The La MaMa theater community is mourning the loss of Oswald "Ozzie" Rodriguez Jr., who passed away on July 24. He was 81.
A passionate artist, playwright, actor, and longtime steward of La MaMa's history, Rodriguez dedicated decades to the East Village's legendary experimental theater on Fourth Street.
It is with profound sadness that La MaMa announces the passing of our beloved Archive Director Ozzie Rodriguez (2/20/1944 – 7/24/2025). His love of and dedication to La MaMa, his careful stewardship of the Archive and his abiding friendship will be sorely missed by all of us. We send our love and prayers to his family and all those near and dear to him. We mourn with them the monumental loss of this great man. Our hearts are broken.
He joined La MaMa in the early 1970s as a resident director under founder Ellen Stewart. In 1987, he became director of the La MaMa Archive, where he helped preserve and share the history of the Off-Off-Broadway movement. His dedication ensured that generations to come could access the stories, artifacts, and spirit of La MaMa's groundbreaking work.
A bilingual playwright and actor, Rodriguez also founded two experimental theater companies and mentored countless artists. He is remembered not only for his stewardship of La MaMa's legacy, but also for his warmth, generosity, and belief in the power of community theater.
LaMama is inviting friends and colleagues to leave their remembrances at this
link. While plans are still underway for an official memorial celebration, an informal gathering will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Community Arts Space, 74A E. Fourth St., between First Avenue and Second Avenue.
For more on the La MaMa Archive, which Rodriguez helped shape into a vital resource, visit this
link.
