George Merritt, 67, Broadway actor ("Jekyll & Hyde")
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George Merritt of Hawthorne, Broadway actor, dies at 67
Last updated: Tuesday February 23, 2010, 6:50 AM
BY JAY LEVIN
The Record STAFF WRITER
George Merritt of Hawthorne, a veteran stage actor best known for his
role in the popular Broadway musical "Jekyll & Hyde," died Feb. 15. He
was 67.
He had liver cancer, said his wife, Bobbie.
Mr. Merritt, an operatic baritone, was John Utterson, Dr. Henry
Jekyll's lawyer and best friend, in "Jekyll & Hyde." The musical ran
at the Plymouth Theatre from 1997 to 2001. Utterson was a lead
character, as many elements of the story were told through him.
Mr. Merritt made his Broadway debut in the 1970s in a Radio City Music
Hall revival of "Porgy & Bess." He also appeared on Broadway in "Big
River" and "Ain't Misbehavin' " and was nominated for a 1988 Drama
Desk Award for best actor in a musical for his role off-Broadway in
"Lost in the Stars."
Last year, Mr. Merritt starred as Hoke, the patient and devoted
chauffeur, in a Fort Worth, Texas, production of "Driving Miss Daisy."
He played opposite Sandy Duncan's Miss Daisy. It was the third time
Mr. Merritt portrayed Hoke; he previously starred opposite Eileen
Heckart and Ronnie Clair Edwards.
George Merritt was born in Raleigh, N.C., and received a music degree
from The Hartt School at the University of Hartford in Connecticut. He
was associated with New York theater for 40 years.
He and his wife, a talent manager, moved to a hilly section of
Hawthorne 15 years ago.
"From our deck and bedroom window, you can see the Empire State
Building," Bobbie Merritt said. "George loved the city, but he loved
the quality of life being away from it."
Mr. Merritt lent his talents to local causes. In November 2006, he
performed during a Ridgewood ceremony in which the Creative Living
Counseling Center honored 16 teenagers for community service and acts
of compassion.
In addition to his wife of 17 years, he is survived by a daughter,
Jodi Liston of Newburgh, N.Y., 10 brothers and sisters, and three
grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be tonight at 7 at Calvary Baptist Church,
123 W. 57th St., Manhattan. Arrangements were by Vander Plaat Memorial
Home, Paramus.
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