Dr. Robert Rees Evans, 83, Professor of Drama at UMASS Boston, actor in the renowned Group 20 Players and longtime Cambridge resident, died on June 22nd, 2012, from complications related to congestive heart failure.
Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Bob was raised in Emsworth by his parents, Harry Evans and Jean Folsom. Through his mother’s efforts he received vocal training leading to solo performances for church choir. He attended Avanworth High, but departed before graduating to become an itinerant actor, gaining leading roles at regional theatres. At the Cleveland Playhouse, where he played Romeo at the age of 18, he met the woman he would later marry, producer and director, Alison Ridley.
Drafted during the Korean War, Mr. Evans taught English in Japan. Upon release, he joined Group 20 Players, a professional company based in Wellesley, MA, which included such talents as Rosemary Harris, Fritz Weaver, Roy Scheider, Jerome Kilty and Jerry Stiller. He married the Company’s founder, Ms. Ridley, in 1954. They were divorced in 1974.
In 1956, Bob entered Boston University, transferring to Harvard as a sophomore, where he studied Philosophy with Raphael Diemos (who would only accept him as a student if he abandoned the notion of playing football for the college). He remained a lifelong devotee of Plato.
Graduating from Harvard in 1959, Bob entered the History of Ideas Graduate program at Brandeis University, earning his MA in 1961 and PHD in 1965. His graduate thesis was later published as, “Pantheisticon, The Career of John Toland”.
In 1963 Bob joined the faculty at UMASS Boston, teaching European History, historiography, Greek Philosophy and World Drama until 1987. In the early 70s he cofounded, with writer Henry Timm, the New England Playwright’s Guild, devoted to the production of original plays by American authors. He continued to teach as Professor Emeritus until 1990.
In retirement, Bob lectured at the Boston Ethical Society and became a member of The Tuesday Club, a group that met at The Casablanca in Cambridge to discuss literary matters and politics.
Bob is survived by his son Robert of Sherborn, MA., daughter Merian of Auburn, MA., and son James of Santa Monica, CA.
“A Memorial service will be held on 12/22. Send inquiries to
[email protected] “
www.lawlerfuneralhome.com
Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home
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