Wayne Grace Obituary

May 7, 1940 - August 13, 2022
Wayne Grace, stage and screen actor, passed away from complications of bladder cancer at his home in Venice Beach, CA on Saturday, August 13, 2022. He was 82. He grew up in a working class family in Pomona, where he attended high school. He earned an AA degree from Mount San Antonio College, where his fellow classmate was Sam Shephard. He then studied acting at Wayne State University and San Francisco State College before training with the renowned Sandy Meisner in New York. He was in several Off-Broadway shows. He was a member of the Circus Theatre and the Theatre of Marvels in San Francisco before moving to Los Angeles, pursuing an acting career that included roles in such films as McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Dances With Wolves, Mulholland Drive, and Far and Away. TV episodes included Seinfeld, The Lazarus Man, Frasier, and several Star Trek TV series plus a variety of voice-over roles. He was also known locally for his theatrical work at the Odyssey Theatre and Pacific Resident Theatre Ensemble, amongst others. He had a large personality that lit up a room when he entered.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, as well as his brother Buck. He is survived by his brother Paul Grace, his daughter Danielle Nelson and daughter-in-law Stephanie Nelson. A man of deep religious spirit, he fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the Faith. He will be missed by all that knew him. "The rest is silence …. "

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Sep. 3 to Sep. 4, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Grace

7 Entries

Jerry Marr

March 29, 2024

I met Wayne Grace in the drama group at Mt San Antonio College in 1961. We tried out and received parts in Heaven Can Wait. It was his first major acting experience to my knowledge . He landed a major part as did I. We kept in contact for about a year afterward and went our separate ways to college.
After that , I was thrilled to see him in his major film and tv roles .
I recall even back then how the drama instructor at Mt Sac remarked about Wayne indeed having the acting.
Wayne very much went on to do quite well . I tried locating him from time to time , but was not aware until now that he had passed.
My belated sympathy and condolences , though some years later till now , to his family.
Wayne was a great man , a lot of fun, and I´m sorry I was never able to connect with him. But at least I still have the Mt Sac Yearbook of 1961 , and the pictures of him and myself in Heaven Can Wait.

Jerry Marr

Bob Mallord

January 31, 2023

Wayne, we used to get together a couple times a week, have coffee and spend hours in conversation. He was, above all, a man of deep faith in Jesus. He like to emphasize the resurrection of Jesus because that was the most important element of faith to him. We collaborated on a song, "He Rose". That was his message and his passion. I've no doubt that Wayne is in fellowship with his risen Saviour.

Michael Gulbin

January 1, 2023

My name is Michael,saddleback college 81'?.Wayne plays Dylan tomas.me a young student,theatre tech on the show.he has a monologue(unforgettable).I sneak up and watch from backstage,I remember the words.i sneak up again for the curtain call,you would not believe the ROAR, 500 seat theatre,standing,yelling and clapping.35yrs. in Hollywood and it's the most amazing thing I've seen,love mikee

Susan Wilson

December 1, 2022

I knew Wayne more than 50 years ago, when he worked one summer at the Old Globe Theater. He was kind, funny, and just so nice.
I´m so, so sorry for the loss of this wonderful man.

Daniel Pulliam

October 10, 2022

I hope it´s not inappropriate for me to post here. I purchased a copy of Mr. Grace´s personal script for Far and Away (I´m a huge fan of the film). This photo was taken on August 12th. As it happens, I received the script just one day before he passed away. I only just tonight learned of his passing. I´d like to express my sincere condolences to the family. This script will always be treasured so long as it remains in my care, and I hope this cosmic coincidence gives his friends and family some comfort in these difficult days. Much love to you all.

JOHN O'CONNELL

September 8, 2022

Wayne took me under his wing when I was starting out in the theater department at San Francisco State, along with several of his fellow actors. He was the "Big Deal" at that place and was a kind friend and mentor. Always solid with advice and humor.....and I was so proud to see him in later years film work. The last time I saw him was at my apartment in Hollywood, 1980-ish, with some other SF State actor pals. He was the kind of person who could see you and left you feeling understood. And he was hilarious on occasions. Such a friend!
JOHN

Lou Tedesco

September 6, 2022

I was Wayne Grace´s Manager
for 25 years. From Klingons to Cowboys and everything in between, there were not many roles that Wayne could not play.

He worked with some of the best directors in Hollywood. David Lynch, Walter Hill, Ron Howard, Clive Barker, Ivan Reitman and Kevin Costner to name a few.

A great actor and good friend.

Respectfully,

Lou Tedesco

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results