A Tribute to Chuck Wilcox (1943-2026)

“Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, 

It seems to me most strange that men should fear,

Seeing that death, a necessary end, 

Will come when it will come."

Julius Caesar, II.ii

If you visited the Colorado Shakespeare Festival anytime since 1971, chances are you watched Chuck Wilcox on the stage, or encountered him as Will Shakespeare on the green, perched on a stool, decked in Renaissance garb, answering questions and telling stories. Chuck took his final exit in May 2026, and the CSF community mourns his passing. 

After graduating from the University of Wyoming, Chuck began working as an actor at CSF in 1971, where roles included Kent, Brutus, and Sir Toby Belch. After a stroke at age 40, Chuck began a decades-long career impersonating Will Shakespeare for the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Each summer, as “Will” chatted with patrons on the CSF green, Chuck’s presence became a beloved, time-honored tradition. His participation at CSF’s annual Will Power Festival brought Shakespeare to life for hundreds of elementary school students.  

A 2000 recipient of CU Boulder’s University Medal, Chuck’s work with touring theatre programs (including Colorado Caravan and Overland Stage Company) led to the Developmental Theatre: Fearless Creativity project, a website with tools for teaching theatre and Shakespeare. Charitable contributions to help finish that project may be made at Chuck's website. 

Gifts to CSF in Chuck’s name are also welcome here: https://cupresents.org/give-to-csf

We are grateful to Chuck for devoting his career to the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, bringing Will Shakespeare to life for so many patrons, and for his commitment to excellence in performance, scholarship, and teaching. 

Full obituary: https://www.saratogasun.com/obituaries/37,chuck-wilcox