Biography
Greg Kramer (1961 – April 8, 2013) was a British-born Canadian author, actor, director, and magician. Born and raised in Hertfordshire, England, he emigrated to Canada in 1981 and spent the remainder of his life living in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.
His first novel, "The Pursemonger of fugu," published by Riverbank Press in 1995, was shortlisted for the City of Toronto Book Award. His other novels included "Couchwarmer" (1997) and "Wally" (2004). His short story collection "Hogtown Bonbons" (1999) was originally published by Xtra! in Toronto as a regular column. He also wrote several theatrical plays.
As an actor he appeared regularly on the television series "Forever Knight", John Woo’s "Once a Thief" and "Tales from the Neverending Story," and as a voice actor in "Tripping the Rift," "George and Martha" and "Arthur". He also had supporting roles in numerous films, including "300," "The Day After Tomorrow," "I'm Not There" and "On the Road". In theatres he worked across Canada, from the Vancouver Playhouse to the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
Directing credits include "Tiger's Heart" at the Centaur Theatre, "Marat/Sade" (Dora nomination, best production), and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" at the Segal Centre for Performing Arts in Montreal, which garnered him a Best Director MECCA award. Also a magician, Kramer was the magic consultant and coach for Des McAnuff's production of "The Tempest" at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, featuring Christopher Plummer. As a playwright, his credits included "Lies of the Vampyre," "Skateboard Tango," "Queens and the Great Out Doors" and "Isadora Fabulist!".
Kramer was found dead in his Montreal apartment on April 8, 2013. Although a cause of death was not immediately confirmed, Kramer was HIV-positive and had previously had a lung removed due to a bout of lung cancer. His last play "Sherlock Holmes" was performed at the Segal Centre for Performing Arts in Montreal from May 4 to 26, 2013. The play, which starred Jay Baruchel in the titular role, had also cast Kramer as Inspector Lestrade. The play went ahead, with actor Matt Gagnon cast to replace Kramer.
Kramer was openly gay.
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