Frank Galati, a multi-talented actor, director, teacher, and adapter, passed away at the age of 79, leaving a lasting impact on Chicago’s theatre community. Throughout his illustrious career, Galati won numerous awards, including two Tony Awards for his adaptation and direction of The Grapes of Wrath, and an Oscar nomination for his screenwriting work on The Accidental Tourist.
Galati’s work on stage and screen spanned over four decades, with credits including directing and adapting plays such as Ragtime, The American Clock, and The Pirate Queen. Despite experiencing both highs and lows on Broadway, Galati remained dedicated to his craft, continually seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow as an artist.
As a member of the Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble, Galati played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s artistic vision. He served as an associate director at the Goodman Theatre, where he directed productions such as The Visit, She Always Said Pablo, and Cry the Beloved Country. Galati’s work at the Goodman spanned nearly 20 years, during which he developed a reputation for his innovative direction and poignant storytelling.
In addition to his work on stage, Galati was also a talented screenwriter and director. His screenplay for The Accidental Tourist earned him an Academy Award nomination, and he received a Tony Award nomination for his direction of the musical Ragtime.
Frank Galati (Via Frank Galati/Twitter)
Galati’s impact on Chicago’s theatre community was immense, with his work at Steppenwolf, the Goodman, and other local companies having a lasting effect on the city’s cultural terrain. Throughout his career, he was recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Joseph Jefferson Awards, directing awards from the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, a League of Chicago Theatres Artistic Leadership Award, and an NAACP Theatre Award.
Even in the face of challenges and setbacks, Galati remained committed to his art, inspired by the joy and passion of creating something new and innovative. His dedication to his craft and his generosity as a collaborator and mentor have left an indelible mark on the lives of those who worked with him.
In a joint statement, Steppenwolf’s co-artistic directors, Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis, remembered Galati as a kind and compassionate individual who had a profound impact on their lives and the lives of those around him. “Frank always made others feel cared for, valued, and inspired in his ever-generous, joyful and compassionate presence,” they said.
Galati is survived by his husband, Peter Amster, also a theatre director, and his legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations of artists to come.
