Thomas Kirk Wilson
April 23, 2025 at 5:31 p.m.
Thomas Kirk Wilson, 68, Long Beach, Calif., passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.
He was surrounded by his partner of 25 years, Stephen Roche; his dog, Pico; and his friends. Kirk will always be remembered for his passionate spirit and contributions to the dramatic arts.
Kirk was born April 8, 1956, in Warsaw, to parents Richard Allen Wilson and Nancy Ellen Dalton. He was one of four children, including Kris Ellen Schenkel (Ted), Mary Ellen Prickett and Tommy Prickett. He attended Wawasee High School. After high school, Kirk joined the Navy and was stationed in New Orleans and San Diego. Kirk was a long-time resident of Los Angeles, Calif., while also spending time in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. He enjoyed living in Long Beach, Calif., since 2019.
Kirk was a creative and mentoring force in the Los Angeles theatre community. He was remembered as being a bright light to so many people in the creative arts. His energy, style, and creativity are warmly remembered by many. Kirk acted in several productions including “Project Alice,” “Where’s My House? Where’s My Home?,” “Skin Of Our Town,” “A Very Janky Christmas,” “The Fried Octopus” and “AIDS! The Musical.” Kirk was also production manager at the legendary Bootleg Theater presenting boundary-defying productions for Los Angeles audiences for over 20 years. The multi-disciplinary live experiences he helped create were often striking, non-traditional and whimsical. The 2014 one-man play “Rodney King” starring Roger Guenveur Smith was developed and stage-managed by Kirk at The Bootleg. The deeply moving performance went on to be presented at the Kirk Douglas Theater in California, The Public Theater in NYC and international venues including the Tate Modern Museum in London and the Right About Now Festival in Amsterdam. This work was later made into a Netflix special directed by Spike Lee.
Kirk’s life was forever changed through sobriety - his story was a gift he passed along to countless others by sharing his experience of strength and hope. In addition to husband Stephen Roche, and his siblings, Kirk is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Cheryl Roche, of New Orleans, La.; and brother and sister-in-law, Hugh and Sue Roche Drescher, of McLean, Va. Kirk also has 11 nieces and nephews.
His remains will be buried at Stoney Point Cemetery in Etna Green. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Act Blue or support an artist in your community.
Champion creativity, inspire wonder and make the world sparkle a little more with your artistry. That’s what Kirk did and he would want you to do the same.
To sign the guestbook or send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.
Thomas Kirk Wilson, 68, Long Beach, Calif., passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.
He was surrounded by his partner of 25 years, Stephen Roche; his dog, Pico; and his friends. Kirk will always be remembered for his passionate spirit and contributions to the dramatic arts.
Kirk was born April 8, 1956, in Warsaw, to parents Richard Allen Wilson and Nancy Ellen Dalton. He was one of four children, including Kris Ellen Schenkel (Ted), Mary Ellen Prickett and Tommy Prickett. He attended Wawasee High School. After high school, Kirk joined the Navy and was stationed in New Orleans and San Diego. Kirk was a long-time resident of Los Angeles, Calif., while also spending time in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. He enjoyed living in Long Beach, Calif., since 2019.
Kirk was a creative and mentoring force in the Los Angeles theatre community. He was remembered as being a bright light to so many people in the creative arts. His energy, style, and creativity are warmly remembered by many. Kirk acted in several productions including “Project Alice,” “Where’s My House? Where’s My Home?,” “Skin Of Our Town,” “A Very Janky Christmas,” “The Fried Octopus” and “AIDS! The Musical.” Kirk was also production manager at the legendary Bootleg Theater presenting boundary-defying productions for Los Angeles audiences for over 20 years. The multi-disciplinary live experiences he helped create were often striking, non-traditional and whimsical. The 2014 one-man play “Rodney King” starring Roger Guenveur Smith was developed and stage-managed by Kirk at The Bootleg. The deeply moving performance went on to be presented at the Kirk Douglas Theater in California, The Public Theater in NYC and international venues including the Tate Modern Museum in London and the Right About Now Festival in Amsterdam. This work was later made into a Netflix special directed by Spike Lee.
Kirk’s life was forever changed through sobriety - his story was a gift he passed along to countless others by sharing his experience of strength and hope. In addition to husband Stephen Roche, and his siblings, Kirk is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Cheryl Roche, of New Orleans, La.; and brother and sister-in-law, Hugh and Sue Roche Drescher, of McLean, Va. Kirk also has 11 nieces and nephews.
His remains will be buried at Stoney Point Cemetery in Etna Green. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Act Blue or support an artist in your community.
Champion creativity, inspire wonder and make the world sparkle a little more with your artistry. That’s what Kirk did and he would want you to do the same.
To sign the guestbook or send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.