Ron Vawter

Ron Vawter helped found The Wooster Group, the experimental theater company where he was a leading performer. Born in Latham, New York, he was working as an Army recruiter in Lower Manhattan when he joined an experimental troupe called The Performance Group. With six other performers, including Willem Dafoe, he established the Wooster Group, originating roles in works such as Rumstick Road, Nayatt School, Point Judith and Brace Up!. He also appeared in the group's video pieces, including Fish Story and White Homeland Commando. Besides his 15 years at the Performing Garage, he took character parts in films such as Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989) and Philadelphia (1993), and he performed in theater pieces by Richard Foreman and Mabou Mines. In 1992 he performed Roy Cohn/Jack Smith, two linked monologues; Greg Mehrten directed, and Jill Godmilow later filmed a version that intercut the sections. Vawter died in 1994.