The American Theatre lost a gentle giant of the stage Tuesday, with the passing of David S. Howard.

The American Theatre lost a gentle giant of the stage Tuesday, with the passing of David S. Howard. Seen on stages across the country – including the original Broadway company of “I’m Not Rappaport” – and in films like “Meet Joe Black,” “Moonstruck,” and many more. In his later years, David was a company member at Sarasota’s Asolo Rep and an Ensemble Member at Florida Repertory Theatre.

His roles on the Arcade Stage included Morrie in “Tuesdays with Morrie” (alongside Greg Longenhagen), Grandpa Vanderhoff in “You Can’t Take It with You,” Judge Biddle in “Trying,” and many other leading and iconic roles. David was a consummate professional, a mentor to countless young actors, and a humble formidable talent. David was an example to his fellow artists whose presence and skill made everyone around him do their best work. The Florida Rep family of artists feels his loss deeply and is forever grateful he walked the boards in the Historic Arcade Theatre.

In 2009, David starred in the regional theatre premiere of “The Last Romance” by Joe DiPietro (alongside Sara Morsey, Jason Parrish, and Carrie Lund), and “The News-Press” captured David’s work perfectly, saying, “Howard continues to make acting look effortless. His characters are always completely natural and believable. Theatergoers can’t help but fall a little in love with him.”

“David Howard was just the greatest guy. He had a devout passion for acting and for the theatre. I was very sad to hear about his passing. He will be missed.” – Greg Longenhagen, Florida Rep Producing Artistic Director