Kind. Generous. Vivacious. Cheerful. Hilarious.
This is only a sampling of the words being used to describe Dallas actor Charles Ryan Roach, a beloved member of the DFW theater community who passed away suddenly on July 27 following a stroke he suffered on Friday night. He was 44.
Originally from Euless, Roach appeared on stages all over Dallas and Fort Worth during his career. A signature performance in Greater Tuna and roles at Theatre Three, Uptown Players, WaterTower Theatre, Stage West, Theatre Arlington, Casa Mañana and others established him as not only a presence onstage, but offstage as well.
“He loved deeply, freely and fully. He was warm and gentle and beautiful,” wrote actor Gregory Lush on the Facebook tribute page.
Social media sites exploded over the weekend as news of Roach’s condition spread. A Facebook tribute page — titled To Ryan Roach, With Love! — quickly went up, and scores of friends, costars and coworkers have been steadily posting pictures and memories.
“I'm so grateful for having been able to share the stage with him, but 100 times blessed to have called him my friend. You're getting a standing ovation in heaven now so take your well deserved bow, Ryan,” wrote director and actor Andi Allen on the tribute page.
“He loved deeply, freely and fully. He was warm and gentle and beautiful, inside and out. We are all diminished by his passing, but blessed to have known him. I am heartbroken,” wrote actor Gregory Lush.
The funeral, which Roach’s family says is open to all his friends, will be July 31, 10 am, at Deberry Funeral Home at 2025 W. University Dr.
A special memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Kalita Humphreys Theater on Saturday, August 10, at 11 am. On August 26, the weekly cabaret show Mama’s Party in Grand Prairie will be dedicated to Ryan, and donations will be accepted to help his family defray the cost of medical expenses.
A funding page for this cause has also been set up. Nearly 40 percent of the goal has been raised so far, but if you wish to contribute, you may do so here.
Chris Robinson and Ryan Roach in Pageant Play.
