Heart attack fatal to actor Rick Bauer

Rick Bauer was the quintessential actor, said friend and fellow actor Shirley Kelly. “I don’t know anyone more dedicated to his craft than Rick.?He never had a bad day, never complained. He was a joy to be around.” Added Stewart print director Wade Childress, “A nicer fellow would be hard to find. He really had fun in the business.”

Rick Bauer, 50, died Jan. 4, apparently from a heart attack in his Evanston home.

Known for his ability to assume “everyman” roles, Mr. Bauer’s credits include the HBO movie, “Normal,” “Road to Perdition,” “Rookie of the Year,” numerous TV commercials and print ads.

“He enjoyed each and every booking. He worked as much as anyone and was in demand for his appearance, demeanor, skills and flexibility,” said Kelly.

A Michigan native, Mr. Bauer graduated Western Michigan and served in the Army during Vietnam. He was stationed in Korea and worked as an army code interpreter. He came to Chicago to pursue his dream of acting. “He was attracted to the language of the theatre and the camaraderie that went with it,” said friend and actress Judy Blue. Said Childress, “Rick was just coming into his own and finally was being recognized for his work.”

He is survived by his father.