A legend of the Newfoundland and Labrador theatre community has died.
Rick Boland, whose acting career spanned over five decades in this province, has passed away at the age of 70.
The actor and comedian spent decades at Rising Tide Theatre in Trinity, helping to create the company alongside Founder Donna Butt in 1984.
He was particularly renowned for his political humour and quick wit, which he used to great effect in the ever-popular Revue series.
(Photo via risingtidetheatre.com)
A stand-out on the screen as well as the stage, Boland worked on The Adventures of Faustus Bidgood, Extraordinary Visitor and Hatching, Matching and Dispatching among others.
Performer Andy Jones says Boland was instrumental in the growth of theatre in the province and a positive force in the community.
He says there was only one Rick Boland, calling him an “incredible pillar” for theatre in Newfoundland and Labrador.
In addition to his achievement in the arts, Boland was a staunch gay rights activist and labour advocate, working for years with the NDP.
We are so sorry to say a final goodbye to Rick Boland. Rick passed away last night. He is best known to most for his many contributions to the NL arts community, but we in the NDP remember him fondly as a long-time supporter and campaigner. 1/4 pic.twitter.com/zNYhk07wBO
— The NL NDP (@NLNDP) January 31, 2024
Funeral details are yet to be announced.
Saddened to hear of the passing of Rick Boland (on left). He wrote and performed about the place he loved. We first worked together in ‘92 & toured NFLD & Lab for many years with Rising Tide Revue. Each year he skewered politicians onstage and I learned much in his shadow. RIP pic.twitter.com/ZbI7h5m0Vm
— Mark Critch (@markcritch) January 31, 2024
