The man dubbed Canada’s oldest working actor has died at the age of 97.
William Needles died Tuesday, after suffering a heart attack in December.
According to a press release from the Stratford Festival, Needles received a “steady stream” of visitors during his three weeks in Stratford General Hospital – many of whom were surprised to find him not only lucid, but reciting Shakespeare.
Needles was born in New York and raised in Kitchener, but best known for his life in Stratford – where he helped found the Stratford Festival and performed in more than 100 of its productions.
He was named to the Order of Canada in 2000.
“The Stratford Festival has lost one of its pioneers, a gifted actor and a favourite uncle,” said festival artistic director Antoni Cimolino.
“Bill Needles was the embodiment of grace and generosity. His humour, humanity and sense of fun infused his work on and off the stage.”
Cimolino also praised Needles for his work in mentoring young actors on and off the stage.
A funeral for Needles will be held on Saturday in Alliston. The Stratford Festival is expected to hold its own memorial in the spring.
Needles was the son of Ira Needles, who helped found the University of Waterloo.
