Stephen Eric McIntyre, a Renowned Figure in Winnipeg’s Theatre, Film, and Television, Dies at 63 – Obituary and Death Notice
Stephen Eric McIntyre, a pioneer of local improv comedy and a well-liked figure in Winnipeg’s theatre, film, and television sectors, passed away on Thursday at the age of 63 ¹. He was announced dead by the ACTRA Manitoba in a statement that read, “ACTRA Manitoba is saddened to hear of the passing of Stephen McIntyre. Stephen’s career in film and television spanned 30 years, and during that time, he amassed an impressive list of credits on projects across the country. Beyond being an incredible on-camera performer, Stephen was also well-respected in the theatre and improv community. Often playing ‘rough’ characters, Stephen was, in reality, quite sweet and extremely generous as an actor who cared deeply about the craft. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones; he will be missed.”
Stephen McIntyre was a talented actor who made numerous appearances in regional theatre productions before going on screen to play a seasoned veteran opposite charismatic and intense actors like Robin Williams, John Turturro, Michael Fassbender, and Bob Odenkirk in the 2021 shoot-’em-up Nobody ¹. McIntyre began his theatrical career at the University of Winnipeg, where he was cast as a sword-carrier in a student production of Twelfth Night following a chaotic lead audition. He was born in Regina in 1960 and reared in Winnipeg from the age of eight. McIntyre willingly left the institution after one term. After leaving the university, he began hanging around and going to auditions. McIntyre turned up for an audition for the Theatre X improv team in 1982. Living in an oil-heated “shack” in St. James, he shared a room with Slade, with whom he threw parties for their expanding group of theatrical and improv enthusiasts. Taking empties to the beer vendor helped them pay some of their rent.
Theatre X, which featured Jeff Hirschfield, Brian Hartt, Mariam Bernstein, Sheldon Fink, Joy Beauchamp, Ellen Peterson, and Ann Hodges, developed a sketch collection called The Choking Puppet, which was presented at the planetarium shortly after he enlisted. McIntyre portrayed Bob, a resident in a back alley who amused himself with shadow puppets and twist-tie figures. Covered in ketchup, McIntyre went to clean himself up after the play and ran across Reg Skene, a major figure in the development of the theatre and cinema school at the University of Winnipeg.
The remaining members of Theatre X formed a base of operations at the Gas Station Theatre (now the Art Centre), which opened in Osborne Village in 1983, following the dissolution of the original leadership group. McIntyre worked at the Gas Station later in life; a painting facing the street features his likeness. For his efforts in revitalizing the courtyard in front of the theatre and starting a program where young people from the community paint on the walls and planters, he was given a Safer Community Award in 2008.
When the inaugural Winnipeg Fringe Festival took place in 1988, McIntyre was already well-known. During that first performance, McIntyre starred in the festival hit Mind of the Iguana, a script he co-wrote with Brian Drader. From Shakespeare in the Ruins to Manitoba Theatre for Young People, McIntyre rose to prominence as one of the most sought-after leading men on city stages. McIntyre gravitated toward film and television jobs in the 1990s and 2000s, often landing parts in crime dramas like History Channel’s Gangland Undercover and westerns like High Noon and Lonesome Dove that called for a certain kind of gritty, blue-eyed menace. These included cameos in several Winnipeg-shot films, such as The Big White (starring Robin Williams, Woody Harrelson, and Holly Hunter); The Lookout (starring Jeff Daniels and Joseph Gordon Levitt); and the 2009 heist film High Life (starring McIntyre and Timothy Olyphant, and helmed by Gary Yates).
Stephen McIntyre’s obituary and funeral arrangements will be released by the family at a later date. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, and his memory will continue to inspire and motivate others.
In conclusion, the tragic loss of Stephen Eric McIntyre has left a void in the lives of everyone who knew him. As we come together to mourn and celebrate his life, let us remember the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with those we hold dear.
