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Miles Clayton
Feb 14, 1934 - Dec 25, 2010
Miles Clayton was born on Valentine’s Day 1934
and passed away Christmas morning at his
home in Edmonds, WA after a long battle with
pulmonary fibrosis. Miles was devoted to his
family, not only as husband, father and
grandfather, but as a friend who easily opened
his heart to others making them part of his
family. Miles, a professional actor, director, and
special effects artist (SAG, AFTRA, AEA), was
considered a genius in the field of theatrical arts
and found great joy in fostering them in the
communities where he lived.
Born in Long Beach, CA Feb14, 1934, to a military family, Miles was schooled all
over the world, eventually earning an Art degree from San Diego State
University.
After two years of service in the Korean War, and a year working as a special
education teacher, Miles moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in acting. His
sense of humor and quick wit helped secure a future in the industry. He acted in
a variety of roles, notably performing with Dale Robertson on the television series
Wells Fargo for eight years.
The stage beckoned him to the New York area at age 30, where he acted for
seven years in many roles in New Jersey summer stock, Boston winter stock,
and in New York City, where he performed in Macbeth. While in New York Miles
founded the Moonbeam Children's Theatre and applied and received a National
Performing Arts Grant to take theatre into the streets of Harlem. Moonbeam was
then invited to perform at the United Nations for the families of the
representatives. Working with the Comédie Française in NYC inspired him to hit
the road with a comedic musical review act he created, performing at Night Clubs
in the Miami Beach area for several years before returning to LA in 1972.
Miles then developed a television news show for children utilizing puppets he
fashioned that was purchased by KING TV in Seattle. He moved to Seattle to
produce and direct the production of the show. While in Seattle he co founded
the St. John's Players and appeared at the Cirque Dinner Theatre and the
Seattle Performing Arts Theatre in a variety of roles. Miles met his wife of 34
years, Merry Kay Cote, when he cast her in the production of Carnival staged by
St. John's Players. He treasured their relationship and their two sons Garrett
(32) and Gavin (28) and knew his greatest role in life was that of husband, father,
and grandfather.
In 1976 he returned to LA with Merry Kay to spend two decades further
expanding their acting careers, appearing together on stage in roles in
Brigadoon, Pajama Game, and Jacques Brell is Alive and Well. His television
credits include reoccurring roles in such shows as Cagney and Lacey, Slap
Maxwell, and Buffalo Bill. Film credits include Star Trek, Rocky V, Sunset Strip,
Couch Trip and Dick Tracy. Continuing his community commitment he became
Director of Theatre Programs for the Pasadena Community Arts Center and the
Glendale Arts Council. While there he wrote and received a CETA grant to
produce and direct senior citizen theatre, producing the Fantastiks and Your a
Good Man Charlie Brown.
Returning to his art background, special affects became a focus. Working for Don
Pennington he collaborated in an array of films including Splash, Flight of the
Intruder, Terminator 2, Titanic, True Lies, The Abyss, and Scream, a video with
Michael and Janet Jackson.
The family returned to Seattle to care for Merry Kay's parents and Miles fought
retirement by working for Office Max where he immediately redesigned the layout
of the furniture department! He got his community drama fix by working with
Merry Kay and Maureen McMurray designing sets and working as production
coordinator for nine musicals at Our Lady of the Lake School.
His creative spirit and willingness to share his gifts throughout his life
transformed the lives of many and will be truly missed.
He is survived by his wife Merry Kay, his sons, Garrett (wife Kristine Songster)
and Gavin, grandsons Miles and Pace, and his sister Gloria Tait.
In memory of Miles, support your local performing arts
by treating yourself to a show!!