Honoring
Wayne Christopher Dvorak

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.