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A friend is remembered...
Forwarded From Jeff Collins' Tribute
The Busker Community has suffered a great loss this week with the passing of Michael Carl O’Neil. Michael died peacefully in his sleep yesterday morning (Oct. 17). Those who worked with Michael will remember his for his brilliant antics as a living statue or as Charlie Chaplan. Those who knew him well will remember him as a loyal and devoted friend. Michael was an innovative performer who was constantly coming up with new ideas and characters to add to his repertoire. His work provided inspiration to many of us in the industry and put smiles on the faces of millions around the world during his more than 30 years of performing. What many didn’t know was that Michael had to overcome severe personal difficulties in order to make his way through life. He was epileptic and suffered from seizures on a regular basis… a fact that he kept secret for many years in fear that it would discourage some producers from hiring him. His epilepsy also posed problems for him socially as he was unable to attend many of the late night activities at festivals and events for fear that the lack of sleep would trigger an episode. Often this would get mistaken as a sign of snobbery on his part when in fact it was simply a necessity of his condition. He was also severely dyslexic. Reading for Michael was a huge difficulty and he relied heavily on books on tape to provide him with his research. Despite this, he was one of the most eloquent speakers I know and was better read than most of his peers. The fact that he was able to travel around the world on his own and to work in so many countries is a testament to the drive and determination he had to succeed despite his downfalls. I truly admired him for that.
Michael’s favorite quote comes from Shakespeare:
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts.
As You Like It, Act 1, Scene
One of my favorite quotes comes from Michael:
“We left them smiling. Our job is done.”
Our hearts and thoughts are with his family and friends in this time of need.
Michael will truly be missed.
Jeff Collins
Artistic Director
The Halifax International Busker Festival
Forwarded From Jeff Collins' Tribute
The Busker Community has suffered a great loss this week with the passing of Michael Carl O’Neil. Michael died peacefully in his sleep yesterday morning (Oct. 17). Those who worked with Michael will remember his for his brilliant antics as a living statue or as Charlie Chaplan. Those who knew him well will remember him as a loyal and devoted friend. Michael was an innovative performer who was constantly coming up with new ideas and characters to add to his repertoire. His work provided inspiration to many of us in the industry and put smiles on the faces of millions around the world during his more than 30 years of performing. What many didn’t know was that Michael had to overcome severe personal difficulties in order to make his way through life. He was epileptic and suffered from seizures on a regular basis… a fact that he kept secret for many years in fear that it would discourage some producers from hiring him. His epilepsy also posed problems for him socially as he was unable to attend many of the late night activities at festivals and events for fear that the lack of sleep would trigger an episode. Often this would get mistaken as a sign of snobbery on his part when in fact it was simply a necessity of his condition. He was also severely dyslexic. Reading for Michael was a huge difficulty and he relied heavily on books on tape to provide him with his research. Despite this, he was one of the most eloquent speakers I know and was better read than most of his peers. The fact that he was able to travel around the world on his own and to work in so many countries is a testament to the drive and determination he had to succeed despite his downfalls. I truly admired him for that.
Michael’s favorite quote comes from Shakespeare:
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts.
As You Like It, Act 1, Scene
One of my favorite quotes comes from Michael:
“We left them smiling. Our job is done.”
Our hearts and thoughts are with his family and friends in this time of need.
Michael will truly be missed.
Jeff Collins
Artistic Director
The Halifax International Busker Festival
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