04/26/2026
Gutted by the news that actor Matt DeCaro has journeyed on.
I mourn his loss with the entire Chicago theatre family, for Matt was a formidable force in that landscape.
I was so lucky I had the great privelege of directing Matt in his Jeff Award winning performance as Big Daddy in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF at Drury Lane Theatre in 2018.
I say “direct”, but truthfully, I was so in awe of Matt’s talent and grace I mostly got out of his way. I learned so much from him.
His Big Daddy was ferocious and gentle, cruel and vulnerable and he cursed “mendacity” from every fiber of his being.
He was generous and caring to the entire cast and all of the staff and creatives. When he thundered up the gorgeous staircase of Kevin Depinet’s stunning set at the end of Act One, it elicited a gasp of gigantic proportions— he took our breath away.
Supported by a gorgeous company led by Cindy Gold, Mike Milligan, Anthony Bowden, Genevieve Angelson, with Gail Rastorfer, Craig Spidle, Joe Bianco, Reginald Kent Robinson, Jr., Donica Lynn, Marcus Moore, Shane Rhoades, Caron Bunis, Vincent Kracht, Emma Jo Boyden, and Janet Ulrich Brooks.
Scott Silberstein’s stunning video with the great Donica Lynn singing a heartbreaking, soul crushing Missisippi blues song...
Journey On in peace dear Matt.
We’ll never forget you.
💔
