Dean Scott Schulman
Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved family member and dear friend, Dean Scott Schulman.

Dean was born and raised in San Rafael, California, to parents Edward and Jacquie Schulman.

He was a proud graduate of the UCLA Department of Theatre, where, as an undergraduate, he sang with the UCLA Men’s Glee Club and performed the roles of King Arthur in Camelot, Lt. Cable in South Pacific, Charlie in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and The Boy in The Fantasticks. Upon graduation, he turned his focus to theatre directing and went on to serve as Artistic Director of both The Culver City Civic Light Opera and The Westside Music Theatre.

Dean also directed at numerous theatres across the country, including The Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre, Theatre Palisades, and The Surflight Theatre in New Jersey. He worked with many notable Broadway and film talents such as Marion Bell, John Raitt, Kathryn Grayson, Carol Lawrence, and Ed Evanko, directing acclaimed productions including The Music Man, The Sound of Music, Funny Girl, Mame, Cabaret, Gypsy, Annie Get Your Gun, Brigadoon, and many more.

With an additional major in secondary education, Dean became Head of Theatre at the prestigious preparatory school Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles, whose many distinguished alumni—including Claire Danes, Leelee Sobieski, Danica McKellar, and Jodie Foster—were among those he inspired in the classroom.

Throughout his career, Dean served as a stage director of musicals at equity, regional, and community theatres across the country. He often said he was fortunate to direct the classic Broadway shows his parents introduced him to as a child during the 1960s and 1970s.

Dean also dedicated time to fundraising and volunteer work for the American Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, honoring the special love he had for his mother, Jacquie. His grandmother, Marge Lichtenstein, was another guiding light in his life and forever precious to his heart.

In his later years, Dean devoted himself to writing his memoir, Nobody Famous, reflecting on his decades in theatre, along with five original plays. Details of his creative work can be found on his website: Deansplays.com.

Dean reminded everyone by example to appreciate life’s simple joys. He loved walking his dog, playing the piano, and sharing dinners and theatre outings with friends.

His final wish was to retire in Rancho Mirage, California, with his beloved dog, Jonah. Once he fulfilled that dream, his sweet spirit left this world to be among the angels.

Dean will be remembered by his family and friends for his exceptional kindness, warmth, and humanity, which touched all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved Schulman family.

Gone Too Soon

Words cannot describe the loss I feel

Saying farewell to you,

But heaven chose to give you wings

And now it’s time you flew.

I wish that we could have more time,

That God had let you stay.

Forever would not be long enough,

But I would take one day.

I wish I had just one more chance

To see that tender smile,

To laugh with you again, my dear,

Just for a little while.

Gone too soon, but not forgotten,

Forever you will remain,

My guiding light, my shining star,

Until I see your face again.

In loving memory of Dean Scott Schulman