Scott McPherson

One of the first openly gay, HIV-positive American artists, a renowned playwright and accomplished actor. Scott McPherson, was the author of the critically acclaimed play Marvin’s Room, later made into a film. Born in 1959, he died of AIDS complications in 1992. His award-winning play, “Marvin’s Room”, is regarded as one of Chicago’s most vital artistic and creative forces. Amidst the homophobia and AIDS hysteria that gripped the nation, He has spoken eloquently, both in his writing and in interviews, of the personal and familial ravages of chronic illness and the need for loving support and connection with lovers, family and friends. McPherson was born in Columbus, Ohio, and raised, along with seven siblings, in a devout Roman Catholic home. He acquired his great love for literature in his youth. He began acting in high school and attended Ohio University where he majored in theater and dance. An early one-act version of his first play, ‘”Til the Fat Lady Sings”, was first produced at Ohio University. It was later produced in Chicago by Lifeline Theatre under the direction of Eric Simonson. Ohio University named a new theater space in McPherson’s honor. McPherson moved to Chicago in 1981 and was cast regularly in local theatrical productions, commercials and industrial films. His work as an actor included performances in “The Shrew”, “Butler County”, G”entrification”, “Expectations”, “The House of Blue Leaves”, “The Normal Heart” and many others. In spite of variable and…