Tribute to Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith has been a part of Theatresports Auckland since 1990. A wonderful and talented performer, Kevin was also our friend. We always looked forward to performing with Kevin because of his endless generosity, his wonderful energy and most of all, his wicked wit.
Theatresports demands a multitude of talents and Kevin possessed them all. Whether improvising a soulful blues song or filling the auditorium with his powerful voice in a tragic opera, he had the audience’s attention. He was a master of disguise and could seamlessly create characters from a demented doctor, to a streetwise New Yorker, a belly dancer or a snobby English aristocrat.
Improvisation leads you into nerve wracking, unplotted territory and Kevin relished taking those big comedy risks. They often paid off in hilariously improbable plots and wonderful characters that had the audience, and his fellow performers, in stitches.
He often cited Theatresports as an important building block in his career and the company was privileged to support him through those early years. He always remained loyal, never stinting with his time and energy even after he became so popular in New Zealand and beyond.
Kevin appeared in a number of Theatresports productions; the Sunday Theatresports matches at the Maidment Theatre, our late night show “ScaredScriptless”, the Leftfield shows, several national Theatresports tours and many other shows too numerous or long forgotten to mention. He was a member of the popular improv team “The Mighty Tractor Pullers” as well as the “Tall Poppies” and both teams were winners of the Auckland Theatresports Championships. He went overseas and did NZ proud at the International Theatresports Festival in Florida , USA . He was also a wonderful MC and just last year hosted the School’s Theatresports Final.
Kevin leaves a wonderful family and large circle of friends. Our heart-felt condolences and loving thoughts go out to them at this time.
Some of my fondest memories of Kevin are performing in the late night, shockingly irreverent soap opera, “Trash”. We sang the theme song, which was a soppy duet. I loved that moment at the beginning, in the dark, when we began to sing. We started at opposite ends of the stage, the lights slowly coming up and we’d walk towards one another, singing. It was like walking towards this beautiful mirage – sort of like a combo of Julio Iglesias and some movie star idol like Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift or Frankie Avalon – only better. Then 2 minutes later, he’d be transformed into a goofy, German psychiatrist, with Tourettes, who was undercover as a truant schoolboy to study the hormone driven angst of teenagers. He could be inventive and off the wall and he’d have these wonderful bursts of dialogue that left you gob smacked and scrambling to keep up. I shall miss him.— Lori Dungey
Deschamps has been quoted as saying “friends are the relatives you make for yourself’. To many of us, Kevin was family, and he became the brother you could always rely on to make you laugh, make you proud and make you feel good about the world. I can’t think of one single time to tell, there have been too many great memories flooding my mind over the last few days. I’ll pick this one at random. We were onstage at the Maidment, and as usual Kevin, Michael and I were in a musical scene. For some reason I cannot recall, Kevin’s character needed to disappear. So he stuck his head up my t-shirt. Then, after a long pause, he began to attempt to finish our duet, whilst still under my t-shirt. I don’t know who laughed harder, the audience, me, or him. If people live on after death in the memories of others, then Kevin will surely have many lifetimes more than most, so numerous are the people who loved him. Kevin, mate, you will be missed.
— Irene Malone
Kevin was strength and lightness and beauty. When he spoke he would make you feel good. He was always ready to chuckle. We had a strong friendship which was mostly conducted via the phone in the last few years when work kept him on set for long hours. He loved to gossip and would ring often to find out the news. He was never malicious or unkind but gleeful or amused or sympathetic at the “Days Of Our Lives” of fellow actors. Kevin, you were sweet and kind, talented and humble. You will be missed by me and by many for your generosity on the stage and your good companionship off.— Clare Kelso
From my point of view as a friend, Kevin was a mate. From my point of view as a fellow actor he was generous and thoroughly great to play with. From my point of view as a casting director he was a talented professional, lacking a negative ego, and willing to please. He was a pleasure to know and I miss him sorely. Love to his family and closest friends at this horrible time.— Liz Mullane
I will truly miss your “G’day” with that big grin and smiling eyes that I have come to know over the last 8 years. So humble and yet so immensely talented. You were such a pleasure to work with, as nothing was ever to big or small. As an audience member I would watch those around me, both male and female, light up as you entered the stage to entertain us with your commanding presence, and listen to the sighs as a fellow performer managed to manoeuvre things so you were taking your shirt off. My deepest love to Sue and the boys and to Geoff. You are in my memory for ever.— Paula Forbes & family
Arriving from the UK a few years ago and never having seen an episode of Xena or Hercules I was blissfully unaware of Kevin’s ‘fame’. And in dealing with him as a member of the Theatresports company I could have remained that way as a more charming, unpretentious, down-to-earth person you could not wish to meet! I would des cribe him as ‘gentleman’ in every sense of the word who was always willing and happy to do a gig no matter how small. His ‘charisma’ touched a lot of people and he will be very much missed by all who knew him, however briefly.
— Pauline Peters
Kev – a great man. a national treasure. an icon among men. an immensely talented man with a wonderful giving nature. so humble, almost apologetic and amused about his many talents that seem to flow from him so effortlessly… a down to earth, honest bloke. an actor and singer who brought so much to any team situation – the guy with the umbrella side of stage when it poured at CC Christmas in the Park 2001. the guy who always had time for everyone who wanted to say g’day. irrepressible and irreplaceable. I still can’t believe you didn’t make it through, Kev. I will miss you so much. I will treasure and cherish every memory, every photo, every e-mail I have from the 9 years I’ve worked with you and come to know you as a dear, dear friend. When this sadness and loss gives way to acceptance that you are gone, I will celebrate you for a long, long long time. the biggest love to Sue, Willard, Tyrone and Oscar.— Kate Ward Smythe
I have written and re written my thoughts countless times. Every time I wrote some words Kevin ended up sounding like the “kiwi bloke” version of “Princess Di” and he was so much more than that. He was a bloody good bugger and there aren’t that many bloody good buggers around anymore. We will miss you mate….even if you were a Canterbury supporter.— Ric Salizzo
When we were introduced his exact words were “Hi, I’m Kev.” Like he needed to say, but he never assumed. I may have only met him a handful of times but his gentle, friendly demeanor and his crinkling eyes will stay with me for a long time. Penny Ashton I only worked with him once, in 1991 at the National Theatresports Final that he MC’d in Christchurch . I was the musician and got to share a dressing room with him. I was struck by his charm, his smile, and his biceps. He seemed to have a deliciously self-referential personality: the down-to-earth hunk who knows he’s a hunk playing the hunk. He seemed so friendly, and treated me with consummate professionalism. His passing is the loss of another kiwi icon, and I’m certain he will never be forgotten.— Paul Letham
I only met Kevin once… at last year’s Schools’ Competition Finals. He was a genuinely nice guy, you just liked to be around him. I was really shocked to hear of his accident and death… it just didn’t seem right for him to die so young. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends, coping with this sudden and tragic loss.
— Robbie Ellis
You are a man mountain, a man to aspire to not only your humongous talent but an incredible human being. I cherish the short time I got to work with you. You are sadly missed.
— Pat Brittenden
You had that rare ability as an actor to command any stage you walked onto. And yet you always worked to give that stage to your fellow actors. You resonated a warmth and generosity of spirit both on and off stage .You were a humble man who loved people. These were your real gifts Kevin, not just your talents as an actor, but more so your humanity and your humility as a man and I am so, so sad that three little boys don’t have their daddy to cuddle any more …. God speed you Kevin, all my love — Robert Pollock My regards to you all, especially those closest to Kevin. My heart goes out to Geoff and I send him my love and best wishes. This is a terrible shock and a terrible tragedy. My main memory of him is of a friendly, kind and supportive fellow “player” whose immense generosity was greatly appreciated. All the best.— Micheala Rooney
What a good spirit that man had….he was always working from a place of generosity no matter what he was doing…..he is an inspiration.— Sam Scott
An Improv elder – Opera or verse, camel’s head or hero, King or Pauper, villian or lover, the rogue or the rascal, – support or lead, the twinkled eye with tongue firmly in the cheek. Always.
—Missed and saluted by The Improvisors, Wellington
Kevin played a big part early in our stand-up scene. He was the casual talent that is a pleasure to enjoy from the audience and a bastard to follow on stage. He was warm, sincere, very talented and despite his considerable success there was never saw an glimmer of pretension. Just someone having fun. He will be missed.
— Mike Loder
Charming, friendly, kind, approachable, funny, humble, modest, an all round nice guy, loved life. A person who inspired, not just actors and entertainers, but all New Zealanders to take their talents to the highest level of success. Much loved, sorely missed.— Avondale College Senior Theatresports
Team Kevin Smith was the first “famous person” I had ever met in the local industry and he gave famous people such a good rep. – he treated me that day like we should always treat people – with warmth and respect. While his loss is a tragedy his life is a celebration.— John Glass