According to Linda DiGabriele, Asolo Rep’s managing director, “Richard was very much a part of the Asolo Rep family. We have a small private memorial service planned in his honor to be held at our theatre on Sunday, November 12 at 5:00 pm.”

Ramos directed two plays for Asolo Rep -13 Rue de L’Amour (1994-95) and Noises Off (95-96), and for the FSU/Asolo Conservatory he directed The Cherry Orchard. Most recently, he was engaged to perform several acting roles in the 2006-2007 season for Asolo Rep where he was preparing to play 'Baron van Swieten' in Amadeus.  Stephen Johnson will take over Ramos' role in Amadeus, opening on November 10; and Eberle Thomas will play Ramos' role of 'Maxwell' in Men of Tortuga, opening on November 17.

Producing Director Michael Donald Edwards explained, “Richard had a long and distinguished 45-year career in the American theatre, and his sudden death was a shock and source of great sadness.  He was getting ready to come to rehearsal to do the very thing to which he had dedicated his life.  He died very much ‘in the saddle.’ He will be greatly missed. We wish to dedicate this production of Amadeus to Richard.”

Colleagues at Asolo Rep say Ramos was well liked and he quickly became a mentor to the FSU/Asolo Conservatory students. He could be seen between rehearsals seated outside surrounded by a group of students as he told colorful stories of his distinguished career. One student, who was deeply moved by the news of Ramos’ death, said she looked forward each day to hearing his stories and will very much miss them and the kind hearted actor with whom she quickly developed a friendship.

Nationally Ramos worked at the Kennedy Center, the New York Shakespeare Festival, the Roundabout, the Arena Stage and the Denver Center for the Arts. Among his film credits were The Thomas Crown Affair, and on TV, he appeared on Law and Order, Barney Miller and M*A*S*H. In addition to his work in New York and California, Ramos often worked in Minneapolis with the Guthrie Theatre as an actor and director, and at the Children's Theatre Company and the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres both in Minnesota. At the Guthrie he made his reputation with roles in Pantagleize, A Moon for the Misbegotten, Design for Living and The House of Atreus. 

 

Ramos is survived by a brother, Kenneth Martone, who lives in San Diego, California. Martone says plans are being made for additional memorial services in Los Angeles, in the Twin Cities, and in New York.

The following biography was submitted by Ramos for the Asolo Rep 2006-2007 Season Program Book.  

Richard Russell Ramos—Third season (Van Swieten, Amadeus; Maxwell, Men of Tortuga; Sal, Expecting Isabel; Mr. Bennet, Pride and Prejudice; Darwin, Darwin in Malibu) Richard is delighted to be returning to Asolo Rep, where he directed 13 Rue De L’Amour, Noises Off, and The Cherry Orchard. This season, however, marks his debut on the other side of the footlights as an actor. He was last seen on Broadway in Major Barbara, where he was also seen in Sunday in the Park with George, The House of Atreus, and Arturo Ui. At Lincoln Center he played Bottom, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Stephano, The Tempest. His off-Broadway credits include John Patrick Shanly’s Cellini, The Screens, The Seagull, Pericles, and Elaine May’s long running hit, Adaptation. He has worked at most of America’s most prestigious regional theatres including Arena Stage, the Denver Center, Boston’s Huntington Theatre, and nine seasons at The Guthrie in Minneapolis. Film appearances include The Thomas Crown Affair, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Moon Over Parador, and Woody Allen’s Bananas. TV credits include Barney Miller, M*A*S*H, three episodes of Law and Order, and most New York soaps. He passionately believes that repertory is the most exciting way to experience theatre for actors and audiences alike. Vive la Rep!