Ron Vawter

Ron Vawter (December 9, 1948 – April 16, 1994) was an American actor and a founding member of the experimental theater company The Wooster Group. Vawter performed in most of the group's works until his death from a heart attack in 1994 at the age of 45.

Life and career

Vawter was born in Latham, New York, to Matilda (Buttoni) and Elton Lee Vawter. His maternal grandparents were Italian. He originated roles in Rumstick Road, Nayatt School, Point Judith (an epilog), Route 1 & 9, Hula, L.S.D. (...Just the High Points...), Frank Dell's The Temptation of Saint Antony, North Atlantic, and Brace Up!. He appeared on video in Fish Story, and in the Group's video pieces White Homeland Commando and Flaubert Dreams of Travel but the Illness of His Mother Prevents It.

In addition to his work with The Wooster Group, Vawter appeared in films, including King Blank, Philadelphia, The Silence of the Lambs and Sex, Lies, and Videotape, generally playing small but memorable character roles. He also performed in theater pieces by Richard Foreman, Jeff Weiss, Mabou Mines, and The Performance Group.