June 15, 1952 - December 19, 2023 Andrew Campbell, playwright, cultural leader, world traveler and amazing friend, left us on December 19 after a valiant 18-month battle with ALS. His beloved family and friends will remember forever his legacy of kindness.
Andrew was born June 15, 1952 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Margaret and Alva Campbell. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, he acted on stage in Minnesota and Illinois, taught school in Northern California and spent a summer in Chicago before moving to Los Angeles where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Playwriting from UCLA. Following a career in corporate America, he transitioned into the nonprofit and government sector. He was the director of organizational development for ten years with the Los Angeles County Arts Commission before becoming the first full-time arts administrator for the City of West Hollywood, where he lived for more than 30 years. After thirteen years working for the City, he retired in March of 2020. He loved conducting walking tours of his neighborhood, pointing out architecture, public art, the homes of famous residents and regaling his listeners with historical tidbits.
In his embrace of the world, Andrew traveled to Canada, Central and South America, Europe and Morocco. He was especially fond of the Amalfi Coast. Biking with friends around Wolfgangsee in the Lake District of Austria, he led the group in selections from The Sound of Music: a line of single-file bikers, Andrew in the lead, straight back, traditional bikes, blue skies and adults acting like the Von Trapp children.
His plays ranged from the dark humor of The Last Day of Lottie Love to the tender romance of Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald in The Feast of Youth. A member of Playwrights Ink for more than 35 years, Andrew was the first person everyone asked to read their new book or a play, because he'd deliver kind, intelligent, constructive criticism that made success feel possible. He'd listen without judgment and cared in a way that made the air in the room breathable. As an artist, arts administrator and friend, he always created a safe place for artists.
Lest he appear too saintly, Andrew saved his most creative invective for hapless Los Angeles motorists. His imitations of pretentious or self-involved people were shocking in their hilarious accuracy. His family enjoyed his holiday visits to Phoenix, including feasts on the patio and treasure-hunting in the Melrose district for mid-century modern finds (especially lamps).
Andrew was predeceased by his parents, sister Arlene List, and his life partner, actor/writer/singer Donald Snell. He is survived by his sisters Margaret Mary Campbell and Joy Schumacher, brothers Rick Campbell (Nita) and Alvin Campbell, nephews Steve Campbell (Sue), Carey Schumacher (Cheri), David Campbell (Diane), Jeff Campbell (Beth), Aaron Campbell (Kelly), Jeremy Campbell (Nicole), Tanner Campbell and nieces Pam Wykoff (Jeff), Susan Cyr (Stephen), Jani Sage (Derek), Hollie Yeager (Mike) and Nicole Campbell. A celebration of life will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills on January 20 at 11 a.m. Gifts in memory of Andrew may be
made to Hospice of the Valley, Phoenix.
Published by Los Angeles Times on Dec. 23, 2023.
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