Stratford Festival, Theatre Aquarius mourns loss of actor Michael Blake

An actor in more than 25 plays at the Stratford Festival and several shows at Theatre Aquarius has died at the age of 54.

The festival released a statement Monday marking the passing of the beloved actor.

The festival says he was one of the “most gifted actors of his generation.”

“Each part Michael played was powerfully realized,” said Antoni Cimolino, the artistic director of the Stratford Festival. “His work was true and realistic. His portrayals had an integrity that was compelling. It drew you into his reality.”

Blake was born and raised in Toronto, but had called Hamilton his home.

This past season, Blake co-starred in the Theatre Aquarius production of “King James.”

Theatre Aquarius describes him as a “member of the Hamilton community and a treasured part of our family.”

Blake was also in several film and television productions including “Murdoch Mysteries” and “Degrassi.”

The Stratford Festival plans to dedicate a production in his honour next season.

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