In Loving Memory of Dan Cortez, Lucas Cortez, and Marisol Rivera: A Devastating Loss to the Theatre Community, Their Family, and All Who Knew Them
It is with unbearable sorrow and a deeply heavy heart that we announce the tragic and untimely passing of Dan Cortez, a brilliant and beloved figure in our theatre community, who was lost in a devastating accident alongside his precious 8-year-old son, Lucas Cortez, and his 14-year-old niece, Marisol Rivera. Surviving the accident is his wife, Joan Cortez, who remains in critical condition and is receiving intensive medical care as she fights to recover from her injuries. In this harrowing moment of grief and shock, our hearts and thoughts are with Joan and the entire Cortez family, and we ask that everyone hold them in their hearts and prayers.
The loss of Dan, Lucas, and Marisol is not just a private tragedy but one felt deeply across the creative community and beyond. Their absence leaves a silence louder than applause, an ache that no curtain call can mend, and a void that will forever linger in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.
A Shining Star Onstage and Off: Remembering Dan Cortez
Dan Cortez was more than a performer—he was a storyteller, a mentor, a passionate artist whose dedication to the craft of theatre was matched only by his warmth and humanity. Known for his commanding presence and dynamic range on stage, Dan had the rare ability to embody roles with authenticity and emotional depth that left audiences captivated and deeply moved. Whether it was a Shakespearean tragedy or a modern-day musical, Dan brought characters to life with nuance and soul.
But it wasn’t just Dan’s talent that earned him admiration—it was his spirit. Behind the scenes, Dan was a beacon of positivity. He was the kind of actor who cheered for his colleagues louder than he did for himself, who volunteered for late-night set builds after rehearsals, who quietly left handwritten notes of encouragement in dressing rooms. He was both a pillar and a glue of every production he was part of. Castmates often described Dan as “the heart of the ensemble,” and to anyone who knew him, that phrase was no exaggeration.
Dan’s contributions spanned decades, from community theatres to regional stages, from intimate black box performances to large-scale musicals. He played roles as diverse as Hamlet, Sweeney Todd, and Tevye, each time leaving an indelible impression. But even with accolades and standing ovations, Dan remained humble. He often said, “The work we do onstage only matters if we carry that humanity into the real world.”
A Devoted Father and Loving Uncle: Lucas and Marisol Remembered
While Dan’s artistic legacy will be remembered by many, his most cherished role was that of father to Lucas Cortez and uncle to Marisol Rivera. Those who were close to the family knew how fiercely Dan loved them. Lucas, an energetic and imaginative boy with his father’s love of stories, often accompanied Dan to rehearsals. He loved playing pretend behind the curtains, mimicking lines, and wearing costume pieces. Many who worked with Dan have fond memories of Lucas’s bright laughter echoing through backstage corridors. Lucas was, in every way, a spark of joy—curious, thoughtful, and full of promise.
Marisol Rivera, Dan’s niece, was a vibrant teenager who had recently discovered her own love for the arts. Inspired by her uncle, she was beginning to explore acting herself and had just auditioned for her school’s spring production. Family described her as compassionate, intelligent, and mature beyond her years. She looked up to Dan as both a role model and a mentor, and she adored Lucas like a little brother.
That all three lives were taken so suddenly and cruelly is a heartbreak that words struggle to contain.
Joan Cortez: A Wife, Mother, and Survivor
Joan Cortez, Dan’s beloved wife and Lucas’s mother, remains in critical condition. As of this writing, she is being treated at St. Matthew’s Regional Medical Center, where medical staff are doing everything they can. Joan is not only a grieving wife and mother—she is also an artist in her own right, a visual designer whose work brought color and life to many productions that Dan starred in. The couple were known as a creative force—a team whose love extended far beyond the stage.
Those close to the family describe Joan as resilient and strong, and as she now faces the dual weight of physical healing and unimaginable grief, she does so surrounded by an outpouring of love from friends, family, and the theatre community.
A Community in Mourning
The shock and grief over this tragedy have reverberated far beyond a single theatre company or city. Since the news broke, theatres across the region have dimmed their marquee lights in honor of Dan, Lucas, and Marisol. At the Lyric Playhouse, where Dan performed for over a decade, the cast of their current production dedicated their opening night to his memory. An empty seat, draped in a spotlight and his favorite scarf, stood in silent tribute.
Messages of condolence have poured in from fellow actors, directors, playwrights, and patrons:
“Dan gave everything to the stage—but even more to the people around him. He made you feel seen, heard, and loved. I don’t think I ever left a rehearsal without a compliment or a laugh from him.”
— Rebecca Lin, fellow actor and longtime collaborator
“Lucas had Dan’s spark in his eyes. He would have grown up to be just like his dad. And Marisol—she was so graceful, so smart. The world feels a little dimmer without them.”
— Theresa Rivera, Marisol’s mother and Dan’s sister-in-law
Tributes from Near and Far
Prominent figures in the arts community have joined in mourning, issuing public statements of tribute and support. The National Theatre Alliance released a message stating:
“Dan Cortez was a shining example of what theatre can and should be—a force of truth, kindness, and light. His legacy will inspire generations of performers.”
Actors who once shared the stage with Dan posted photos and personal anecdotes online, some from national tours where Dan had guest-performed. Even those who knew him only in passing remember his grace and generosity.
A growing memorial has been set up outside the community theatre where Dan last performed. Candles, flowers, photos, and handwritten notes line the sidewalk. Among them, a child’s drawing of “Mr. Dan,” holding hands with two smaller figures—Lucas and Marisol—under a star-filled sky. “You’re on the best stage now,” it reads.
A Legacy of Love, Storytelling, and Humanity
Dan Cortez believed that theatre could change the world—not through fame or fortune, but through connection, empathy, and truth. His performances were never about the spotlight; they were about the people in the room, the story being told, the emotions shared. He mentored young actors, directed youth theatre, and gave free acting workshops to students who couldn’t afford them. He always made time for one more line reading, one more monologue rehearsal, one more word of encouragement.
Lucas and Marisol were deeply shaped by this environment of love, imagination, and support. Lucas dreamed of one day writing a play starring his dad. Marisol wrote about Dan in her school essay, calling him “the bravest and kindest man I know.”
Though their lives were far too short, the love they gave—and the love they received—was immense.
How to Help
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Joan Cortez’s medical expenses, funeral costs for Dan, Lucas, and Marisol, and future healing efforts. Donations of any size are welcome, and more importantly, messages of love and support are encouraged. Community members are also organizing a candlelight vigil and celebration of life service, details of which will be announced soon.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to The Cortez Family Memorial Fund, which will be used to continue Dan’s legacy of theatre education and youth mentorship.
Closing Curtain, Open Hearts
The final bow has come far too soon for Dan, Lucas, and Marisol. As we grieve this immeasurable loss, we must also carry forward their spirit—through acts of kindness, through shared stories, through the art they loved so deeply. Let us honor their memory not only by remembering who they were, but by living in a way that reflects the light they brought into the world.
May the stage lights shine a little brighter in their honor tonight.
