Theaterboy just announced the passing of Gilbert Mead.
“Gilbert Dunbar Mead, age 76, philanthropist and retired research scientist, died May 29, 2007 at Washington Home and Hospice of complications following a stroke. Mr. Mead and his wife Jaylee are noted arts philanthropists, whose recent commitment to Arena Stage marks the largest individual gift ever given to a regional theatre.”
To read the article, which is rich in details about the life of this remarkable man, click here.
Many actors, theaters and patrons have been blessed by the Mead generosities. If you are one of them, leave a message here and we will make certain all are passed on to the family.
I will remember the joy that radiated from Mr. and Mrs. Mead at the opening night party of one of the many productions they generously supported. They were so gracious to all – even to the understudy to an understudy (as I was). Thank you and may God bless family and friends who will miss him.
A friend has given your wonderful comments to Jaylee Mead. Thanks to everyone for sharing your memories.
I have had the pleasure of meeting the Meads at many Helen Hayes auctions and Award shows and it was always a pleasure to be surrounded by so much love and joy. On behalf of ‘Thats Entertainment Productions”, we send our deepest condolences for your loss Jaylee. May you rest in peace Gil and know that you will always be a part of our life…..AMEN
Dear Jaylee,
Receive my love!
Maru Montero
The DC theatre community has lost one of its biggest supporters. Gilbert Mead will be sorely missed by all of us who loved to see him at all the opening nights and Helen Hayes ceremonies. Everytime I will visit a theatre that bears his name, I will think about this wonderful man who contributed so much to DC theatre. May God rest his soul and bring comfort to his family.
It is impossible to overestimate the effect that Gilbert Mead’s generosity, and that of his wife Jaylee. Their gifts help dozens of venues stay open, which in turn provides work for hundreds of theater professionals, which in turn provides the talent to stock a hundred more companies.
I read yesterday where researchers have determined that altruistic thoughts generate an electrical response in a specific part of the brain. If so, Mead would have lit up their machines like a Christmas tree. Many donors give carefully, through complex financial instruments. The Meads just write the check. It is one thing to give millions of dollars to theaters, as Gil Mead did. It is quite another to, after earning a well-deserved retirement from a highly successful career as a physicist, give up three years of your life to become a lawyer simply so you would have another way of helping your friends. That, brothers and sisters, is an altruist.
Gil Mead, God rest your good soul!
Dear Jaylee,
Susan and I were very saddened to hear the news about Gil. Your support for Washington theater has had a very personal influence. You sponsored “Damn Yankees” at Arena, in which various school groups got to participate in the fan club. Our daughter, Emma, was in one of those groups, and the experience led her to love all aspects of drama. She is now 15 and was recently in “Twelfth Night” at Sandy Spring Friends, and is about to embark on 8 weeks of performing arts summer camp. Thanks to you and Gil for support and inspiration to so many.
Your astronomical friends,
Bob Hanisch and Susan Neff
Jaylee and all of Gil’s family,
Gil was truly a blessing to all of us. He will live on in his contributions to science and the arts, and in the enrichment he brought to the lives of each of us who were fortunate enough to have known him. I’ll remember his barbershop quartet singing, the parties and concerts at your home in the Watergate, and my conversations with him. Goodbye, Gil!
From all of us at DC Theatre Reviews our condolences to Mrs. Jaylee Mead, and all of the family and friends.
What a loss for our theater community! My utmost condolences to Mrs. Jaylee Mead, and all of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I know there will be an outpouring of love that we all feel for you and for Gil. Needless to say, we are there for you in any way. We will all miss him so. Let me know if there is anything we can do. Love from Randy and Cathy.