Tony-Winning Director Jack Hofsiss has died

http://deadline.com/2016/09/jack-hofsiss-elephant-man-director-dies-at-65-1201819247/

I was fortunate to have known Jack for years. He directed a play I wrote, a number of years ago and it was quite an experience to have the youngest director to win a Tony Award, direct my work. His style was almost like a tangible non-sequitur. I never quite knew what he would do next and just before opening, I wasn't even sure we had a show and somehow, professional that he was, he made it work. I just went with it and it's a fun memory to have worked with him.

He was also inspirational to watch. He told me he was always in some physical discomfort and distress, but it didn't stop him from working and being witty, smart, sarcastic and fun to be around.

Despite his paralysis and hardships (he once told me it took three hours for him to get ready, if he had to go out of the house), he tried to never let it stop him from doing what he loved.

A reminder how quickly life can change.

He wrote a one-man show about the accident, called Jack From Above. He had not intended to perform it, but had the opportunity at the Kennedy Center. It was quite good, much of it telling how he went to China for six months right after the accident because he was told a 'medicine man' could cure him. He mined the story for all the humor he could. He told me there was a film in the works (maybe for HBO, if I recall) and he wanted Robert Downey Jr. to play him, but he admitted that casting was wishful thinking. I don't think it ever came to pass.

One of my favorite stories was when he directed Jessica Lange in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. He met her at The Polo Lounge, I believe, in LA. He did his research and was fully prepared for the meeting. She was a bit late, walked in, sat down and said nothing for a several awkward minutes. Then, she looked at Jack and asked "What color is my hair?" He panicked because he hadn't thought of that. He said he gambled and just said "red." She smiled, got up and said "it will be a pleasure working with you," and walked out.

Odd, but made me laugh.