Drama prof acted on Broadway, in TV shows, films

From staff reports

Chapel Hill -- Mr. Ken Strong, longtime PlayMakers Repertory Company actor and UNC dramatic art professor, died Tuesday after a long illness. He was 52.

Mr. Strong had appeared on PlayMakers stages since 1979, having been in more than 50 of the theater's productions. He was most recently seen in "Pericles," "Amadeus" and as the Aviator in PlayMakers' holiday production of "The Little Prince."

Mr. Strong is also remembered for roles in "Uncle Vanya," "God's Man in Texas," "Art," and "Death of a Salesman" among others.

Mr. Strong appeared on Broadway in "Inherit the Wind" with George C. Scott, Off-Broadway in a variety of regional theaters, on television shows such as "Law Order," "Matlock," "In the Heat of the Night," and "Spin City," and in films such as "Cold Sassy Tree."

Mr. Strong is a native of Fayetteville. He was a UNC graduate, having received his bachelor's degree in 1979 and a master's of fine arts in 1983.

There will be a memorial gathering in the Paul Green Theatre at UNC's Center for Dramatic Art at 1 p.m., Jan. 18 to remember and celebrate Mr. Strong.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Mr. Strong's name to The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University Medical Center.

Mr. Strong is survived by his wife, Kee Strong, mother Sara Strong, father John Strong and brother Richard Strong.