Randy and Mary Tamura

East West Players in Los Angeles on Sept. 1 posted the following tribute to Randall Tamura, who passed away on Aug. 28 at the age of 74:

“The EWP family is deeply saddened to share the passing of Randall Alan Tamura, our beloved board chair emeritus. Randy was more than a leader, he was at the heart and soul of East West Players, a friend to artists, and a tireless champion for Asian American theater.

“Randy’s generosity and spirit left a mark on everyone he met. His passion for AAPI theater and unwavering support for our artists ran deep, shaping the very core of our community. His legacy stretches far beyond the stage. Randy showed us what true leadership means: steadfast, strategic, and always present.

“Born and raised in Los Angeles, Randy excelled as a software engineering executive but never lost his artistic spark. He was known for his love of jazz, his voracious reading, and his deep compassion. Randy and his wife, Mari, found a home at East West Players decades ago during the Silver Lake days. Their belief in the power of representation and community has helped shape EWP into what it is today.

“We are honored to have known and worked alongside Randy. His humor, wisdom, and light continue to shine in every story on our stage. Our deepest love and condolences go out to his family and all who knew him. Thank you, Randy, for leading our community with grace and joy. We would not be here without you.

“In honor of Randy’s tremendous dedication, generosity, and service to East West Players, we dedicate our Season 61 programming to him.”

EWP Board Chair Rose Chan Loui said, “East West Players and the Los Angeles arts and Asian American communities have lost a visionary leader with the passing of EWP Chair Emeritus Randy Tamura. Our hearts go out to Randy’s family, especially his loving wife Mari and their son Eric.

“Randy was a pillar of strength for our theater, and he leaves an incredible legacy of leadership. We will miss the benefit of his strategic thinking and financial acumen, but his passion for EWP and his kind and generous spirit will continue to inspire us.”

EWP Artistic Director Lily Tung Crystal said, “We’re heartbroken by the loss of Randy, one of East West Players’ greatest champions. I first met him in 2018 at Ferocious Lotus Theatre Company, and ever since, he tirelessly supported EWP and Asian American theater nationwide.

“Randy believed deeply in artists and stood with many EWP leaders from Tim Dang and Snehal Desai, to Kevin Johnson-Sather and me; offering wisdom, insight, and generosity.

“We’re deeply grateful for his advocacy, mentorship, and guidance. We would not be where we are without him.”

Julia Cho, Stefanie Lau and Marie-Reine Velez, producing artistic leaders of Artists at Play, said in a statement, “Randy Tamura will be dearly missed. We have been deeply saddened ever since the news of Randy’s passing was shared within the Los Angeles Asian American theatre community.

“As long-time supporters of Artists at Play, Randy and his wife Mari offered our fledgling company their time, generosity, and even their home over the years. We cannot thank them enough for being such generous patrons of AAP from the beginning and for contributing to the quality programming we have always aimed to serve.

“Our hearts go out to Mari and the rest of Randy’s family.”

Artists at Play produces theatrical programming that explores the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American experience.

At the 2022 EWP Gala, playwright Leah Nanako Winkler (“Kentucky”) said, “I like to think that our stories are for people like Randy and Mari, who have experienced so much as Asian Americans. They’ve seen so much in our community, carry so much perspective, and are definitely smarter than us — but listen to us anyway with grace, compassion, and joy.

“Randy’s legacy, passed down from his parents Bud and Fumi, extends to his son Eric and his beautiful grandchildren Max, Mia and Marco. His humor, his spirit, and his light are a part of our plays, too.”