Paul Rosson and Dirk Smillie

Paul Rosson Stage Credits Performances Caesar and Cleopatra [Broadway] 1977 Major Domo Theodotus (Understudy) Pothinus (Understudy) Arsenic and Old Lace Henry Rosenberg Henry Rosenberg, a.k.a. Paul Rosson, was born in Baltimore, MD on March 26, 1932 to Ida and Max Rosenberg. At this same time his sisters, Jean and Bernice, welcomed another bundle of joy, Henry’s twin brother Sidney. The family of 4 had expanded to six! ENTER LAUGHING-Revival of Joseph Stein's comedy of the 60s, based on Carl Reiner's novel, directed by and with Elisa Loti; with David Hamilton, Paul Rosson. Thurs.-Sat. at 8, Sun. Henry was always a caring Uncle to Byra, Jay, Leslie, and Ellen! In adult years this carried over to their respective families too. Throughout the years he nurtured each of his immediate family relationships differently and in ways that were meaningful to each person. Every family member has his or her own stories to tell. Henry always demonstrated a uniqueness, sensitivity, and independence. His interests varied… He demonstrated a talent in art and studied at the Maryland Institute of Art. In contrast he was also a Veteran of the US Army serving during the Korean War. In 1958 he moved to New York City where he spent the rest of his adult life. This is where he blossomed as an actor and expanded his skills in the various areas of art. His connection with family in NYC existed via his beloved Kassel family cousins. They were an important part of his life to the end. As an adult living in NYC, Henry was especially attentive to his mother, Ida. He enjoyed when she and his father came to NY to visit him or when he came to Baltimore to see them. Henry was always giving his mom some sort of thoughtful gift. While she didn’t want him to spend the money, she clearly enjoyed and proudly received the gifts. As a young man Henry worked almost every summer in Provincetown, Massachusetts drawing and/or painting portraits. He later did the same on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. He used to be one of the official portrait artists for Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Henry believed in life long learning… He was always taking workshops, attending self-improvement groups, and learning a new aspect of the arts or acting. He even took collage classes and discovered he was a darn good writer. First and foremost his love and professions were as an actor and artist. He was a member of Actors’ Equity Association (the Labor Union representing American Actors and Stage Managers in theater) and the Screen Actors Guild ("SAG”, representing film and TV, etc.). Both unions are very difficult to join and require a lot of paid acting work. He studied with the famous acting teacher, Stella Adler. She thought Henry was a very talented student (compared him to Marlon Brando) and put him on scholarship in 1958. He was in dozens of Broadway and national plays including "Caesar and Cleopatra" with Rex Harrison, "Rehearsal for Murder", "Three Penny Opera", "Enter Laughing", “Twelfth Night", “Trifles", "Arsenic and Old Lace" with Jean Stapleton and Polly Holiday, "West Side Story" (He toured Germany, Belgium and France with this musical) among others. He sang in the musicals. He also had significant parts in the films "The Rare Breed", "The Verdict", Cotton Club", "Two of a Kind", "Once Upon a Time in America", "Death Mask", "Falling in Love", "Sweet Loraine" and many more. Henry also wrote plays. One is called "Postcards from America". He received a CEITA grant to write this one. Henry collected hundreds of books on drawing techniques, famous artists, and art history to fully study and engage in his passion. He also made and performed with puppets and marionettes; drew children's book illustrations; and made ceramic art. He spoke and understood Yiddish and some German. During the Christmas Holidays he sang at senior centers. He was an active member of several Senior Citizen Centers in NYC. Henry thrived on being productive and active. He engaged with anyone, sang on the streets, and willing shared his talents and knowledge. All who met Henry had a fondness for him! He was a beloved character! Funeral services and interment are private.