Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - A pivotal figure in the Syracuse arts community has died.
The man who created Central New York’s professional theater company, Arthur Storch, passed away on Tuesday in New York City.
He built Syracuse Stage over 18 years into a nationally recognized company, featuring stars such as Jean Stapleton and Eli Wallach and boosting the careers of young actors like The West Wing’s John Spencer.
Since he left Syracuse in 1992, Storch taught at the New School of Drama in New York City.
During his 45-year career, Storch was a respected actor in New York and on early television.
He appeared in the film “The Exorcist” and directed Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Alan Alda.
The Syracuse Stage Facebook page had the following statement:
“We feel and see his impact and contribution to the performing arts in Syracuse everyday.”
Storch was 87 years old.
