It is with deep sadness that we mark the passing of actor Michael Blake, our dear friend and much valued colleague.

Mr. Blake was one of the most gifted actors of his generation. He played an extraordinary variety of parts and did so with an ability and ease that was rare.

Mr. Blake was a member of the Stratford Festival company for 10 seasons, and also performed at theatres across Canada, as well as on film and TV.

At Stratford he brought to life an incredible variety of characters: an unforgettable Othello, a heartbreaking Macduff in Macbeth, a good-hearted Master Page in The Merry Wives of Windsor, a delightfully villainous Don John in Much Ado About Nothing, a commanding Cominius in Coriolanus, an excellent Duke of Clarence in Richard III and Albany in King Lear. It is a consolation to know that these performances have been captured on film to endure.

It total, Mr. Blake performed in 25 productions at the Festival between 2011 and 2023, his roles also including Errico in Napoli Milionaria!, Mr. Balance in The School for Scandal, George Deever in All My Sons, Edmund in King Lear, Dumaine in All’s Well That Ends Well, Cleante in Tartuffe, and Sebastian in Twelfth Night.

“Each part Michael played was powerfully realized,” says Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino. “His work was true and realistic. His portrayals had an integrity that was compelling. It drew you into his reality.

“We will all remember him both for his art and his person. He was a member of our artistic family and he will be deeply missed. We send our condolences to Michael’s family and to his many friends and colleagues facing this difficult loss.”

Funeral details have yet to be announced. The Festival will be dedicating a production to Mr. Blake’s memory in the 2026 season.

Photo: Michael Blake. © Dahlia Katz.