Norm Tobin, a renowned American actor, made significant contributions to Chicago theater during its rise to becoming a world-class cultural destination in the 1970s.
As an electrician by trade, he played a crucial role in building the St. Nicholas Theater, which housed the influential company founded by David Mamet, William H. Macy, Patricia Cox, and Steven Schachter.
Many of his most notable roles were in the company's plays, including A View From the Bridge by Arthur Miller, The Water Engine by David Mamet, You Can't Take It With You by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, and Moonchildren by Michael Weller.
He also appeared on other Chicago stages, including the Marriott Theatre, Pheasant Run Playhouse, and Goodman Theatre, in productions such as Scapino!, A Thousand Clowns, and Richard III.
In addition to his stage work, Tobin contributed to the city's burgeoning theatre scene at various venues, including the Wisdom Bridge Theatre, Organic Theatre, Pub Theatre, Leo Lerner Theatre at Hull House, Victory Gardens Theatre, and North Light Repertory.
In the 1980s, he transitioned to film, appearing in notable roles opposite James Caan in Michael Mann's Thief and in Continental Divide and the made-for-TV movie The Lost Honor of Kathryn Beck.
After a 20-year hiatus from acting, Tobin returned to the stage at Chicago's The Gift Theatre, where he appeared in The Halloween Show, The Three Sisters, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Norm Tobin was preceded in death by his son Steve.
