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  Marsden, Les
CANDIDATE DETAILS
AffiliationDemocratic  
  2009-01-01  
 
NameLes Marsden
Address Jerseydale
Midpines, California , United States
EmailNone
Website [Link]
Born February 26, 1957 (67 years)
ContributorScott³
Last ModifedScott³
Mar 19, 2010 10:42pm
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InfoBorn February 26, 1957 in Fresno to Helen and Kay Marderosian.

Raised in the Manchester/North-central area of Fresno.

Scholastically excelled; was classically trained on many musical instruments from piano to all brasses, clarinet, cello and concert grand (pedal) harp. Performed in innumerable local community theatre productions as a teen. Credentialed as a piano teacher at age 11; composed first symphony at 13. Mentored by Maestro Guy Taylor of the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra as both a composer and conductor. Life Scout, BSA, Troop 36—Fresno.

Graduated C. L. McLane High School 1975 while concurrently attending California State University, Fresno as accelerated student, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications only three years later—1978. While still a teen, became acquainted with the elderly Groucho Marx; while still a student, gained permission, confidence and full assistance of Susan Marx, widow of Harpo Marx—to write, direct, produce and star in the only biographical stage show ever allowed on her late husband: “A Night At Harpo’s.” Premiered his show at CSU Fresno in 1978 at age 21 to great acclaim and numerous awards, including citation by the American College Theatre Festival. 1980: Honored by Fresno Mayor Dan Whitehurst by special proclamation for bringing prestige and honor to his hometown as a native son. Both City and County of Fresno partnered in producing “A Night at Harpo’s” to great acclaim at Scotland’s Edinburgh Festival, starring the 23-year-old Marsden. This engagement in Scotland followed performances at UC Berkeley, CSU Sacramento and across California, in Las Vegas and led to many more across America until Marsden deliberately retired the show in 1985. He performed it only twice after that year, both times as benefits, one at the special personal request of Burt Reynolds.

Was able to move seamlessly from college directly into professional theatre. Relocated to Los Angeles 1981, then (concurrently) to New York City and London. Distinguished, highly successful stage career with more than 3,000 stage performances across North America and abroad.

Numerous television and film appearances. Also directed for the stage in New York and London. Innumerable awards/nominations including the world’s most prestigious acting citation: London’s Laurence Olivier Award (Best Actor) and the London Critics Award. While starring in a stage play in Washington, DC in May 1999, an onstage injury to his left leg resulted in permanent disability, ending his career.

Lecturer in the Arts, University of California, Merced. Master Acting Instructor, Cambridge University (Guest), Burt Reynolds Institute for Theatrical Training—both New York City and Florida campuses (Guest), Barbizon School, many other theatres and institutions. Upon retiring to Mariposa in 2001, he created the “Welcome to Classical Music” and “Young Master Composers Celebration” programs including annual visits to every public school campus in Mariposa County to host annually-changing multi-media presentations for all students. Created the “Acting in Mariposa” (AIM) adult acting program for the benefit of the Mariposa County Arts Council; all Marsden’s course offerings completely sold out as soon as announced.

Sparked during the 1972 Presidential campaign; as a 15-year-old Fort Miller Junior High student, he volunteered for the McGovern Campaign after becoming troubled by the Nixon Administration’s actions. For many months after school and on weekends, walked precincts, stuffed envelopes, was honored to meet Vice-Presidential Candidate Sargent Shriver. And a couple years later, daily rushed home from school to watch the Watergate Hearings live on television, becoming hooked for life on Democratic politics and issues. Areas of particular contemporary political interest and passion include California’s water management, creation of a green economy, single-payer healthcare for all Americans, halting global warming, responsible fiscal policy, preservation of the environment, a renaissance in American education, renewable energy, election integrity, the fine arts and humanities, and creating dialogue instead of strife—in America, between other nations in current conflict, and certainly between our country and all countries of the world.

Married college sweetheart Diane Thorson of Fresno (Bullard High School, 1976) in Yosemite Valley Chapel, January 20, 1985. Proud parents of Maxfield Charles Marsden, born April 11, 1997 in perfect health against million-to-one odds. Upon Les Marsden’s disability-caused retirement from the stage in 1999 at age 42, the family sold their East Coast properties, returning to central California to raise their son in the beautiful area they missed. Bought their humble dream property in Mariposa’s Jerseydale and as young retirees, began many years of volunteerism and public service to give back to the community and country in which they’re profoundly grateful to reside.


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