Michael J. McAlister Jr.
September 5, 1962 – August 27, 2023
Michael J. McAlister, Jr., was born on September 5, 1962, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Michael and Anne McAlister. The oldest of three brothers, Mike was raised in Sunset Hills and graduated from Westside High School in 1980. It was at Westside that Mike fell in love with performing on stage and the idea of being an actor. He pursued acting at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1984. By 1987, Mike had graduated from the University of Minnesota with his Master of Fine Arts degree, was a finalist for the Irene Ryan Award, and was performing at the Kennedy Center. He was a proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association and performed as an Actor and Director for over 30 years.
He lived and worked in New York and Los Angeles, but it wasn’t until he moved to Chicago that he knew he was home. Working with Iconic theatres such as Steppenwolf, The Goodman, and ShawChicago gave Mike both purpose and pleasure. He spent many summers traveling to wonderful Shakespeare festivals, performing all over the US, with Utah and Idaho being his favorite venues. Mike was not only acting at ShawChicago, but he was also the Office Manager for the Theatre.
Unfortunately, due to multiple heart attacks in 2009, Mike decided it was time move to move back home to Omaha to be with family. He enjoyed cooking for Mom and Joe, and loved watching old movies. and was passionate about European futbol. He had wonderful doctors and nurses at the UNMC and lived more than 10 years longer than originally predicted.
Michael, age 60 years, was preceded in death by his father, Michael J. McAlister, Sr. He is survived by his mother, Anne McAlister; siblings, Joseph P. McAlister, and Thomas J. McAlister; nieces, Katie McAlister, and Grace McAlister; and dear friend, Jenny Wells.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, September 7, 2023, 10 a.m., Christ the King Catholic Church, 654 S 86th St. PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT: Resurrection Cemetery. To view a live broadcast of the Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested supporting the arts by attending live theatre.
4 Comments
Michael was a genuine talent and a caring, generous man. His passing brings happy reminiscences to mind for a host of people who had the pleasure knowing and working with him over the years. He will be greatly missed.
I’m sorry to hear of the passing of Michael. He was a talented actor that I worked with for over 15 years. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Michael was a big happy guy that led a joyful life and made a lot of people smile. He will be missed.
So sorry to hear this, Michael was a good friend since my first few days in Chicago. We used to get together to play backgammon and listen to music and make each other laugh. I will miss him.
Sign Guestbook