Marilyn G Laudadio

Originally from New York, Marilyn found a home in South Florida, where she was a fixture in both the professional and educational Florida Theatre Scene. Marilyn received her Bachelor of Arts from Barry University in 1972, Master of Arts from University of Miami in 1974 and did her Doctoral studies at Florida State University. Even while completing her studies, Marilyn started teaching, a passion that led to several accomplishments including:

-         Resident choreographer for Barry University and University of Miami.

-         Headed up the new Dance Minor program at Barry University and created the Fusion Dance Company.

-         Artistic Director of Mimic Theatre Company which received national recognition 

-         Resident Director for the South Florida Shakespeare Festival at Vizcaya and the Minorca Playhouse in Coral Gables

-         The preeminent authority in Florida on Commedia dell’arte (early Italian Theatre), Marilyn consulted with Disney Creative Entertainment and Walt Disney World EPCOT show development for their French and Italian Pavilion Design and Entertainment.

-         She was the featured mime in “The Way of the Humanist,” an Emmy Award winning episode in the series: “The Art of Being Human”

-         A Dance and Theatre Movement specialist, Marilyn was a Guest Artist in Residence for the New York City Ballet’s summer residence in Saratoga Springs.

-         Marilyn was the resident artist at Dillard School for the Arts in Broward County.

-         Named “Arts Teacher of the Year” in 1992 for the children’s theatre programs she developed at Central Park Elementary.

-         Marilyn authored many books intended for use in arts and theatre education.

-         For her accomplishments and contributions to educational theatre, Ms. Laudadio was named to the Board of Directors of Florida Association for Theatre Educators, Who’s Who in Entertainment, and Who’s Who of American Women.

When Marilyn wasn’t behind the scenes working on a production, she was seen on-stage as Mavis in Florida Repertory Theatre’s production of “Steppin’ Out”, as Anita in “West Side Story” or Aldonza in “Man of La Mancha”. She appeared as the Chemist in the Miami Vice episode “The Cows of October” and as an otherworld hostess for WPBT membership marathon of Dr. Who episodes.

In Marilyn’s second career, she ventured into the world of technology where she applied her methodical and logical way of thinking to solve business problems with technology. Marilyn picked up programming like it was second nature. In addition to supporting older technologies for her clients, she created powerful, eye-catching websites. Her creative graphic designs were beautiful and original. With the advent of smart homes, Marilyn went all in and not only set her house up with smart features but also convinced several friends to join her.  

Marilyn always had a dog or two that thought of her as Mom. She got her last dog Gracie just before the pandemic began. Gracie was Marilyn’s angel who kept her company during the isolation of the pandemic and lightened her spirits as she fought cancer for the second time. The neighborhood cats were known to adopt Marilyn and she was happy to feed them. For a short time, a rooster called her backyard home and played tag with Gracie.

Marilyn had so many interests and talents that she happily shared with her friends. From childhood, Marilyn was an avid science fiction fan which she combined with her love of theater and acting. She was always recommending TV shows and movies to her friends, many of which were science fiction. Marilyn’s love of nature showed in her gardening and photography. She loved learning and researched everything whether for herself or for a friend. Marilyn was a teacher whether in an official capacity or just showing a friend how to do something. She provided inspiration, encouragement and support to so many students and friends that her impact cannot be measured. 

Marilyn is preceded in death by her father, Albert, her mother Marie and her brother Alan. 

Marilyn is survived by many friends, colleagues, students, mentees who will miss her dearly. Marilyn gave of herself to all those who became part of her family.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held 5 to 7 pm on Wednesday, June 12th 2024 at 6301 Taft St, Hollywood, FL 33024. The Gathering will also be live streamed at www.homegoingmemories.com. If you plan to attend in person or virtually, please complete this form so that we can plan accordingly: https://forms.gle/J793nJU6sKBAAWYw7 Arrangements are by Fred Hunter Funeral Home.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Vitas Hospice team who supported Marilyn at home and at the hospital. We are grateful for their kindness to Marilyn and the many friends (and a dog) that came to visit in her final days. 

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to

-         Barry University Theatre department, https://www.barry.edu/en/giving/

-         The local NPR and PBS stations WLRN, WPBT2 and WXEL, https://donate.wlrn.org/ 

-         Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, https://ocrahope.org/get-involved/donate/ This site also includes information about symptoms and early detection of ovarian cancer.