Obituary
Wayne Christopher Dvorak, age 85, passed away on April 25, 2026, in Sherman Oaks, California. Born on January 27, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Wayne was the beloved son of Edward Theodore Dvorak and Francis Helen Dvorak (Mandel). He grew up in Milwaukee and later Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he attended college at the University of Minnesota, earning a B.A. in Theatre Arts and Psychology. After moving to California Wayne received a B.S. in Education and became the first master’s candidate in Theatre at the University of California-Fullerton.
Wayne’s career in the arts was highlighted by his founding of the Dvorak & Company Acting Studio, where he nurtured many aspiring actors for more than 30 years and was recognized as a leading teacher of the Meisner technique of acting. His acting career started at a young age. Wayne was scouted as a promising actor while in a school play at the age of 15 and was active in community theater. He was mentored by Sir Tyrone Guthrie at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis and performed at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. He also appeared in numerous television shows, including *Days of Our Lives*, *Everybody Loves Raymond*, *Coach*, *Seinfeld*, *The Nanny*, *Murder She Wrote*, *Columbo*, *Golden Girls*, *CHiPs*, *Hill Street Blues*, and *The Mary Tyler Moore Hour*.
Wayne shared nearly 60 years of love and companionship with his partner and husband, Robert Leo Brandt, who passed away in February of 2020. They met while at the University of Minnesota and built a life together in Southern California, with Bob teaching in the Garden Grove school district for 39 years.
A passionate animal lover, Wayne cherished the various dogs, cats, and birds he and Bob shared throughout his life. While living in Hollywood Wayne even owned a horse named Moose, whom he adored.
Wayne is survived by his sister, Jane Anderson and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and three brothers, Edward, Donald, and Robert Dvorak.
A special thank you is extended to all the caregivers who supported Wayne during his recent health challenges, particularly the daytime crew at Hollywood Hills Senior Living, his physical therapist Ernie, and the staff at Vita Living in Sherman Oaks.
Wayne’s personality was larger than life and his legacy of love, empathy, and passion will be cherished by all who knew him.
A virtual celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 8:00PM EDT / 5:00PM PDT. Register below.
Virtual Celebration of Life
Recorded Sunday June 14, 2026
8:00pm Eastern / 5:00pm Pacific
Wayne’s family invites you to view the virtual celebration of life service and reception to honor his life and legacy.
Photo Gallery
Photos of 6/7/26 In-Person Celebration of Life
Slideshow
Tribute to Wayne
Enjoy this tribute video to Wayne from one of his acting students. There are several clips of Wayne’s television and film appearances throughout the years.
Wayne Performs in “The Grass Harp”
Wayne appears in this video from 0:19-1:00 at the start of this song. Enjoy his performance!
Wayne was an amazing, kind, caring soul. We miss him.
Thank you Wayne for working hard with me and having a fighting spirit. You were a joy to work with and your conversation was always interesting and I could tell what a kind, thoughtful, and experienced person you were. I appreciate so much having a small window into that world. Thank you for letting me into your life even if it was a short time. I feel blessed to have known you.
What a remarkable man…
Wayne was one of a kind and immensely impactful in my young life. He taught me how to see beyond the words, and to recognize that the eyes are the windows to the soul. He was also instrumental in my getting into graduate school to become a speech language pathologist. I am a better person and performer because of you, dearest Wayne. Forever grateful to you, my mentor and friend. With Love and condolences to your family.🙏❤️ Steve Schultz
I was a member of the Dvorak and Company acting studio for eight years, and I am forever grateful that I saw his ad on a bus bench and went to investigate. Wayne provided me with one of the best experiences of my life. He was a great teacher, but more than that, Wayne was a great human being. I feel so privileged to have had him in my life. I love you, Wayne and I’ll see you on the other side.
Wayne was my acting coach from 1991-1999. The time I spent with him and that magical studio were some of the best years of my life. Wayne was the best of the best, and he always made sure his students felt safe and free. I will always be grateful for what he taught me and that I was so lucky to know him. Safe home, Wayne. I love you! Kimberley
Wayne, you are truly missed! I love you with all my heart and want to thank you for everything you have done to further my acting! You were always so patient and kind and gave so much undivided attention to each and every one of your students. You kept me in mind when you decided to reopen your professional level class after I’d already “graduated” from your course, and I’ll never forget that! Thank you for generously passing on your extensive knowledge to us and for being the passionate artist and teacher we all knew and loved!
I am Bob Brandt’s niece and Wayne’s niece through their marriage. I have enjoyed a lifelong relationship with Wayne and have so many cherished memories of him. He made you feel like you were important to him and he listened with such interest and caring. He was funny and such an amazing conversationalist! He loved his students and loved to share about the acting exercises he utilized in his classes. He was completely adored by us and we feel blessed beyond measure to have had him as a part of our family and in our lives. He is missed and will be forever loved! Jacquelyn Buckley Moss