Michael McGrath

9/25

Today would have been my dad’s 66th birthday. 

The way everyone has taken care of his family this past weekend is the greatest gift he would have been given. 

Truly, everyone has gone above and beyond and we don’t know how to thank you other than to say this will be paid forward. In one way or another, your kindness will be repaid. 

My mom has asked that we close donations now as she will be taken care through this extreme generosity and cannot accept more. 

What my father brought into the world to bring so many people together to honor his memory continues here. We’ll work to spread the same light, love and laughter- even if we can only fill half of the hole he left behind. This community can forever turn to us in a time of any kind of need. 

We love you all and thank you all for celebrating Michael. 

Happy birthday, Dad. 

*for those asking if they can still contribute, you are under no obligation but we’d ask that you make a donation to the Actor’s Fund in Michael’s memory*

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9/22 UPDATE #2:

It has only been a few hours since we closed donations and in that time we have received an overwhelming amount of messages asking to us to please reopen.

We are beyond moved that so many people who my father’s life touched want to gift us this love and support.

We have reopened- but please know that there is no obligation to donate. The warmth we have received from this community and then some, is more than enough.

From my mom: “I’ve always believed in the inherent goodness of people but I’m so overwhelmed by the sheer amount of kindness. I’m just amazed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This has changed me to my core. When I come out of the worst part of this, I promise to thank you in person and I promise to pay this forward.”

All our love and thanks ❤️

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9/22 UPDATE:

Hello again everyone,

Words really fail here but I will try my best. From the absolute bottom of my heart thank you for this outpouring of support. We never expected this kind of response.

My mom or dad were never the kind to ask for help. My dad was an excellent provider for us as I grew up; he and my mom were the best team imaginable. They never let me know when times were tough.

But I saw my mom lose her teammate this past week and reeling over how to do it all on her own.

We cannot believe the amount all of you kind, wonderful people have donated and for that reason we feel the need to close the donations. We cannot ask for any more than you’ve given.

We are so touched by the love from this incredible community.

Know that mom will be able to comfortably take care of affairs and most importantly grieve without added stress.

We are so moved, so grateful and so lucky that my dad helped us to know you all.

All of our love,

Katie & Peter

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Hi everyone,

It's been a week since the sudden passing of my father, Michael McGrath. We are still grappling with this disbelief that he is truly gone.

I would like to start off by saying that there will not be a funeral but rather a memorial celebration of his life in the coming months. We are hoping for early next year as to give us time and to pass through the holidays.

We have spent this past week grieving but have also had to come to terms with the reality of what this means for our family moving forward.

Due to the unexpected nature of his death, certain financial protections were not put in place— which means my mother is left with some difficulty.

My dad was set to start a new job in just a few weeks; they were very much anticipating this new income of his. And while my mom plans to continue working, she does not have a job lined up. And in this business, it could be some time before she does.

For those of us in our community and our profession, we know all too well that extra income is not something we often have. Especially during this time of striking we realize there is hardship for everyone. For this reason, we felt very uncomfortable settling a goal number— I would not have if it were not required.

Our friends, family and extended community, you have given us so much love and support and please know that that is more than enough.

But if you feel compelled or have the means, we are just looking to keep my mom comfortable enough while we navigate the next few months logistically. Even just a few months of groceries would lift a burden for her.

We thank you so much for the space you've held for us in your hearts over the past week. The tributes and condolences you've shared for him have carried us through.

If a man is only as great as the amount of people who loved him, then I think its very clear he was the greatest.

With all of our love and thanks,

Katie & Peter