In 1985, the Victory Gardens Theater staged a production of Athol Fugard’s seminal South African drama “Master Harold … and the Boys.” One of the young actors, Bruce Norris, would go to win a Pulitzer Prize for his plays. Another, Johnny Lee Davenport, would go on to a substantial film career, including roles in “The Fugitive” (1993), “U.S. Marshals” (1998) and “Ted” (2012).
But in Chicago, at least, Davenport, who was born in Louisiana in 1950, grew up mostly in Aurora and died Feb. 2 in the Boston area at the age of 69, will be remembered as an inspirational theater artist.
His death was announced on social media by his wife, Kelly Cook, who said that the actor had died of leukemia, and that he had his wife and daughter, Celia Davenport, by his side.
After “Master Harold,” Davenport (who was known for his sonorous voice and eloquence), developed something of a specialty in classical theater roles, appearing in “Sizwe Bansi Is Dead” at the Chicago Theatre Company, “Split Second” at Victory Gardens Theater, and many other shows including “Othello” at the Illinois Theatre Center in Park Forest and other work at such storied venues as the Body Politic, Court Theatre, Oak Park Festival Theatre and Goodman Theatre.
In the 1990s, Davenport worked continuously in the Chicago theater, moving quickly from one production to another, rarely if ever out of work. He performed Shakespeare — with distinction — often at what is now Chicago Shakespeare Theater. On Wednesday, that theater’s artistic director, Barbara Gaines, said with emotion that she felt Davenport’s loss so acutely that it was impossible for her to talk about him. By the end of his career, Davenport had performed 50 roles in 24 different Shakespeare plays in theaters across the nation.
“I saw him at the old Goodman in ‘Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,’ back when I was in high school,” recalled the actor-writer Nambi E. Kelley. “There was just something about him that was otherworldly to me. He carried a light within him. Seeing him in that show helped me discover what I wanted to do with my life. “
“His advice was always spot on,” said the actor Michael A. Shepperd, “and came only from a place of love. He will truly be missed.”
In the wake of Davenport’s death, numerous actors took to social media to say he helped them at key junctures in their careers.
Following his Chicago career, Davenport relocated to the Boston area and became a fixture there at several resident theaters, many of which were mourning his loss this week with the New Rep Theatre of Watertown, Mass. calling him one its “most beloved and talented actors.” In 2011, Davenport was named actor of year by Boston Magazine.
Survivors also include a sister, Richea Dougherty.
Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.
