Patrick Quinn, Broadway Star and Actors’ Equity Official, Dies at 55

Patrick Quinn, a former president and newly appointed executive director of Actors’ Equity Association and the star of such Broadway shows as A Class Act, died on September 24 of a massive coronary. He was 55 years old.

Quinn made his Broadway debut in the revival of Fiddler on the Roof with Zero Mostel. In addition to A Class Act, in which he played Lehman Engel, his Broadway credits included Beauty and the Beast, The Sound of Music, Damn Yankees, Lend Me a Tenor, and Oh Coward! He was also seen Off-Broadway in Forbidden Broadway.

His most recent stage appearance was last month in the Cape Playhouse’s production of Sylvia. Earlier this season, he was seen in Gunmetal Blues at the George Street Playhouse. Last year, he starred as Daddy Warbucks in the record-breaking engagement of Annie at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia, and he reprised that role in this season’s production of Annie Warbucks.

Quinn had served as a councillor of Equity since 1977 and held many leadership positions within the union. He was elected president in 2000, and was recently named executive director.

He is survived by his partner of 12 and a half years, Martin Cassella. He is also survived by his brothers, James (and his wife Sondra) of Naples, Florida; Gerard (and his wife Gail) of Cotesville, Pennyslvania; John (and his wife Marguerite) of Doylestown, Pennsylavnia; a sister, Lizanne Antonucci (and her husband Joseph); and nine nephews and nieces.

The lights of every Broadway marquee will be dimmed in his honor for one minute, beginning at 8pm, on Tuesday, September 26.