you aren’t close personal friends with everyone who’s ever done a show, if you’ve been around long enough, you get to know people — by reputation, by seeing them in a show, by acting alongside them … and that applies to actors, directors, technicians — and even theater critics.
So, as anyone who was Facebook friends with Charles Ryan Roach — and judging by the news feeds over the weekend, that’s a lot of people — know, Ryan passed away suddenly on Saturday. He was 44.
The first indication something was wrong was last Thursday, when Ryan called his dear friend (and frequent co-star) Chris Robinson to saying he wasn’t feeling well and was headed to an urgent care facility. After some testing, it was determined Ryan’s blood pressure was dangerously high. He was checked into a hospital in Fort Worth.
On Friday, according to Robinson, Ryan’s sister reported than he was improving. On Saturday morning, however, Ryan suffered a debilitating stroke. He was put on a ventilator, but the damage was irreversible. On Saturday afternoon, his family made the decision to take him off the ventilator. He died at 6:23 p.m. July 27, surrounded by his family.
The news of his status rocked through social media — not only in Dallas, but around the country where many former Dallasites remembered their friend and colleague.
“I met Ryan at Theatre Arlington int he late ’90s in a production of Blood Brothers,” recalls performer Robert Rain. “From day one, he was super friendly, hard-working, professional and positive and always greeted me with a bear hug! He touched so many people and I am so thankful to be one of the fortunate ones!”
Similar sentiments were echoed countless times by his friends over the weekend.
WaterTower Theatre’s staff and board issued a statement saying “[we] are deeply saddened by the passing of Ryan Roach. Ryan graced out stages many times with his artistry, including productions of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Parade, Urinetown and Guys and Dolls. For many years, Ryan was a dedicated member of our staff, working in our box office. His humor, grace, wit and generosity was loved by all. We will miss you.”
As a critic, I had many occasions to witness Ryan’s work onstage. About four years ago, I reviewed his performance in a local production of Greater Tuna, stepping into the roles created by the great Joe Sears. Those were big shoes to fill, and Ryan filled them. It also established Ryan and Robinson’s onstage partnership doing the Tuna Trilogy, which they had plans to repeat — in A Tuna Christmas this December at Our Productions, and Red, White & Tuna at Onstage in Bedford next July. They were also slated to appear together in the remounting of Pageant Play at Uptown Players’ Pride Performing Arts Festival in September.
“It’s killing me,” said Craig Lynch, co-founder of Uptown Players. “I wanted to have them [do Tuna] in our next season.”
It wasn’t just in the limelight where Ryan shone; I knew his personally as well, and this photo, taken at a New Year’s Eve party some years ago, reminded me of his spirit. (That’s me on the far left; Ryan, laughing heartily as always, in the center.) Many other friends remembered him emotionally, often posting photos.
“You taught me so much about joy and love for over 20 years,” wrote actor Gregory Lush on his Facebook page.
“He was probably the nicest, most genuine person I’ve ever known,” wrote actor Joshua Doss. “Of the best shows you’ve ever seen in Dallas, he was probably in them. If you thought an acting ensemble was tight and sounded good, he was probably a part of it. If you met a big, heartfelt man after a show who was quick with a hug and sure to give the credit to others after his amazing performance, that was probably him. The only phrase that has come to my mind in the last few hours is ‘That’s not fair.'”
Services will be held at the DeBerry Funeral Home in Denton. A viewing will take place on Tuesday, July 30, from 6–8 p.m.; the funeral and memorial will be at the same location on Wednesday, July 31, starting at 10 a.m. (No word yet on whether there will be a graveside service.) Ryan’s family informed Robinson that all of Ryan’s friends are welcome to attend.
