MIKE SIEGEL / THE SEATTLE TIMES

We Remember Marjorie Nelson

Seattle-area actress, activist and 63-year AFTRA member Marjorie Nelson died Feb. 12^th at the age of 86. 

A Seattle native and long time member of the local theater community, Nelson combined her significant talents onstage with a tireless commitment to civic advocacy throughout her career. Along with her first husband, Howard da Silva, she was among those blacklisted in the 1950’s as a result of investigations by the House Un-American Activities Committee (“HUAC”) for her outspoken opposition to nuclear proliferation and in support of international human rights, among other causes. Later, along with her second husband, noted local architect Victor Steinbrueck, she helped lead drives to save Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market as well as the Victorian architecture of nearby Port Townsend, Wash. 

In addition, she was a founding company member of the original Seattle Repertory Theatre, formed in 1963 and was frequently seen on stages, both as an actor and a director, throughout the Puget Sound region. Her achievements and civic leadership were recognized in 1998 when she was named the first recipient of Theatre Puget Sound's annual Gregory A. Falls Award for Sustained Achievement.

She is survived by her two daughters, Judith da Silva of Seattle and Rachel da Silva of Olympia, Wash., five stepchildren and 12 grandchildren. A celebration of Marjorie's life and work will be held Monday, March 22nd beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer Street, Seattle.  A memorial web site has been created by Marjorie's family.  Click here to share your thoughts and memories.

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