Buff Shurr

Bernard, better known as Buff, was born September 8, 1927, in Baltimore, Maryland to Rose and Irving Shurr. After attending the University of Maryland, Buff moved to New York City where he studied with Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse and with Martha Graham. After graduating he performed both on and off Broadway. One of his most notable performances was in “Carnival” on Broadway, where he portrayed Marco the Magnificent. He acted along side with such greats as Anna Maria Alberghetti, Jerry Orbach, and Kay Ballard. While living in New York City he coached and directed numerous personalities such as Marilyn Monroe, Sammy Davis Jr., Joel Grey, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Ethel Merman, Ginger Rogers, Tony Randall, Chita Rivera, John Travolta, and many more. Buff assisted Grover Champion on numerous David Merrick Broadway shows. He also was Anthony Newley’s assistant on “Roar of the Greasepaint - Smell of the Crowd” on Broadway.

In 1975, Mr. Shurr received an invitation to direct at Casa Mañana Theatre in Ft. Worth where he remained for four years. While at Casa, he cast a young dancer and actress to play the part of Azuri in “Desert Song.” Then 21 years later, he and that young performer, Janiz Minshew, were married in Baltimore, Maryland.

In 1983, Buff directed and co-starred with Patty Granville in GSM’s first production, “Carnival”. Furthermore, many of the actors who have danced and sung their way across Buff’s stage have gone to have theatrical careers in New York City. Some of those actors and actors to name a few are Miquel Cervantes, Brian and Ashley Gonzales, Janiz Minshew, and Pam Reardon. Buff was a mentor to many of the local talent who have made themselves in Texas: Sally Saldo, Suzanne Toler, Denise Lee, Rose Mary Rumbly and Ada Lynn to name a few. Throughout his career Buff directed over 150 industry shows and well over 500 musicals, plays and operas. For all his work he received many accolades which added to his rich legacy.

Buff Shurr is survived by his wife Janiz Minshew-Shurr, their daughter, Maya Zing Shurr, and their grandson, Andrew Irving Shurr, and two loving dogs Gizmo and Chewy.