Actor John Beasley – who is celebrated for his work on the big and small screens – will deliver a commemorative address at The Nebraska Medical Center on Monday, Jan. 21 to honor slain civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Beasley’s speech, which is sponsored by UNMC and The Nebraska Medical Center, will be in the Storz Pavilion, in the lower level of Clarkson Tower.
“We are excited to bring a nationally-known actor and native Omahan to campus,” said, Myrna Newland, M.D., director of UNMC’s Equity Office and coordinator of the Martin Luther King Day Commemoration committee. “Mr. Beasley has contributed to the arts in unique and inspiring ways and will no doubt deliver a compelling speech to our community.”
The annual address is regularly one of the city’s best attended events on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year, the event starts at noon, is free and open to the public.
Beasley was born in Omaha and first caught the “acting bug” after an oral presentation of a dramatic text. He continued to perform in high school, college and in local community theaters. But he delayed his dream of becoming a professional actor to raise his sons.
When his youngest son began college, Beasley pursued his goal of becoming a professional actor at the age of 45.
Beasley quickly won a dream job when he was cast alongside Oprah Winfrey in the television show, “Brewster Place.” Since then, he has had recurring TV appearances on “CSI,” “The Pretenders,” “Millenium,” “Early Edition,” “EZ Streets,” and “Everwood.”
He is also well-known for his guest appearances on “Judging Amy” and “The Untouchables.”
Several of his major motion picture credits include: “The Sum of All Fears” (2002) with James Cromwell and Morgan Freeman; “The Apostle” (1997) with Robert Duvall; “Crazy in Alabama” (1999) with director Antonio Banderas; and “Losing Isaiah” (1995) with Jessica Lange and Halle Berry.
Beasley’s desire to share his passion for theater with underserved children and adults led him to found the John Beasley Theater and Workshop in 2002.
Through the organization, Beasley teaches his craft to others and constantly searches for fresh talent. He also recruits other nationally known actors to perform in his productions. The theater annually produces several plays that focus on the African American experience.
In 2005, Beasley received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the University of Nebraska at Omaha for his contributions to the community.
A well-sought after speaker, Beasley has titled his Martin Luther King Jr. Day speech, “The Man and His Life.”
He said he is grateful for the opportunity to speak at this event.
“I have studied Dr. King’s famous speeches,” Beasley said. “But those words are just the tip of the life and depth of this great man. I am honored to be selected to share my experiences and impressions of his life.”
UNMC is the only public health science center in the state. Its educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. Through their commitment to education, research, patient care and outreach, UNMC and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, have established themselves as one of the country’s leading centers in cancer, transplantation biology, bioterrorism preparedness, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, genetics, biomedical technology and ophthalmology. UNMC’s research funding from external sources now exceeds $80 million annually and has resulted in the creation of more than 2,400 highly skilled jobs in the state. UNMC’s physician practice group, UNMC Physicians, includes 513 physicians in 50 specialties and subspecialties who practice primarily in The Nebraska Medical Center. For more information, go to UNMC’s Web site at www.unmc.edu.
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