Mark Kemble, a cherished figure in the world of theatre and cinema who excelled as a playwright, screenwriter, director, teacher, dramaturge, passed away on the morning of August 14th, 2023 after a battle with cancer.
Born on August 21st, 1953, in Providence, Rhode Island, Mark’s early years were marked by his exceptional ability as a pitcher in Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball League teams.
After finishing high school, he served his country in the U.S. Navy, completing several tours in the Philippines.
At the age of 24, Mark’s ambition led him to Los Angeles, where he pursued his passion for theatre and film. His studies in acting at The Beverly Hills Playhouse, under the guidance of Milton Katselas, paved the way for numerous stage performances and roles in television and movies. Eventually, Mark’s career evolved into writing and directing, where he honed his craft in various writing programs in Los Angeles, including the renowned Mark Taper Forum Mentor Playwright Program. Over 45 years, he wrote and directed more than 30 stage productions, earning nominations and awards in Providence, Los Angeles, London, and New York.
His play “Names,” focused on the Hollywood Blacklist, premiered at the Met Theatre in Los Angeles, becoming a Critic’s Choice and one of NPR’s top plays of 1995. Mark directed two critically acclaimed productions of this play, including an Off-Broadway run in New York City in 1997.
Together with Tom Musca and Noel Quiñones, Mark co-wrote screenplays for HBO’s “Race,” which won the Imagen Award, and Showtime’s “Facing Fear,” winner of the Best Family Feature Award at the Hollywood Film Festival.
A lifetime member of The Actors Studio, Mark was given the honor of Artist In Residence at The Actors Studio West by Artistic Director Martin Landau, and he also co-moderated the Playwrights Development Unit with Peter Flood.
His most intimate work was perhaps his feature film “Bad Hurt,” adapted from his play “Bad Hurt On Cedar Street.” It portrayed his family’s life and received critical acclaim, including four Ovation Award nominations. The film, co-written and co-produced with Jamieson Stern, premiered at The Tribeca Film Festival in 2015.
Mark’s nurturing and love for actors, directors, and writers were limitless, and his workshops empowered countless artists to grow and succeed. He also co-created several projects with various artists, even writing songs with his brother Ned.
Mark’s unique humor, passion for art, and zest for life will leave a void that won’t easily be filled.
He is survived by his three siblings, Mary Ellen Kraus, Frances Kemble, and Ned Kemble, along with numerous loving family members, friends, and collaborators.
Mark’s parents, Edwin and Dorothy Kemble, and his brother Kevin Kemble preceded him in death.
Mark’s body has been donated to Brown University Medical School, and a memorial to honor his remarkable life will be arranged in West Hollywood and Providence on a date yet to be set.
Over the last few years I would often sit and chat with Mark outside of the Actor’s Studio in West Hollywood. He was a charming, smart, funny and modest man who will be sorely missed in our community. Rest In Peace dear Mark Kemble.
Sorely missed and unique and giving. Only now beginning to acknowledge the loss. A forever person you wait to call when the time is right only to discover you should’ve called when the time was wrong because they’re not here anymore. Rest in Peace Mark.