David Fritts Obituary: Unicorn Theatre actor of Kansas city dies of heart attack

Kansas City, Missouri, is grieving the loss of David Fritts, a fearless and intense actor, celebrated for his risk-taking spirit and deep passion for his craft. His unexpected passing due to a heart attack on Sunday, September 17th, 2023, has left the city’s theatre community and beyond, mourning the loss of an extraordinary artist and an exceptional human being.

Unicorn Theatre took social media handle and pour tribute to David Fritts:

David Fritts was a fearless, intense, risk-taking, loving actor and human being. There are few actors (or audience members) in this city who did not know David. His decades on our stages made us all feel like family. The hours of rehearsal, performing, sharing a drink afterward in the dressing room (or by the dumpster) solidified a friendship with a man who was exceptional, funny, and ferocious. He was hard on himself, always striving to be better and searching for a new part of himself to show the world. He brought limitless depth to every role he played and joy to all of us in the telling of his stories. David’s spirit lives on in our heart.
From his first show at the Unicorn in 1989 (On The Verge), through his favorite in 2000 (Sideman) to his final show here in 2015 (Tribes), he racked up 22 shows at our Theatre. Thank you for the years you gave us. We love you.

David was a prominent figure in the local theatre scene, known and cherished by actors and audience members alike. His extensive career, spanning decades, made the theatre community feel like family. The countless hours spent in rehearsals, performances, and shared moments afterward were a testament to his remarkable personality—fearless, funny, and ferocious in his pursuits. He was relentless in pushing himself to be better, always seeking to unveil new facets of himself through his performances.

In each role he undertook, David infused boundless depth and joy, captivating the audience and leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of witnessing his storytelling. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched with his incredible talent and warm presence.

David’s theatrical journey commenced at the Unicorn Theatre in 1989 with “On The Verge,” and over the years, he graced the stage in 22 shows. From his favorite, “Sideman” in 2000, to his final act in “Tribes” in 2015, he captivated audiences and colleagues alike, leaving an enduring legacy.

Darren Sextro shared a picture and said:

I’ve received some private messages about this photo, so…It’s from a production (“My Old Lady”) that I directed a number of years ago starring David Fritts (standing at the window). David died unexpectedly earlier today. John and I had the privilege of working alongside David on many projects over these many years. In fact, David was featured in my first professional directing project. He was a preternaturally skilled artist of such organic instinct. He seemed to be an Everyman, but he was far more complex than that in both his process and the on-stage results. This whole community will miss him terribly.

Kansas City Actors Theatre also paid tribute through facebook page and wrote,

Such sadness in our hearts from the loss of David Fritts. We send out immense honor and respect in memory of him. David performed in nine plays with Kansas City Actors Theatre. Talley’s Folly, Dinner With Friends, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Seafarer, Picnic, Three Viewings, Crimes of the Heart, My Old Lady, and About Alice. David’s process was thoughtful and honest. He was a master at inhabiting the soul of a character. We are so much richer having had the gift of his talents, and so much poorer from his loss.

The theatre community expresses heartfelt gratitude for the years of dedication and artistry that David Fritts shared with them. He will forever be loved and remembered for his exceptional contributions to the world of theatre.