University of Hawai'i and Kennedy Theatre host memorial for Glenn Cannon

Faculty member devoted over 40 years to the University

Glenn Cannon

On Saturday, May 25, the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa will host a celebration of the life and work of long-time faculty member Glenn Cannon.  Members of the UH and Honolulu theatre and film communities will gather to remember Cannon, who passed away on April 20, at UH Mānoa's Kennedy Theatre at 3:00 p.m.  The theatre will open its doors at 2:30, and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cannon appeared on Broadway in the 1950's in “A Moon for the Misbegotten” and “The Good Woman of Setzuan.”  He also appeared in numerous off-Broadway shows and national tours, and was an actor, director, and teacher at Stanford Repertory Theatre in the 1960's.  Cannon came to the University of Hawai‘i in 1968, and directed over 50 productions in his time at the Department of Theatre and Dance.  He served as a representative to the University of Hawaiʻi Professional Assembly and was instrumental in starting the Academy for Creative Media on the Mānoa campus.

He was also a fixture of the Honolulu theatre community, regularly directing at theatres around the city and winning a dozen Po‘okela Awards for excellence from the Hawai‘i State Theater Council, including the Pierre Bowman lifetime achievement award in 2009.  His television career included recurring characters on “Magnum P.I.” and the original “Hawai‘i Five-0,” as well as roles on more recent shows, including “Lost.” He served as the president and board member of the local Screen Actors’ Guild chapter for more than 20 years.

During his time at the university, Cannon mentored several generations of young actors; in the days after his death, his Facebook page was filled with former students recalling his influence and wishing his family well.  “Glenn touched thousands of students and audience members in his career at Kennedy Theatre and in the community.  He didn't just teach, he changed people's lives,” said Paul Mitri, Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance.  “We invite all those who can to come remember his illustrious career, his humor and wit, and pay homage to a truly irreplaceable artist.”

Cannon’s family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to support the students of the UH Theatre and Dance Program.  Checks may be made out to “UH Foundation” with the notation “For Glenn Cannon Fund,” and mailed to the University of Hawai‘i Foundation, P.O. Box 11270, Honolulu, HI  96828-0270.

For further information about the memorial or making a donation in Cannon’s name, please contact the Department of Theatre and Dance at (808) 956-7677.