Rob Riley, a renowned figure in Chicago theater, passed away on August 8 at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 80 due to complications from a stroke he suffered in 2018.
Riley’s career spanned several decades and included notable performances in both serious and comedic roles. Born on April 6, 1945, in Long Grove, he grew up in a family with a strong educational background — his mother, Margaret Jones Riley, opened and ran a Montessori school, while his father, Robert Riley Sr., was a salesman.
A graduate of the University of Michigan, Riley attended law school for three semesters before ultimately deciding to pursue a career in acting. He expressed a desire to avoid being caught in the middle of other people’s conflicts, a sentiment he shared during an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times in 1990.
After living a ski-bum lifestyle in Colorado for some years, Riley returned to Chicago, where he immersed himself in the local theater scene. He studied under the legendary Del Close, a key figure in Second City improv, in the 1970s.
In 1980, Riley became a mainstage cast member at Second City, where he worked alongside notable talents such as Tim Kazurinsky, Jim Belushi, George Wendt, and Danny Breen.
His work as a writer for “Saturday Night Live” during 1984 and 1985 further showcased his comedic prowess, collaborating with celebrated figures like Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Martin Short.
Despite his notable roles in television and film, it was within the Chicago artistic community that Riley truly found his niche. He was praised for his versatility, exploring all facets of performance without being typecast, as noted by B.J. Jones, artistic director of Northlight Theatre.
Riley’s most celebrated work includes the 1992 musical satire “Wild Men,” which he cowrote, directed, and starred in. The production was described by theater critic Hedy Weiss as a humorous take on the classic “Lord of the Flies” narrative, showcasing a group of men’s retreat that spirals into chaos.
In 2018, Riley portrayed President Ronald Reagan in the Goodman Theatre’s production of “Blind Date,” where he depicted Reagan’s first meeting with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev at a summit in Switzerland.
His wife, Nonie Newton Riley, an actress, highlighted her husband’s ability as a working actor for over 50 years, including performances, commercial and voiceover work. “He made a really steady living in Chicago theater,” she said, reflecting on the impact he had on the local artistic community.
In addition to his stage performances, Riley had minor roles in various television and film projects. One of his memorable appearances was in the film “Groundhog Day,” where he played one of the radio disc jockeys who woke Bill Murray’s character each morning.
Riley was recognized for his sharp intellect and wit, a point highlighted by his peers. Kazurinsky recalls one particular PTA skit at Second City where Riley’s portrayal as a pompous advocate of zero-population growth left a lasting impression.
His ability to blend intelligence with humor earned him respect among his contemporaries, making him an influential figure in the theater community.
Having moved from Chicago to Los Angeles in 2013, Rob and Nonie often split their time between the two cities. The couple shared a rich life together filled with creative pursuits.
Nonie fondly remembered her husband, stating, “He was just such a talent. He could write. He was a musician. He skied. He rode a motorcycle. He swam with the endurance of a polar bear. We loved the fur off him like the Velveteen Rabbit.”
In addition to his wife, Riley is survived by his son William, stepchildren Spencer Breen and Riley Breen, along with two grandchildren, carrying on his legacy in the arts and beyond.
Riley’s contributions to theater and his vibrant life continue to inspire many within the Chicago artistic community, affirming his status as a cherished figure in the world of performance.
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