Roy Dotrice 1927-2017

[L Verge]

I agree completely with Betty about Mr. Dotrice being a wonderful fellow and a great actor. Several of us from the Surratt House gang were able to attend a one-man performance that he did on stage at Ford's Theatre. I believe that it was the first time that anything having to do with Lincoln was allowed there while the Ford's Theatre Society (the artistic arm of the theater that takes over when the NPS leaves at 5 pm) had a very "opinionated" leader back in the 1970s and 80s.

Mr Dotrice walked out on stage at the opening, tipped his stovepipe hat to the Presidential Box, and stood silent for a few seconds before starting his monologue. I think it sent chills down the spine or tears to the eyes of nearly everyone there.

After his visit to Surratt House, he stayed in touch with us off and on for several years. If anyone remembers the TV series on Beauty and the Beast, Mr. Dotrice played the father of the Beast, if I'm not mistaken.