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In memory of

Byron Otis Tidwell

North Las Vegas, NV, USA

March 13, 1952 - February 10, 2019

Mar 13, 1952 - Feb 10, 2019

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Beloved Tournament Emcee Has Died From a Heart Too Full

Byron Otis Tidwell passed away peacefully in his sleep as a result of congestive heart failure. He was 66 years old.

Gregarious, outgoing, hilarious and loving, Byron was a pillar of the Las Vegas performing arts community. Known to many as the Slot Tournament Emcee for Mandalay Bay, Byron was also an accomplished actor, director and award-winning playwright.
Byron spent his entire life in service to his art – a fact which occasionally frustrated his wife but, honestly, she loved him for it.

Byron met his wife Gloria in the employee elevator of the Glendale Galleria Mall in 1973. After lying about his age (he said he was older to appear cooler – see ladies? Men do it, too) he managed to convince her to marry him in May of 1977. Two years later their daughter Jennifer was born and he often told her that she was his greatest production.

Byron worked with many, many notable names over his 40+ year career in show biz including Iron Eyes Cody, Don Rickles, Dana Carvey, Rita Rudner and more. And he is known famously for repeatedly turning away a young Kristin Chenoweth when she kept auditioning for him at the Gaslight Dinner Theater in Tulsa, OK. She was underage at the time and the theater required performers be over 21. Kristin spoke recently of Byron in private conversation and referred to him as a theatrical ‘god’.

Byron may never have achieved his dreams of success and fame (on the scale he desired) while he was living, but anyone who knew him is likely to agree with Ms. Chenoweth’s assessment.

Byron was a man who loved people. He loved his friends like family and his capacity for friendship was unparalleled. He trusted first, always assuming the best of people until they proved him wrong and then, he’d forgive them and trust them more. He believed in happiness and the joy of positive thinking and this effervescent approach to life rubbed off on family and friends.

His final project, the award-winning play ‘Ronnie Brixton: Best of British Boxing’ co-written by himself and his friend Lincoln Hudson, will live on in future productions thanks to his producing partner and friend, Sharon Monroe.

Byron is survived by his wife Gloria and his daughter Jennifer ‘Jen’ Tidwell.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Byron at Majestic Repertory on Saturday February 16th from 4pm to 7pm.

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