Richard Gishler, a Canadian actor who made immense contributions to theatre, left an indelible mark on the stage. He starred in numerous productions by renowned directors, establishing himself as atalented professional and a true friend, according to edmonton-trend.com.
A Lifelong Passion for Acting
His diverse career cemented Gishler’s place as a genuine part of Edmonton’s theatre history, a symbol of continuity spanning decades. Many saw him as a multifaceted individual and a community builder, both on and off stage. Fellow actors and directors consistently praised him as a dedicated professional who tackled his roles with enthusiasm, all while being a fun and kind colleague. Gishler’s biography is truly impressive, encompassing a wide array of Edmonton stages, big and small. It’s a treasure trove of the city’s theatrical heritage, reaching back to the early days of the Walterdale Theatre. Born in Edmonton on December 31, 1947, Richard showed a love for theatre and performing from a young age. By nine, he was already touring with the Playground Players children’s troupe, even performing with his Punch and Judy puppets at Storyland Valley Zoo. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Alberta. A natural comedian, he frequently graced the stage in comedies and farces, often featuring loud, slamming doors—a signature element of his repertoire. Richard also performed at the Salvation Army citadel, which served as the very first incarnation of the Citadel Theatre. Among his most notable roles was Macduff in John Neville’s 1975 production of “Sherlock.” He also played the Prince in Neville’s star-studded “Romeo and Juliet,” which famously opened the downtown Citadel Theatre in 1976.
Memories from Colleagues
In an interview, Patricia Casey, a close friend of Richard’s, recalled their friendship spanning over 45 years. She fondly remembered the lively rehearsals. After lunch, the entire troupe would return to the rehearsal hall in team t-shirts, while Gishler, playing the Prince, would don a referee’s striped shirt, acting as an arbiter between the feuding clans in the play. Gishler and Casey shared the stage in four productions, including a memorable duet. They even played husband and wife in Marianna Copithorne’s “Twilight of the Cities.” Gishler also performed with Northern Light Theatre back when NLT was a Shakespearean company, staging plays on the hill in the river valley, where the Edmonton Folk Fest is now held. Actor, playwright, composer, and LGBTQ+ activist Darrin Hagen recalled that a particular “Workshop West” production starring Gishler was one of the first plays that captivated him when he moved to Edmonton in 1983. It was a life-changing experience. For Richard, theatre wasn’t just a job; it was something he deeply cherished. Throughout his career, he starred in numerous comedies and farces, many of which were staged at Stage West. Off stage, Richard was a born organizer of the theatre community. In the early days of Stage West, Sunday late nights after the final performance could be a bit dull. Gishler would invite colleagues to his dressing room, which often transformed into a lively salon. Gishler was a gifted comedian and a seasoned actor, a professional deeply passionate about his craft. He performed in the early iterations of the Walterdale Theatre and in the 1980s at the Phoenix Theatre. One of his final performances was a reading of Darrin Hagen’s new play, “10 Funerals,” streamed online by Shadow Theatre during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 when theatres across Canada were closed. Richard Gishler passed away in December 2021 at the age of 74 from cancer, leaving behind a profound legacy. His artistic spirit continues to live on in the hearts of countless people.
