MRH grad Linda Alton Randall Kennedy dies at 68; dedicated actor at Black Rep

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Linda Alton Randall Kennedy, of Richmond Heights, died Friday, August 16, 2019, at age 68, according to several sources. 40 South News reader and Maplewood Richmond Heights classmate (1970) Lynn Kretchmar Goode said in an email to 40 South that Kennedy spent about four decades as a dedicated local shining star in St. Louis theater and dance, mostly with the The Black Rep in St. Louis.

The St. Louis American, in an obituary said Kennedy was an early company member of The St. Louis Black Repertory Company, eventually working on stage and in an array of administrative and artistic capacities.

Goode said Kennedy lived in Richmond Heights, even up to her death. “At MRH, I remember watching her dance. Her talent and commanding stage presence were evident then,” she said.

“At MRH High School, I enjoyed seeing Linda’s serious talent and commanding presence onstage,” Goode said. “It was not surprising that she became a star in St. Louis theater. At our MRH Class of 1970 Reunion in 2010, Linda and several of us were dancing to “Shout” by the Isley Brothers. Photos captured her radiating pure joy. That’s how I’ll remember Linda, and at our 2020 Reunion, her spirit will be dancing with us, powering us through missing her.”

photo courtesy Lynn Kretchmar Goode