David Bottrell

David Bottrell is an American actor, writer, and playwright, born in Louisa, Kentucky. He is best known in the theatre world for his co-authorship of the Off-Broadway hit Dearly Departed, a dark comedy about a dysfunctional Southern family dealing with death, grief, and hilarity. The play was later adapted into the 2001 film Kingdom Come.

Bottrell’s theatrical writing is marked by its sharp wit, colorful characters, and unflinching look at family life in rural America. Dearly Departed, co-written with Jessie Jones, has become a staple of regional and community theatre productions thanks to its rich humor and universal themes. The script masterfully balances satire and sentiment, making it accessible and appealing to a wide audience.

In addition to his playwriting, Bottrell is a seasoned television actor, with appearances on shows such as Boston Legal, Modern Family, and Mad Men. This dual career has allowed him to hone a strong sense of character and dialogue, skills that translate seamlessly into his stage work.

Beyond Dearly Departed, Bottrell continues to write and perform across multiple media. He is a frequent contributor to live storytelling events in Los Angeles and has written sketches and scripts for both stage and screen. His background in performance brings an actor’s sensibility to his writing, resulting in lively and performable dialogue.

David Bottrell remains a beloved figure in the theatre community, particularly among those who appreciate southern Gothic humor and heartfelt storytelling. His work captures the absurdities of everyday life while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.