Larry McCauley was for a while the only male in our all girl high school, St. Scholastica Academy.  We followed him - no we stalked him - sort of like girls in the movie Henry Orient... puberty is a ruthless taskmaster. He taught us in two classes, English and Logic, of all things  and our little group of 14 year old girls adored him, his unbelievably quick wit and his lanky theater persona. I am certain we drove him crazy. Then we followed him to Loyola after graduation, joining the theater guild hoping he would suddenly fall in love with one of us. He didn't. But he did become a friend of sorts, a warm and endearing memory for this now 75 year old Floridian.  

Over the years I would look up his name to see what he was appearing in, so very sorry today to find he has passed. He will always be a large part of my  growing up story. 

He was my crazy hero.

My memories of Larry are preserved in the letters he sent, and the albums he delivered with copious notes.  Larry was volatile, gentle, perplexing, and tender - among many other attributes.  I still talk to him; I still miss him;  I still believe he was taken too soon and in a manner not befitting him.   He babysat my dog; he organized my desk.  We played Oberon and Titania and Malvolio  and Viola; he played Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls when I directed.  More than that, we talked, and talked, and talked into the small hours.  So I will go on talking to Larry.

I was one of Larry's drana students at Sacred Heart. cast me in a midsummer night's dream is Helena which I can still quote to this day and as a result we became dear friends. when I move back to Chicago in 1996, we saw each other rarely. But every time it was always an absolute delight whether it was running into one another at the 24hr diner near where he lived just off Devon avenue, or a get together when my family was in town. 

I remember seeing so many of his performances over the years and he was always 100% sincerely himself no matter who he was playing.

Whether he was telling stories about The Iceman, that the Goodman opposite Brian Dennehy or friendships with everyone from comic book legend John Ostrander (who wrote Larry into his college comic strip as Pope John Paul George Ringo) to Fr George Clements, to playwrite Vincent Dowling, his all-consuming love of opera singer Maria Callas, or how much he loved his dogs, I can remember his smile and his startled and sincere laugh. His booming voice and outsized personality always seemed too large to be contained by his mere mortal form-- a tall whippet thin greying-before-his-time rumbled and fraying universal Uncle.

He was a mentor, but more importantly he was a friend. Some days all he wanted in life was to walk to Devon Market across the alley from his apartment and find a perfectly ripe tomato, have a sandwich and walk his dog, and he was perfectly and blissfully content. 

I didn't have a chance to celebrate his life with his family and friends, but I don't doubt for a second that he knew how much I adored him and how very much I will miss him. He was absolutely irreplaceable, irrepressible, incorrigible and marvelously unique--not just in the Chicago theater scene but in my life and the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.



I loved Larry. I  have a memory of Larry walking away with his enormous Dane on one side hand and my little cavalier King Charles spaniel on the other.   It was a sight that that was so charming and sweet.

Larry knew just what I meant when I said that my dog alone all day was a waste.  He gave him  long  daily walks during the  hard years when  I was working and raising a child alone, and took him when we went on vacations.    All this led to  satisfying, soulful, but lighthearted conversations about being outsiders in the church and community.
 Dane he rescued when he saw him as a puppy with some unsavory characters that  he was afraid were going to train him as fight dog.   I was worried Dane was too much for him, and tried to talk him into finding a family to take him, but he was devoted.
Thought of you often in December and so sorry now I didn't call.  
Now you have all the love and communion you deserve, forever.  'Bye Larry.  Miss you.




Reading these beautiful tributes and remembrances of Larry, and looking at the photographs, is so moving. Larry was a remarkable man; I am grateful to have known him. A MEMORIAL MASS for Larry will be said on SATURDAY JANUARY 28 at 10a.m. at St. Gertrude Church Chicago, 6200 N. Glenwood Avenue, Chicago, 60660 (corner of Glenwood & Granville). There will be hospitality and memory sharing immediately  following the mass for Larry, in the Ministry Center, 6214 N. Glenwood Avenue (next door to the church). All are welcome!

I'm very grateful that I knew Larry McCauley!  Besides being one of the best actors I've ever seen (I think of him as the John Barrymore of the Chicago area), he has been one of the kindest friends I've ever had.  As an actor, Larry set a darn good example, as he was very supportive of other actors including me.  He worked hard and knew how challenging the life of an actor can be.  He came to see me in the shows I was in at Loyola and was very complimentary of my acting and playwriting work. 

I'm grateful I was able to see him act in some excellent productions-- from Court Theatre to Candlelight Theater to the Goodman Theater!  One of my favorite performances of Larry was when he played Oberon in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Court Theater and his Oberon really was enchanting, powerful and graceful as he lept on stage.  Larry was the best Oberon I've ever seen.  I also loved his performance in "The Brothers Karamozov" at Wisdom Bridge when he played Dame Constance Garnett!  His King Pelinore in "Camelot" was also delightful!  I can never forget the brilliance and love he put into his performances.

I can tell you about what a wonderful, wicked (at times) sense of humor he had, but perhaps I won't go into details now.  

Thanks for your friendship, Larry!  I'll never forget you.

Jean Scott



Larry was 'one of a kind. A character as in one of his theatrical play.
I have known Larry for about 30 years. 
When I was sick and unable to bend Larry would come over at least once a week and take care of the litter box for my cats. And when I got better he continued to come over because he fell in love with my cats Oliver & Pywacket.  And I always fixed something for us to eat & drink .and we'de talk endlessly about the stars of the theatre and The Golden Age of Hollywood.  Who have I got now to share my stories ?
Larry will certainly be missed in my life.  But if any one had a ticket to Heaven he did. Larry believed in his God and Higher Power.
                      Ziggy

In summer of 1971, I was in "Cabaret" with Larry playing Herr Schultz at the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts.  We all stayed at the College Park Apts, which were cheaply furnished.  Gordy Cameron, a fellow Loyola student, roomed with Larry.  One night Gordy came back to find the living room bare -- couch, chairs, tables sitting the patio -- and Larry lying peacefully on the floor.  Gordy asked, "Larry, who moved all the furniture?"  Larry's response:  "Elves, Gordon...  Elves."  Larry, you were a magnificent delight on earth, and I know you are entertaining them in heaven.  I'm grateful for your presence in my life.

Noreen O'Neill

Lary was a devoted Catholic, supporting his parish church, St. Gertrude's on Granville. He truly will be missed.
Carleen Lorys

TO LARRY~
I will always always remember you….. in English Class at SSA when you read the poem by Whitman {I think it was he?}  and elegantly tossed daffodils …. I recognized your “brilliance “ even then! And we rode the bus to wherever you were performing as your “Groupies” to watch you on stage. We were so fortunate to have known you if for a brief time in our lives. 

May you RIP with all the literati in Heaven.  Or just hang out.

Missing you ~ Francine 

Thank you to Jean Moran for so eloquently expressing thoughts and feelings that echo mine at this sad time. Larry has been a family friend since 1966. He was so happy for me when I moved to Europe in 1972; me still a wide-eyed ingenue. He gave me suggestions for the things I should do, the places I should see, with the seasoned knowledge of the scholar of European history and theatre that he was. “You MUST see the Keats’ house next to the Spanish Steps”, he said with the conviction of one who knew. As “was his wont”, he would remind me now! He loved my family as we did him. I too have kept his missives and take comfort in seeing his writing - as honed as if wood cut, and as considered as each and every word he wrote. Larry, you were there for me all these years, and even when James died in 2020. I wish I could be there for you now. Please know that in spirit, with my daughters Stephanie and Laura, we are.

Jane F Tracy-Cavaciuti

I knew Larry many years ago when we were both students at Loyola University. He, of course, was involved in theater productions, usually as a leading man. I worked as a stagehand and occasional extra in plays. He was handsome and dashing and always so kind. Although it’s 50+ years since I’ve seen him, I’ve never forgotten him. May he rest in peace! 🙏🙏🙏

I wasn’t going to write anything because, with Larry gone, I don’t know who I am writing for.  Ron Nicholas posted many of he pictures I have - most are from plays.  I have drawers full of ‘Letters from Larry,’ as I am sure so many of us do.  I remember coming to my apartment on Farwell, knowing there would be a missive, and often a record - a Judy Collins, or Joan Baez, or The Mamas and the Papas, or Simon and Garfunkel.  Every night that we weren’t rehearsing, we would be at a friend’s apartment, usually with corn beef from Ashkanaz.  

The letters always amazed me.  They still do.  I think Larry poured his soul out in letters.  They were long, thoughtful, poignant, funny, laden with literary references, poetry, theatre, sweet insights.  I often thought Larry found it more comfortable to write than to talk, although we spent many a night talking into the small hours.  

I will miss you, Larry.  I will miss looking forward to seeing you as well as seeing you.   I will miss the comfort level you gave me when Honey stayed with you.  I will miss the security I felt on 
stage, and off, with you.  I will miss your insight, your wry humor, your love.

I am so sorry you suffered.  I am so sorry I could not alleviate that suffering.  I am sorry you could not write your own ending.  I am grateful, however, that you could still enjoy Olivier movies and ice cream, and that you always took joy and comfort in the service you rendered to others.  You will forever live in my heart and my memories, and I know that you know all of these thoughts and feelings, mine and others whose lives you influenced.  

Goodnight, Sweet Prince, my forever friend.  How fitting that we watched that film the last time I saw you.

Jean Moran

Larry saved me from myself. He helped me to laugh again, have hope again and pray harder with more devotion than I ever thought possible. He called me his Honorary Valentine, and for so many years sent me a card on 2/14, and fixed up one of his famous care packages full of little treasures that mean the world to me. Here we are at Ravinia Park with our picnic basket full of goodies waiting to hear this marvelous concert pianist I had never heard perform before. I can say it truly was a night to remember, perhaps one of the happiest of my life. For this and so much more, Larry’s light  perpetually shines in my heart as a kind and loving soul of extraordinary fine character and sincerest humility. 
Thanks, Lar, for everything. 💝

One of the best teachers I ever had. His influence, his friendship and his humor have influenced me greatly. I felt very lucky to keep in contact with him until the shutdown. Every year I would send him a holiday card and every year he would cut pictures from it out and send them back with newspaper articles attached. He was a one-of-a-kind and I, like many others, will miss him dearly. 

Larry is a legend in Chicago theatre and a role model for so many.  So many hilarious conversations on the car rides home, so many long funny messages left on our answering machine. Thank you Larry, for being in our lives.

Publicity shots of Larry from around 1986.  Two very good looks.

Larry joined us for a reunion dinner in 2012 and wanted to share a favorite necktie that celebrated his love of great music.

I, and many of his friends from our Loyola days, will sure miss his talent, his wit, his caring words.  I will personally miss our phone calls.  

I recall one from a couple of years ago.  When I asked him, "So how are you doing, Larry?"   He replied very simply, "Well, Ron, I'm no longer buying green bananas." and of course I fell on the floor.  

My dear Larry, may you rest in peace but please do keep entertaining all our friends joining you in heaven.

This is Larry who was cast as Nicely-Nicely in the 1966 Loyola University production of "Guys and Dolls" directed by his good friend Jean Moran.

A publicity still of Larry who played at Wisdom Bridge Theatre around 1974-75 in "The Fantasticks".

Have many photos of Larry through the years.  Hard to pick just 5.  This shows Larry as a Freshman in the Quigley Yearbook from 1953.  He 2nd from left in the front row.

Larry was a man of boundless talent and intelligence and ingenuity.  Crazily funny.  I ran into him on the el on the day of the Jeff Awards and I told him he was going to win for his wild portrayal (in a dress in a wheelchair!) in THE IDIOTS KARAMAZOV.  His eyes got wide and he didn't show up for that ceremony.  So many other memorable performances!  Wish I had stayed in touch with him.  On to the next curtain call, where he won't have to shout bravo as he bows...

Lawrence McAuley had a profound influence on me. He is the reason I was an English teacher. He brought literature and poetry to life for me and made those writers real.  He put me into his production of Midsummer’s Nights Dream which was a highlight of my high school years.  He taught me about love and life in a deeper way than I had known at that time. I will never forget him and will be forever grateful for the many lessons he so wonderfully inspired. 

I wish I had an old photo.   I've known Larry since I was 17.   He was instrumental in my becoming an actor while we were both at Loyola U.  We have kept in touch all these 60 years, though he stayed in Chicago and I moved around quite a bit.   When those dark eyes alighted on me I felt sometimes that he could see into my very soul.  I was so glad I got to see him play Nonno on Broadway and later back in Chicago, he was so fine in "The Steward of Christendom."   
Larry was complicated; I think we may agree on that.  The word that keeps bubbling up is "ardent."  He was an ardent actor, an ardent friend, and an ardent Christian.   I wish I had his faith.   Let all know that if anyone got welcomed lately by St. Peter, Larry was a shoo-in.   He is out of his pain.  He is with his God.  RIP.

Bloomsday 2018at the Cliff Dwellers. You even made the Irish Consul smile with your nuanced reading. Such career. Such a friend. Such a life!

Bloomsday 2007 at The Cliff Dwellers. James Joyce's Ulysses, the 4th chapter - Calypso. You were unforgettable.

Rest in Peace, ol' pal. How wonderful that you were lassoed into our annual readings from James Joyce's Ulysses at The Cliff Dwellers. 

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Lawrence Bernard McCauley

10 juin 1938 – 17 décembre 2022

Malec & Sons Funeral Home

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