William Esper was the greatest acting teacher and mentor who touched so many lives. Rest In Peace Bill. We are forever grateful for you. With love, gratitude and cherished memories. We love you Bill! @EsperActing#ripwilliamesper#billesperpic.twitter.com/nZxUhHDzar
Just learned that my acting teacher William Esper passed away yesterday. Bill plucked me out of the Midwest and changed the course of my life. I shall forever be in his debt. #williamesper
Rest In Peace William Esper,a wonderful human and teacher. Today is truly the worlds loss. Eternally grateful to have studied at William Esper studio. The studio and your methods completely changed my life and approach to acting and introduced me to wonderful friends #esperpic.twitter.com/gM9vBZAaPN
Esper founded the William Esper Studio in 1965, and he was internationally recognized as an authority on the work of Sanford Meisner.
It was Meisner who trained him as an actor when he was young, at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater.
Esper would later become part of the staff at the school. In 1977, he then founded two acting programs at Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, leading the department until 2004. It was also during this time that he founded the Esper Studio, where he had continued to teach in recent years..
His work would not only influence the students at his studio, but also make waves around the world. Throughout his career, he served as a teacher Canada’s Banff Festival of the Arts, The National Theatre School of Canada, and the National Film School of Denmark.
Esper was honored with a SAG Certificate of Achievement for his service to the industry. Esper wrote and co-wrote several books throughout this career, including The Actor’s Art and Craft, and The Actor’s Guide To Creating A Character.
Esper leaves behind his wife, Suzanne Esper, a son, Michael Esper, and daughter, Shannon Esper. Both Shannon and Michael followed in their father’s footsteps, pursuing a career in acting.
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