The Stratford Festival has lost one of its most gifted performers.
On Monday afternoon, the festival announced the death of Michael Blake, a veteran of 25 festival productions.
Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino said Blake’s work was true and realistic, his portrayals had an “integrity that was compelling and drew you into his reality.”
The festival described Blake as a much-valued colleague, and a dear friend, bringing to life “an incredible variety of characters”, including “an unforgettable Othello, a heartbreaking Macduff in Macbeth, a good-hearted Master Page in The Merry Wives of Windsor, a delightfully villainous Don John in Much Ado About Nothing, a commanding Cominius in Coriolanus, an excellent Duke of Clarence in Richard III and Albany in King Lear.”
Other roles include Ericco in Napoli Milionaria!, Edmund in King Lear, and Sebastian in Twelfth Night.
Cimolino said he will be remembered for his art and his person.
“He was a member of our artistic family and he will be deeply missed. We send our condolences to Michael’s family and to his many friends and colleagues facing this difficult loss.”
A 2026 production will be dedicated to his memory.
Details on the funeral have yet to be announced.
