Gene Janson Memorial

Headshot: Gene Janson

Beloved Actor Gene Janson Passes Away

Veteran actor Gene Janson, age 72, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2006 at Lincoln Park Hospital in the company of family members.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones.

Gene was co-starring in Remy Bumppo’s production of The Best Man as Ex-President Arthur Hockstader in a performance which Chicago Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss said “darn near steals the show lock, stock and barrel.” This production marked his 50th year as a Chicago actor.

“Gene was a generous, spirited, and compassionate man.  His warmth and care for everyone will be sorely missed,” said Artistic Director James Bohnen.

Gene’s extensive stage, screen, television and radio credits include roles with Remy Bumppo, Apple Tree Theatre, Red Hen Theatre, The Artistic Home, Element Theatre, New City Theatre, and Chicago Dramatists. Motion pictures include The Blues Brothers, While You Were Sleeping, The Killing Floor, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Blink, Road to Perdition, The Kill Reflex, and Ocean’s Twelve. TV credits include The Untouchables, Normal, Early Edition, Unsolved Mysteries, City in a Garden, and Today in Chicago, as well as hosting numerous pledge drives on WTTW-Channel 11.

Remy Bumppo dedicates the run of The Best Man to Gene’s memory.