RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Bernie Sahlins has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 90; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Bernie Sahlins was a legendary and influential comedy producer and the beloved husband of Jane; and
WHEREAS, Bernie Sahlins was the proud father of the late Lee Sherry and the cherished brother of Marshall; and
WHEREAS, In late 1959, Bernie Sahlins, along with Paul Sills and Howard Alk, founded the Second City comedy club in a former Chinese laundry at the corner of Wells Street and Lincoln Avenue in Old Town; and
WHEREAS, Second City quickly gained fame and popularity for a talented cast who used fresh, spontaneous comedy to satirize current events and improvise sketches from audience suggestions; and
WHEREAS, Under Bernie Sahlins' expert direction, Second City cast members honed their comedic performances on a stage bare of all but the most basic props; and
WHEREAS, Supervising Second City theaters in Chicago and Toronto, Bernie Sahlins helped launch the careers of comedy luminaries Dan Aykroyd, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, John Candy, Martin Short, Alan Alda, Peter Boyle, Joan Rivers, John Belushi, Jim Belushi, Bill Murray, Catherine O'Hara, George Wendt and Gilda Radner; and
WHEREAS, After selling Second City in 1984, Bernie Sahlins co-founded the International Theater Festival of Chicago with his wife, Jane; and
WHEREAS, Bernie Sahlins served as a mentor, friend and inspiration to many of the finest comedians, writers and performers in the world; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his long and fruitful life, Bernie Sahlins touched the lives of many with his warmth, wisdom and generosity and provided great memories to countless audiences; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, perseverance and dedication of Bernie Sahlins serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Bernie Sahlins to his f...
Click here for full text