Ralph Steadman obit

Ralph Steadman Obituary

 

He was not on the list.

Ralph "Bonzo Bear" Steadman was born in Portland, OR on October 27, 1951. He was adopted by Bob and Alberta Steadman, of Eugene and lived most of his life in the Pacific Northwest. His acting career began in 1971 and took him up and down the west coast. He participated in every aspect of the performing arts including theater, voice acting, commercial and TV acting and teaching the art of performing. You might recognize him in a 10-year running Pace Picante commercial or remember him in the longest running play in Portland's history, "Greater Tuna." Not only was he an actor, he was a successful radio personality in Seattle, Portland, Honolulu and Eugene. People knew him as "Ralph Radio" everywhere he went. In 1983, his oldest child, Claire was born in California and in 1985, his son Joey was born in Eugene. They are both elementary teachers in Seattle. Ralph passed away, surrounded by his family, after a heart attack on December 24, 2014. He is survived by his two children, Claire and Joey, his mother, Alberta Steadman (96), and his sister, Cathy Steadman Cox. A memorial service for Ralph will be held at the Wildish Theater, in Springfield, on Friday, January 16 at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Trinity United Methodist Church.

Ralph Steadman was an improvisational actor, preacher, radio host and lover of life, who performed at stations and stages in the NW and West Coast. His nickname "Ralph Radio" was born during his time on NW radio stations, most notably at 620 KGW, The Talk Station from 1989 to 1991. You can hear some of our 620 KGW radio shows online at RalphRadio.com.

Everything Ralph touched was imbued with his passion for the arts, for family, and for inspiring the best in people. His last role was in his homeland Eugene, Oregon, in December 2014, where he was featured as Jacob Marley along with other characters in A Christmas Carol. He was at the top of his game and gave a transcendent performance. Then just a few days later, on Christmas Eve, Ralph left this world unexpectedly.

As his producer and friend for many years, I am moved to continue creating in the spirit of all that Ralph loved...radio, history, community and most of all family. The Ralph Radio Theatre is dedicated to Ralph and to all of these things. Our debut play series "A Christmas From Home", set in WWII, is a project that he would have supported with all of his heart and soul. We are proud to bring this important work back to the stage. Now in our fourth year, we are well on the way to becoming a favorite Portland tradition for you and your family for many years to come.

Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com.

Actor

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A Year in the Life

8.5

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1987

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Gene Hackman, Ally Sheedy, Ellen Burstyn, and Amy Madigan in Twice in a Lifetime (1985)

Twice in a Lifetime

6.4

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1985

 

Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Marion Ross, Tom Bosley, Erin Moran, Don Most, and Anson Williams in Happy Days (1974)

Happy Days

7.4

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1984

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Bruce Boxleitner and Kate Jackson in Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1983)

Scarecrow and Mrs. King

7.0

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The Powers of Matthew Star (1982)

The Powers of Matthew Star

6.0

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1982

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What's Happening!! (1976)

What's Happening!!

7.0

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Guard

1979

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Melanie Griffith, Robert Carradine, Desi Arnaz Jr., and Anne Lockhart in Joyride (1977)

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5.6

New Tenant

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