"My condolences to the family. Just found out about Joe's passing. Was a fan for a long time. He will always be remembered. RIP"
In loving memory of
Mr. Joseph Anthony Wright
January 28, 1970 - April 28, 2009
Joseph Anthony Wright, Esq., 39, formerly of Indianapolis, passed away in his sleep of natural causes on April 25 in Los Angeles, California. Joe graduated from Park Tudor School in 1988; majored in Philosophy and History at Pomona College in Southern California; and earned his law degree in 1998 from Indiana University, Bloomington. At Park Tudor, Joe was active in theatre productions, the orchestra, yearbook, tennis, soccer, and baseball. In high school, he was the recipient of the prestigious Indianapolis Prelude Award for Theatre. At Pomona, Joe majored in Philosophy and minored in History. While in college, he continued his involvement in theatre and was one of the founders of the international fraternity Zeta Psi. After graduation, prior to attending law school, Joe was a counselor to young men at the McKinley School for Boys.
In Indianapolis, at ten years old, Joe first appeared in local theatre in The Beeple at Civic Theatre. Following, he enjoyed featured roles in numerous plays at Civic Theatre, Beef 'N' Boards, Christian Theological Seminary, and Indianapolis Repertory Theatre. Joe's roles included "King Ptolemy" in Caesar and Cleopatra, "Theo" in Pippin, "Winthrop" in The Music Man, "Tommy" in Ah Wilderness, "A Royal Prince" in The King and I, and "A Party Urchin" in A Christmas Carol.
Theatrically, Joe made it all the way to Broadway in 1984, appearing in Oliver as a member of "Fagin's Gang." In a movie made for television, Joe played the memorable "Jerry Disbro" in Poison Ivy (NBC), co-starring with Michael J. Fox, Nancy McKeon, Adam Baldwin, and Robert Klein. In 1986, Joe co-stared with Sean Astin in Walt Disney Television's B.R.A.T. Patrol. Arriving on the silver screen in 1985, Joe played Brady Kincaid in Stephen King's Silver Bullet, produced by Dino DeLaurentiis and Martha Schumacher. Joe is also the star of the independent movie Shock Therapy TV, currently due out in 2010.
After graduating law school in Bloomington, Indiana, Joe moved to Los Angeles and once again became active in the theatre world, staring in a number of productions and accepting administrative responsibilities for VOX Humana Theatre Company. At the time of his death, Joe was represented at William Morris Agency as a Voice Over Artist. His work was featured in many productions, including The Discovery Channel's Spring and Winter, which he narrated.
All of Joe's life, he was an avid musician, composing countless songs for the piano. Joe was President of Lawyer Branding, a company that produced web sites and videos for Law Firms around the country.
Joe's father, Dr. James J. Wright, preceded him in death by eight years. He leaves his mother Janet B. Wright, and brothers Paul A. Wright, Dr. John M. Wright, and Steven D. Wright.
A private service will be held for Joe's immediate family at Crown Hill Cemetery this week. Friends of Joe, including Park Tudor Alumni, are encouraged to gather on Saturday, May 23, in Foster Hall at Park Tudor School from 3-6pm.
In lieu of flowers, because Joe was an avid hiker and spent many happy walks on the trails of Griffith Park in Los Angeles, donations in his name can be sent to:
Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation
c/o Park Rangers
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Please mention you are making a donation in Joe Wright's name and that you prefer the donation to go to trail maintenance in Griffith Park.
Tributes
"My heart ached when I first learned about Joe's untimely death. He'll never be forgotten."
"Like many others, I was a fan of his early work in TV and movies, and was shocked to read of his passing. I'd like to pass thanks (and condolences) to his family for supporting him in those endeavors as they made life more enjoyable for myself and many others."
"I am so sorry to hear this, I feel so bad for not keeping in contact with Joe. Joe use to live a strret over from me Indianapolis Indiana.... I will truly miss you!!"
"I attended high school with Joe. I send my heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Joe's family and friends. Although we were not close friends, it was a pleasure to have known him."
"I'll quote John Lennon; "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans". To know Joe, was to love Joe. Our relationship surpassed that of work. We were, in fact, friends. He is missed. Lori Jones- "
"I am sorry I never got to meet you in person, but never forgot you. I still have our mail from all those years ago. Rest in Peace. your friend, Tom "