George Wallace Strattan

George Wallace Strattan, aged 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 30, 2024 at his home. He was born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania on February 1,1936, to J. Maurice Strattan and Emma Wallace Baldwin Strattan. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Louise Strattan Hadik, and Grandson, Joseph Nikolas Strattan. He leaves behind his wife, Janet, his children, Joe and Jenny, his daughter-in-law, Cristina, his three granddaughters, Emma, Ava and Sophia, his best friend, Pete (who followed him, passing 9 days later), and many other family members and friends.

George graduated from Kutztown State Teachers College in 1957, with a degree in Art Education. He then went to New York City and studied acting at the American Theatre Wing for 3 years. He tried his luck on Broadway, auditioning for the greats like Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim and Bob Fosse. In 1960, he and two friends drove across the country to Hollywood, “just to see what it was like,” and he never left. George tried his hand at acting in a few movies and TV shows, but his real love was live theater. He helped to build and operate four small theatres, as well as presiding as President of the Burbank Little Theatre at George Izay Park. By 1970, George and his friends, Pam and Walt Gilmore, decided it was time for them to create a theater of their own. The Golden Mall Playhouse was built by the three and their many loyal friends from a converted bowling alley off San Fernando Road. It opened in 1973 and successfully ran until 1981, when the city tore it down for redevelopment. After that, he worked in many different theaters in the San Fernando Valley, before eventually landing at the Glendale Centre Theatre. He spent many happy and fulfilling years at GCT, directing and acting in over 100 shows. Throughout his theatrical career, he inspired many within the community, as well as making lifelong friends, all while holding down a full time job to support his wife, children, and his “theater habit.”

While theater might be his passion, he believed his greatest accomplishment was his family. He was proud of his son and daughter-in-law, and the family they created. He loved watching his granddaughters succeed, both on the field and onstage. He enjoyed living vicariously through his daughter, watching her direct and act in shows. George will be missed by so many, but none more than his loving wife of 50 years, Janet Kay. “We’ll see you again someday. Now get those plays and musicals directed and performances going!”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the John Burroughs High School Vocal Music Association (https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/john-burroughs-high-school/choir-websitedonation) and the Burbank High School Drama Department (https://www.onthestage.tickets/burbank-high-school/donate#/donations).

Memorial Service will be Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 3:30pm at First Presbyterian Church of Burbank 521 E. Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91501.