Gene Janson

Veteran actor Gene Janson, age 72, passed away on October 4th at Lincoln Park Hospital in the company of family members. He collapsed on stage during a matinee performance. He was taken to the Lincoln Park Hospital by ambulance escorted by several of his fellow cast members.

Gene Janson was co-starring as Ex-President Arthur Hockstader in Remy Bumppo Theatre Company’s production of The Best Man at the Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. The production marked his 50th year as a Chicago Actor.

Remy Bumppo Managing Director Kristin Larsen said, “This is a great shock to all of us. Gene was so full of energy and love for his work. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones.”

The Best Man performance scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. has been cancelled in memory of Gene's passing.

Gene’s extensive stage, screen, television and radio credits include roles with Remy Bumppo, Apple Tree Theatre, Red Hen Theatre, The Artistic Home, Element Theatre, New City Theatre, and Chicago Dramatists. Motion pictures include The Blues Brothers, While You Were Sleeping, The Killing Floor, My Best Friend's Wedding, Blink, Road to Perdition, The Kill Reflex, and Ocean's Twelve. TV credits: "The Untouchables", "Normal", "Early Edition", "Unsolved Mysteries", "City in a Garden", "Today in Chicago".