Beverley Appleton Obituary

We talk about the "life force" at work in our lives; for those of us who love theatre, Bev was that force. He didn't just "catch the acting bug"; he became it for anyone who cared about the magic of theatre. He encouraged every new theatre enterprise as though it were his own and connected many of them through his network of friends. Always enthusiastic, always encouraging, and always wanting the show to go on, Bev is one of the reasons that the Valley became a theatre incubator. Losing him is sad for all of us.

My husband knew Bev as a co-Cub scout in his childhood. As Bev spent more time in Harrisonburg, they reconnected. Bev gave our youngest daughter her first start in theater in Godspell with the production at Massanetta Springs. We enjoyed gatherings of friends for holidays and family gatherings with Bev. His creativity and passion for theater will be greatly missed, but more his love of life will be missed. Be free and continue to guide the theater world!

Our deepest sympathies. Thank you for your hospitality when we joined the Rawley Springs community.

Wonderful time together in Budapest.

My condolences. I am truly sadden. Mr. Appleton casted me in my first theatre job. I just graduated from Theatre VCU. Ain´t Misbehaving musical at Theatre IV. He called me arranged dinner over dinner he told me I got the job. I played Andre character. This musical got me many jobs such commercial work the list goes on . It was a long running hit in Richmond VA. Bev molded me shaped me. He made me who I am today . He told me once no RAY you will not be a Chorus BOI! Mr. Appleton rest God gave you to us. Now you´re with our Heavenly Father. Again I say thank you the character actor you are . An excellent actor whom I respected. Take your Bow!!

Bev you will be missed by many who loved you. My deepest condolences to Sherry and Joe as well as the rest of the family. RIP ! Mary Elizabeth

I knew Bev back in 1980's When he worked for the theater at The Va Museum of Fine Arts.
He was a great guy!
I worked in the Security Division back then.
Rest in Peace Bev,
Joe Brock

I worked with Bev at the Haymarket dinner theater. Fixing up the kitchen! He was fun to work with and had a heart of gold! RIP young man!

This is indeed very sad. We shall miss Bev greatly.

Bev gave this young, green theatre student her first paid acting work at Haymarket decades ago. Though we were at odds sometimes during the show, we got past it. He knew his stuff, that's for sure...and it's a huge loss for Richmond and beyond.

Our deepest sympathy to the Appleton family. Thank you Bev for your outstanding contributions to the performing arts. We Will miss you.

Phil and Tina Updike

Bev, it was great reconnecting with you after the many years had passed. I particularly enjoyed your part in "The Field" with Cloris Leachman. You did that to a T. I will miss some of the too infrequent chats we used to have. My sympathies to your family and theater friends.

What a tremendous loss to our theatre family and arts community not only in the Richmond metro area but across Virginia. Bev will continue in his legacy of the theatre long after his final bow and the curtains close.