George Hearn

George Hearn was an American stage actor who left an indelible mark in the world of Broadway musical performances. He is well-known for his incredibly versatile voice, his deep passion for acting, and his unmatched stage presence. Hearn's contribution to the theatrical world has resulted in his being widely considered as one of the most legendary stage actors in American history.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 18, 1934, George Hearn was the son of a sales manager and a housewife. He was raised in a middle-class family and attended the Fowler School of Business at Memphis State University before studying philosophy at Rhodes College. Although his family had no connection to the world of theatre, Hearn always found himself drawn to it. He got his first break in acting during his time as a student at Memphis State University, where he performed in several theatrical productions and discovered his love for the stage.

George Hearn's career began to take off in the late 1960s when he landed his first Broadway role in the musical "1776." This was followed by a string of successful performances in other musicals, including "Sweeney Todd," "La Cage aux Folles," and "Sunset Boulevard." In 1985, Hearn won an Emmy Award for his performance in the Showtime production of "Sweeney Todd."

Despite facing many challenges and setbacks along the way, Hearn persevered and continued to work hard to improve his craft. He was driven by a deep love of acting and a burning desire to entertain his audiences. Hearn was known for his professionalism, his work ethic, and his willingness to take on challenging roles that pushed him out of his comfort zone.

Offstage, George Hearn was a dedicated family man who married Leslie Simons in 1985. The couple had two children, a son, Geoffrey, and a daughter, Jordan. Hearn's family was an important part of his life, and he cherished the time he spent with them.

Throughout his career, Hearn made many friends and admirers in the theatre world, including actress Angela Lansbury, with whom he remained close until his death in 2021. He was also respected and admired by many of his colleagues, who recognized his remarkable talent and his immense contribution to the theatrical world. His legacy lives on, and he continues to inspire a new generation of actors and theatre-goers to this day.