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Local actor Will Radcliffe struck, killed by alleged drunk driver outside theatre

By: Sean K. Thompson
| Published 01/06/2023

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THE WOODLANDS, TX – Local actor and retired lawyer Willard Radcliffe was killed outside the Owen Theatre in Conroe on Wednesday evening. Radcliffe, 75, was crossing the street just outside the theatre at the 200 block of Metcalf when a pickup truck driven by 43-year-old Arnett Eugene Easley struck him. Radcliffe was transported to HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators with Conroe Police Department and the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office have stated that Easley was apparently impaired at the site of the 8:30 p.m. incident and was arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated. Investigators also stated that Radcliffe was not in a crosswalk at the time of crossing the street.

Radcliffe has a long and illustrious history with local theatre, appearing in numerous productions at both the Owen Theatre and the Crighton Theatre two blocks away. At the time of his death he was cast in The Players Theatre Company’s upcoming production of ‘Calendar Girls’ and was leaving rehearsal for that show when the incident happened. ‘Calendar Girls’ is slated to open on January 20, although theatre personnel cannot at this time confirm if the production will open on the scheduled date.

Tributes to and remembrances of Radcliffe came pouring in to social media by those who had worked with him over the years for both The Players Theatre Company residing at the Owen and Stage Right Productions based in the Crighton; many actors took to Facebook to express their shock and condolences.

“Will was a fiercely intelligent man with some of the sharpest wit I have ever encountered. He was always happy to sit down and discuss various matters with civility and great insight. No matter the topic, he was always engaged and had a deep appreciation for listening to others,” said Ara Hollyday.

“Will had a wealth of information, stories and wisdom. It was an honor to share the stage with him and learn from him. He was everyone’s biggest fan, and we all loved him. He lived life to the fullest and always made us smile. Prayers for his family, and all who are blessed to know him,” said Christina Sato.

“If you did not know Will personally, you most definitely saw him on stage or as a fellow audience member somewhere at some time in Conroe as he was a staple of many shows on both the Owen and Crighton stages, and he was everyone's biggest fan. If he wasn't sharing the stage with you, he was cheering you on from the audience and waiting for you after the show with his trademark Will grin, a warm, hearty pat on the back, and his contagious joy,” said The Players Theatre Company in a statement.

A memorial for Radcliffe is being planned and details will be made available on The Players’ Facebook page and website, www.owentheatre.com.

(Photo courtesy of Stage Right Productions)

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