Larry Shue

Larry Shue (1946–1985) was an American playwright and actor best known for his sharp-witted comedies that became staples of regional and community theatre. Born on July 23, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and raised in Kansas, Shue developed an early love for storytelling and performance. He attended Illinois Wesleyan University, where he earned a degree in theatre in 1968, honing his skills in acting, directing, and playwriting. Following graduation, Shue served in the U.S. Army, performing with the Army’s entertainment unit, which deepened his experience in touring productions.

After his military service, Shue moved to New York City to pursue an acting career, landing work in Off-Broadway productions and television. However, his greatest professional strides came when he joined Milwaukee Repertory Theater as both an actor and playwright-in-residence in the late 1970s. There, Shue began developing the comedic style that would define his legacy—plays with farcical situations, eccentric characters, and warm undercurrents of humanity. His time in Milwaukee proved to be a fertile period for his creativity, providing a supportive environment for his original works.

Shue’s breakthrough came with The Nerd (1981), a riotous comedy about an awkward houseguest whose clueless behavior upends his host’s life. The play was a critical and commercial hit, enjoying an extended run in London’s West End and widespread productions across the United States. He followed this success with *The Foreigner *(1983), another uproarious farce centered on a painfully shy man pretending not to speak English, only to overhear more than he should. Both plays became modern classics, lauded for their clever setups, physical comedy, and ability to balance humor with warmth.

In addition to playwriting, Shue was a skilled performer. He appeared in numerous Milwaukee Rep productions, national tours, and television roles, often acting in his own plays. His talent for timing and character work informed his writing, lending authenticity to the rhythms of his dialogue. Shue’s works resonated with actors and audiences alike, making him a beloved figure in the theatre community.

Tragically, Shue’s life was cut short on September 23, 1985, when he died in a commuter plane crash near Weyer’s Cave, Virginia, at the age of 39. At the time, he was enjoying national success and working on new projects for stage and screen. Though his career was brief, Larry Shue left behind a small but enduring body of work that continues to delight audiences worldwide. His plays remain staples of theatres large and small, a testament to his gift for crafting stories that celebrate the humor and quirks of human nature.