Actor Spencer Prokop Has Died
A fixture on North Texas stages, the actor died Sunday from a rare case of pancreatic cancer that he’d battled for more than two years. Spencer was probably best known for his comic work — notably as Lt. Foster, Harry Hunsicker’s angry nemesis in the Pegasus Theatre’s “black and white” shows. But he was also very capable with drama, including Kitchen Dog’s Man from Nebraska (which he performed while being treated).
But to almost any serious moviegoer, Spencer will be remembered fondly as the nervous gas station attendant in Robocop – his single scene is a minor classic of terrified silent comedy.
According to Spencer’s wife, Patty Lewis (on her CaringBridge page — registration required), Spencer died peacefully at home, holding her hand. The memorial service will probably be held in a few weeks at Theatre 3 — where Spencer appeared in Arcadia — but she said the details haven’t been worked out yet. She requests no flowers or plants; donations may be sent in Spencer’s name to The Nature Conservancy and to the Lakewood Montessori School.
Added note: The couple was featured in a 2003 Newsweek cover story about moms who work full-time, dads who don’t — which happened for a time after the birth of their son, Chase.
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Goodnight, sweet Spence. I loved being on stage with you. My heart is with you, Patty and Chase.
Goodnight, Sweet Spence. Loved being on stage with you in this life.
What a blessing Spencer was to those who knew him, even those like me who only had the privilege of working with him a few times. I can only imagine the wonderful bedtime stories Chase must have heard as his talented dad read him to sleep. Love and peace to you, Patty, as I know that caring for him had to be the most demanding and difficult thing you have ever done. I have been in Tyler the past 11 years and had no idea Spencer was ill. The last time I remember seeing him was in the waiting room at an audtion a couple of years ago and watching him with your adorable son. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers, Tisa Weiss Hibbs
Spencer was one of the most magical individuals with whom I had the pleasure to have in my improv classes for many years. He was a brilliant artist; a consummate actor with the ability to explore into amazing depths. He loved his wife, Patty, and wanted her to exceed his abilities in all my classes. He was a generous actor on stage and loved learning. I am so honored to have known him. It is sad that the years parted us but he always remained so special to me. His beautiful and talented wife made me laugh always. A comic genius in her own right. They were together a meteorite in the universe of art. Good night Sweet Spencer. Your light shines brightly in our hearts. Stanley