Jerry Longe Omaha NE Death and Obituary – The Omaha Community Playhouse and the broader Omaha arts community are mourning the passing of Jerry Longe, a beloved actor whose contributions to local theater spanned decades. Longe, who died recently, was most well-known for his iconic portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge in the Playhouse’s annual production of A Christmas Carol. For 17 consecutive years, Longe captivated audiences with his multifaceted performance in this role, which he retired from in 2022. His death marks the end of an era for the Playhouse, as Longe’s legacy remains ingrained in the heart of Omaha’s theatrical landscape.
Longe’s journey with A Christmas Carol began in 1980, when he moved to Omaha and joined the Nebraska Theatre Caravan. He initially portrayed roles such as Marley, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Jake, contributing to the community’s appreciation of his acting prowess. His association with A Christmas Carol deepened in 2006 when he took on the revered role of Scrooge at the Omaha Community Playhouse, becoming only the second actor to do so on its mainstage. Longe followed in the footsteps of the late Dick Boyd, who had portrayed Scrooge for an impressive 30 years.
For nearly two decades, Longe’s portrayal of Scrooge became a defining feature of the Playhouse’s holiday season. Known for its depth, sincerity, and humor, Longe’s Scrooge resonated with audiences year after year. His performances were never identical, showcasing his ability to adapt and evolve the character, keeping the production fresh and emotionally impactful. As the Playhouse remarked, “His portrayal was human, honest, moving, and funny. His performance was never the same year after year, which was incredible to witness.”
Beyond A Christmas Carol, Longe’s extensive body of work at the Omaha Community Playhouse included a wide range of roles in various productions. His credits spanned decades and genres, with notable performances in Teddy and Alice (1990), The Mystery of Irma Vep (1990), The Foreigner (1991), Moon Over Buffalo (1999), The Mask of Moriarty (2000), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (2000), and Mack and Mabel (2001). Additionally, Longe lent his talent to other Omaha theaters such as the Blue Barn Theatre and The Rose Theatre, further showcasing his versatility and expansive skill set.
Longe’s impact, however, was not confined to the stage. He was cherished by his colleagues and audiences for his professionalism, humility, and the genuine connections he cultivated with those around him. His dedication to his craft and the theater community was palpable, and he often spoke fondly of the relationships he formed through A Christmas Carol. Reflecting on his time in the production, he remarked, “I’ve made lifelong friends through this production, and that has been a tremendous gift to me every single Christmas.”
In 2022, Longe made the difficult decision to retire from the role of Scrooge. He cited his desire to spend more time with his family, especially with the impending arrival of his first granddaughter in the spring of 2023, as the driving factor behind his decision. While stepping away was emotionally challenging, Longe expressed that it felt like the right moment to leave the role, stating, “A Christmas Carol isn’t about me. It’s about the show and what it means to the community… I felt it was time to go out on a high note.”
Longe’s death marks the loss of a true gem in the Omaha theater scene. His contributions to the Omaha Community Playhouse, which has been a cornerstone of Omaha’s cultural landscape since its founding in 1924, will never be forgotten. The Playhouse, the largest community playhouse in the country, continues to provide a platform for local talent, and Longe’s enduring legacy will inspire generations of performers to come. In remembering him, the Omaha Community Playhouse stated, “He was one in a million, and the legacy he left us will live on in our hearts and souls, and on our stage.”
Jerry Longe’s profound influence on Omaha’s theater community ensures that his memory will continue to be cherished for many years to come.
