Medford, Ore.– From portraying “The Log Lady” in the TV series Twin Peaks, or “The Nurse” in Eraserhead, to General Matilda B. Cartwright in Guys and Dolls, Catherine Coulson was a household name on stage at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
“Beyond her skill as a theater artist she had an incredible heart.”
Coulson was know for her admirable character.
Fellow Actress, Shirley Patton said,”She was untiring in her support for the Daedelus Project and in anything that had to do with justice. Treating people fairly. She was willing to take a stand.”
Patton is among her close friends and colleagues grieving the loss of Coulson who lost her battle with cancer Monday.
Coulson performed in more than 50 plays through her 22 seasons with the festival.
Dan Thorndike a former OSF Board Member said, “Super talented obvioulsy..And just a real loss.”
The festival’s Artistic Director, Bill Rouche released a statement which reads in part, “She was an integral part of this company , not only as an actor, but as a passionate advocate for the arts….We will miss her with all out hearts.”
Thorndike said Coulson was a close friend who he could relate to as a parent.
“She was just one of those incredible people who should have been around a lot longer then she was.”
He and Patton knew Coulson since she came to Ashland in 1994.
Patton even performed with Coulson in a community enhancement project.
“It was wonderful working with her. I can’t remember seeing Catherine in any role that I didn’t admire.”
An actress who touched so many. And won’t be forgotten.
Coulson leaves behind a daughter.
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