Actor Stacy Keach Suffers Heart Attack Onstage In Chicago

CHICAGO, IL — Actor Stacy Keach suffered a mild heart attack during the opening of the Goodman Theatre's production of "Pamplona" last week, causing the cancellation of the show mid-performance, according to the Chicago Tribune. The actor, 76, planned to stay in Chicago with his wife while he recovers from the episode that happened May 30, and he was set to be released Tuesday, the report added.

Speaking on the actor's behalf, Goodman artistic director Robert Falls told the Tribune that Keach started showing symptoms while he was onstage and began having trouble with his lines in Jim McGrath's one-man play about Ernest Hemingway. The 80-minute performance was intended for critics and Goodman Theatre supporters. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest Palatine news. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

Fall said Keach — a prolific veteran actor known for his numerous roles on TV and in movies — is expected to make a full recovery, but his doctors "have advised a period of rest and recuperation," according to the theater's website.

"As such, the Goodman has made the decision to cancel the remainder of the run," the announcement on the theater's website added.

Full refunds will be given to people with tickets to "Pamplona," or ticket holders can exchange them for a Goodman gift certificate or tickets to the theater's upcoming production of Eugene O’Neill's “Ah, Wilderness!” Patrons also can use the cost of the tickets as a tax-deductible donation to the Goodman's education and engagement programs. Ticket holders with questions can call the box office at 312-443-3800 from noon to 5 p.m. daily.

Keach, however, still wants to perform the short play at the Goodman, and Fall told the Tribune that the first thing the actor asked him during a hospital visit was when they could reschedule. This time, though, the biggest obstacle might be Keach's previous acting commitments — not his health — that delay him portraying the legendary author at the Chicago venue. Falls said 2018 would be the earliest the Goodman could re-stage the production with Keach because of his schedule, the report added.

More via the Chicago Tribune

Stacy Keach in 2016. (Photo by Richard Shotwell | Associated Press)

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