Vaughn McBride passed away Saturday November 24, 2001 in Salt Lake City, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born April 6, 1935 in Elba, ID to Asahel and Oleta Mc-Bride. After studying theatre at the University of Utah he be-came an American Regional Theatre Actor, playwright, teacher and dir-ector. He was a founding member of the Longwharf Theatre Acting Company in New Haven, CT. He was an Acting Company Member of the Cleveland Playhouse 1961-1971 and spent several seasons as Director of the Timberlake Playhouse.
Vaughn was a Resident Company Member at the Actors Theatre of Louisville for 25 years; performing in over 100 plays during his tenure there, including 18 different versions of "A Christmas Carol." His career at ATL included establishing the apprentice program for young actors, and touring the U.S. as well as overseas to Hong Kong and Poland. Plays that he wrote and were produced at ATL include "Let's Us," "New Girl," and "Good Ol' Boy." In Louisville he was co-founder of Walden Theatre's Young Playwrights Program. This program lead to several published collections of monologues for young actors. He was also Playwright in Residence there.
In 1983 Vaughn's play "Elba" was produced in New York City at the off-broadway Manhattan Theatre Club. Many other of his plays and writings have been published and produced. He has also appeared in "Touched by An Angel" and in the film "SLC Punk."
Vaughn is survived by his mother, Oleta McBride; sister, Carolee (Milton) Baumgart; nieces and nephews: Jenna Steiner, Kelly (Lance) Harris, Joel (Emilee) Baumgart, Kristen, Jeffrey, Jordan, Reilly; dear friends, Benita (Georg) Hofstetter, Ray Fry, Ann Pitoniak; and his beloved extended theatre family. Their love and support were unending.
Vaughn's family wishes to express their gratitude and love to Dr. Jerry A Sonkens and Grant Needham, PA - not only for their medical skills but their great friendship.
A celebration of his life will be held Wed. Nov 28, 2001. 12 noon, Wasatch Lawn Mortuary Chapel, 3401 S. Highland Dr, where friends may call one hour prior to services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
If desired, we suggest in lieu of flowers contributions be sent to Dr. Jerry A. Sonkens, 4000 S. 700 E., SLC, UT. 84107, in support of his Spirituality and Healing in Medicine Conferences.
Vaughn wrote, just before slipping away, "There is one word larger than all of death's dominion - LOVE - LOVE - LOVE - LOVE."