Having been traveling for the last two weeks, I was unable to take the time to properly celebrate the wonderful Ken Ruta, who passed away several days ago. RIP dear Ken.

We loved Ken. Not only was he one of my favorite A.C.T. acting teachers (we met in 1992 during the Summer Training Congress - 30 years ago!?!), and one of my favorite acting partners (“Travels With My Aunt,” which I understudied), and favorite actors (you name it, he played it), Michael and I owe him our entire relationship - all 26 (!) years.

Ken was the one who not-so-subtly told each of us that the other was interested, all those years ago. It was his encouragement that brought us to our first date, and we have been thankful ever since. We raised a glass to Ken on our (tiny, family-only) wedding day, and each of our anniversaries since 1996.

Two favorite Ken Ruta memories:

1. Classmate Bryan Close and I, during the run of “Travels with My Aunt,” went out for a martini with Ken Ruta. We sat there, jaws agape, as he told us story after story about meeting Tennessee Williams, and other theater luminaries. It was then that I realized the scope of Ken’s life.

2. I had the great fortune/misfortunate of playing the two roles Ken had recently played in “Hamlet”: The Ghost of Hamlet’s Father and the Player King. Ken was directing, and after a final dress rehearsal gave me only one note, my favorite note of all time: “Just act BETTER.“ Couldn’t argue with that.

I wish we had been better at making the effort to reconnect in person, but Ken has never left our hearts.

All of our deepest love, Ken. You were a King among men.

XOXO 💕🍸

Greg Ivan Smith (A.C.T. MFA '97)

Wonderful Ken conversation with A.C.T. artistic director 4/16/21

https://www.act-sf.org/whats-…

As a young man looking to pursue a career in the theatre, Ken Ruta was the epitome of what one aspired to. A towering talent and career to match. I was so very lucky to get to work with Ken as an actor, and later to direct him - but mostly fortunate that he was my friend. A large hole is  left in the theatrical firmament with his passing. He will be dearly missed. He made the world a better place.

Condolences to his family and to all who shared exalted theatre experiences with him.

Good night sweet Prince....

Rest In Peace dear brother-in-law 

I had the privilege of knowing Ken for over 40 years; he was like family to me. I saw him in the Elephant man and many other plays; he was such a talented man. We shared many dinners together with him and Gayl and Frank we laughed as he told us stories of his many experiences.

San Francisco will never be the same for me without Ken taking us to have a martini at his favorite bar.

Rest in peace Ken.

We didn’t see you as much as we would have liked, but when we did, you always made us feel valued and loved.

You were, funny, kind and generous.

You took a genuine interest in our families future, we are forever thankful.

You also gave the best hugs,you will be missed. ❤️