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Kerry Ashton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Raised in Pocatello, Idaho as a staunch member of the Mormon faith, Kerry attended Brigham Young University in the early 70s, where some of the more dramatic events recounted in h...view moreABOUT THE AUTHOR
Raised in Pocatello, Idaho as a staunch member of the Mormon faith, Kerry attended Brigham Young University in the early 70s, where some of the more dramatic events recounted in his memoir took place.
Kerry wrote and published his first play, BUFFALO HEAD NICKELS with Pioneer Drama Service at the age of 17. Since that tender age, he has written and published several plays, most prominently THE WILDE SPIRIT, a one-man play with music, based upon the life and works of Oscar Wilde, for which Kerry wrote the book, music and lyrics. His other published works include the full-character play, MY LIFE AS OSCAR WILDE and RED HOT MAMA, THE NEW SOPHIE TUCKER MUSICAL, a two-character, two-act musical play.
Of all of Ashton's written works thus far, it is THE WILDE SPIRIT that has enjoyed the most success. When THE WILDE SPIRIT had its World Premiere in June 1977 at New Playwrights Foundation in Los Angeles, Kerry achieved acclaim for both his play and performance. The show subsequently ran for nearly two years, moving to the larger Theatre Rapport and then to The Cast Theater. Later produced in New York, first Off-Off-Broadway in 1982, then Off-Broadway in 1996, Kerry also brought his play to Provincetown, MA in 1990-1992, running for 11 months, making it the longest-running play in Cape Cod's history. In one of the most remarkable histories of any solo theatrical performer, Kerry has given over 1,000 live performances of THE WILDE SPIRIT across the United States, before an estimated 40,000 people, performing in professional engagements at some of America's most prestigious universities and at several regional theaters. Acclaimed by critics nationwide for both his play and performance, Kerry has won many awards for THE WILDE SPIRIT, including three Los Angeles Civic Star Awards for Best Play, Best Actor, and Best Direction. He also received an Award of Merit from the ASCAP for the play's original music and lyrics.
Kerry began his professional acting career in summer stock, first at Dirty Jack's Wild West Theater in Jackson, Wyoming, then at The Pioneer Playhouse near Park City, Utah. Then, after performing in THE WILDE SPIRIT in Los Angeles for two years, he appeared first on television in THREE'S COMPANY on ABC, and later with Cesar Romero and Eve Arden in NBC's WHODUNNIT?
Leaving Hollywood for New York City in 1979, Kerry's New York acting credits include the starring role of Max in PAINT BY NUMBERS at the 78th St. Theatre and in workshop productions at Broadway's Circle-In-The-Square and at Ensemble Studio Theatre. He also created the leading role of Nick in the Off-Broadway production of HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY! His few film appearances include appearing very briefly in a pivotal scene with Meryl Streep and Robert DeNiro in the film, FALLING IN LOVE. Among his TV films, he appeared in RAGE OF ANGELS with Jaclyn Smith, and opposite Maureen Stapleton in SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY.
Kerry now makes his home in South Florida with his life partner, Victor Ramirez. Among the activities they most enjoy together, travel is a real passion.
For more information about Kerry Ashton and his published works, as well as information on his professional career as an author, playwright, actor, director, producer, and as a singer, songwriter, musical composer and lyricist, please visit his website at www.KerryAshton.comview less
Books by Kerry Ashton
SAINT UNSHAMED: A Gay Mormon's Life: Healing From the Shame of Religion, Rape, Conversion Therapy & Cancer