Kate Rockwell Instagram – My papa. My Disney dad. The Muny stage will never be the same without you. The biggest hug you’ve ever gotten from the most fabulous presence to walk on stage. The poise, the bravado, the tenderness, the ROAR of that voice. I will hear you laugh forever.
My favorite story about Ken was when I learned just how IMPORTANT he really was. I didn’t know his legend when I first met him in 2014, and some part of me knew I shouldn’t look at his resume because I would immediately be intimidated. So I didn’t-until opening night, when I read his bio. And SHRIEKED out loud. And RAN to his dressing room, almost in tears, because I finally knew why his voice sent tremors through me. It wasn’t Old Deuteronomy, or Ain’t Misbehavin’, like a good Broadway fan….but Nightmare Before Christmas, which is (still) my favorite movie of all time. I absolutely lost my mind at him, I’m a terrible fan girl. He smiled that secret Ken smile, laughed a little at me, and on with the show we went. A week later, for closing night, I found my little Oogie on my dressing table, signed by Papa (scroll, it’s still on my fridge all these years later).
He was a towering presence, literally and figuratively. He was gracious, kind, brilliant, joyful and always in on the joke. I cannot believe you’re gone, so fast, and I will miss you every time I hear your voice. Which will be a whole lot. ❤️ | Posted on 01/Oct/2024 22:08:39
