Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2007 > October > 31 > Entry
Karen Kuykendall (1937-2007)
Karen Kuykendall — distinguished actor, prominent hostess, arts leader, cabaret diva, revered wit, longtime real estate agent and mother of three — died at home late Wednesday from complications from cancer of the lungs and spine. She was 69.
Growing up in Green Pastures, when it was a dairy farm on the outskirts of town, Kuykendall saw her South Austin family home become a restaurant in 1946. She counted among her relatives blacklisted humorist and First Amendment advocate John Henry Faulk (her uncle), Green Pastures Restaurant founder and cookbook writer Mary Faulk Koock (her mother) and Travis County District Attorney Henry Faulk (her grandfather).
Kuykendall acted in scores of plays, many at Zachary Scott Theatre, including “Angels in America,” “Full Gallop” and “The Rocky Horror Show.” She helped introduce Austin to theatrical cabaret through her Cafe Manhattan shows with stage partner Sterling Price-McKinney, and she served on the boards of many arts groups, including Ballet Austin, Austin Musical Theatre and Conspirare. She sold real estate for many of her close friends, including the late Gov. Ann Richards, and threw soirees in her art-packed Clarksville-area home that attracted admirers from all walks of life.
She was among the first inductees into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame. Upon receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Austin Circle of Theaters on Oct. 21 before undergoing hospice care, Kuykendall said, “There is no place I feel more at home or more alive than on stage.”
“Fortunately for us, Karen lived by the adage ‘all the world’s a stage,’ and she made an unforgettable impact in every arena of Austin life,” said Dave Steakley, artistic director of Zachary Scott Theatre Center, which has named the stage of its planned new theater after Kuykendall. “Karen embraced theater as a full-contact sport. She was bigger than life because she saw that as her job, and with extravagant physical and vocal flourishes she would tickle our funny bone, drain the last drop of irony from Cole Porter, and move us to the furthest reaches of our heart.”
Born Karen Koock on Nov. 19, 1937 — one of seven children of Mary Faulk Koock and Chester Koock — she was a fifth-generation Austinite. Her father’s family was well to do and owned the Koock & Voss hardware store on Congress Avenue. Both of her parents sang prodigiously, but Kuykendall may have inherited her distinctive social graces from her mother, Mary, who opened Green Pastures on Live Oak Street while the family lived in upstairs quarters.
“Mary was a natural-born party-giver,” said Kuykendall’s sister, Martha Koock Ward. “She threw parties even as a little girl.”
The family, which forged a long history working with the deaf, ex-convicts and others in need, was proud that its restaurant was open to all races long before federal law required it.
Although descended from staunch Methodists, Kuykendall grew up a Catholic because her mother had converted after attending St. Mary’s Academy. Kuykendall attended St. Ignatius School and St. Mary’s, and later attended Dunbarton College in Washington, D.C.
In 1958, she married Marshall Kuykendall of the famed Texas ranching family, who later became a well-known land broker and advocate of property owners’ rights. They divorced in the mid-1970s.
Even as a young girl, theater romanced Kuykendall, who performed in children’s productions before taking leads in what was then Austin Civic Theatre — now Zachary Scott — in the late 1950s. Her younger brother, Guich, also caught the acting bug and has pursued a Hollywood career since appearing in Steven Spielberg’s “The Sugarland Express” in 1974.
For decades, Kuykendall devoted her sultry voice and witty style to singing what is known as the American Songbook in intimate cabaret settings.
“Karen is probably the first person people think about in Austin when they hear the word ‘cabaret,’ ” said Stuart Moulton, director of Austin Cabaret Theatre, “an intimate, glamorous and seductive celebration of theater and song.”
“On the stage as in real life, Karen totally defied convention,” said frequent singing partner Price-McKinney. “While other performers might feel pressure to emulate the popular idols of the day, she eschewed what she considered an insecure approach. No matter what the role or occasion called for, she always looked inside, personifying herself. And rarely, when she had to stoop to look for inspiration elsewhere, she only stole from the best, taking only the details that suited her particular agenda. Her choice of material, her grasp of it, and the manner in which she conveyed it were nonpareil.” Kuykendall marshaled her social and civic skills for selling real estate as well.
“She was intuitive about people and intelligent about situations, which made her a great entertainer and Realtor,” said Carrie Bills, owner of Green Mango Real Estate, which employed Kuykendall when she was not working for Wilson & Goldrick. “Clients wanted to work with her, not only because she was a very hard worker and brilliant, but so they could be with her. I never met anyone who was not taken by her. I was in love with her from the moment I met her 20-plus years ago and created an office for her just so I could be with her.”
Kuykendall was also known for her zingers and even heckled the artists and fans who saluted her during a fundraiser for Zachary Scott’s planned Kuykendall Stage just weeks ago.
She is survived by siblings Ken Koock, Gretchen O’Boyle, Bill (Guich) Koock, Tim Koock, Judy Koock Strassman and Martha Koock Ward, as well as her children Marshall Kuykendall Jr., Mary Alice Naiser and Sarita Kuykendall, and grandchildren Wylie and Jennie Kuykendall and Haley and Catherine Naiser.
Memorial services are pending. Memorial contributions can be made to the Karen Kuykendall Stage Fund, care of Zach Scott Theater, 1510 Toomey Road, Austin, 78704, or online at www.zachscott.com.
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By Martin Vasquez
November 9, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
I was fortunate to work with Karen in Sterling's Electric Street at the Chicago House in '94. What a performer she was! I'm sure she's already 'holding court' with the angels. I learned a lot from watching her characterization and vocal interpretations. Her smoky, sultry voice was mesmerizing and her humour infectious! The Zach Scott stage will be forever brightened by the light she will continue to cast upon it and the city of Austin.
By Regina Koeniger/Ruth Sullivan
November 5, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
Austin has lost a wonderful lady. We are saddened by her passing.
By Mary Alice Carnes
November 4, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
I probably had seen Karen in many, many productions long before she came to see our company in 1988 perform in a cabaret at Cafe Orleans in which Sterling was our accompanist. The space is now a part of Z-Tejas. It was an honor to see such a wonderful diva supporting new performers and hear her dear friend Sterling. It was the beginning of many fun encounters with Ms. Karen who over the years ended up on my theater e-list receiving forwards of show openings and audition notices. Out of the blue one day she emails me "now where again is that stage combat class being held?"
I'll miss you m'dear, very much.
By Vicki Frenk
November 4, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this
I knew Karen for over 23 years in the capapcity of a fellow Realtor...not by any means a close friend...but everytime Karen and I would talk it was never 'just business' as she was one of those rare lights that always took the time to turn the conversation personal, usually chiding me about my work with the film industry wanting to know about what celebrity I was working with now...point is, she sincerely was interested in me as a fellow person, not just a biz associate...I feel as though I have lost a valued friend...because she valued everyone like a friend
By Rick Abrams
November 3, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this
Karen's Cleopatra blew my Antony off the stage thirty-plus years ago. What a pleasure and a privilege to have acted with her!
By Peggy Romberg
November 3, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
It was a joy to know and love Karen. What a special human being! I, along with countless other Austinites and Westbankers will sorely miss her, her humor and wit, and her keen interest in others.
By Frank Delvy
November 2, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this
In 1994, I was privileged to do a show with Karen at Chicago House. I have to thank Sterling for casting me as Shoeshine opposite Karen's Jade in his musical "The Electric Street". Getting to sing a beautiful song to Karen and then kissing her every show is something I will always treasure. She was a joy and so easy to work with.
As a recent cancer survivor, I know a little of what she must have gone through. I hope she is now at rest. I miss her already.
By Lear Robinson Weaver
November 2, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
I remember attending numerous Christmas and Easter events at Green Pastures with my family when I was growing up. I remember attending Karen's wedding as an eight year old and thinking she was the most beautiful bride in the world. When my mother died 2 years ago, I asked Karen to sell their home of 51 years, knowing that it would be in capable and caring hands. My father died on Sept. 12th of this year and we held a graveside service in Austin on the 22nd. I did not notify Karen, knowing that she was very ill. Standing under the striped canopy at the cemetery, I looked up to see Karen coming toward me. She had seen Dad's obituary in the paper and had come to offer her sympathies. Karen was a class act from start to finish and I shall miss her!
By Lear Robinson Weaver
November 2, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this
As a child, I attended many Easter and Christmas gatherings at Green Pastures. I remember attending Karen's wedding as an eight year old child and thinking she was the most beautiful bride I had ever seen. When my mother died two years ago, Karen agreed to sell my parents'home of 51 years. It was such a comfort to know that Karen was handling the house and that that was one thing I did not have to worry any more about. My father died on Sept. 12th of this year and we held a graveside service in Austin on the 22nd. Knowing Karen was ill, I did not contact her about the services. Standing under the striped awning, waiting for the services to begin, I looked up to see Karen making her way across the cemetery. She had seen Dad's obituary in the paper and had had her driver bring her to express her sympathies. Karen was a class act from start to finish. I will miss her.
By Peter Beilharz
November 2, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
I will miss this special person. I had been very fortunate to stage manage Full Gallop with Karen and it was a great opportunity I will always treasure. What made this experience even more wonderful was being able to travel to Martha's Vineyard with Karen (a wonderful star) for a special performance of the show for VIP's. What a magical experience I had on this island with this great woman and her wonderful friends.
By Tanne Faulk Ryland
November 2, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
How wonderful to see one's opinion supported by strangers. Karen is my cousin & I'm used to loving & admiring her. I'm also grateful for her warmth & loving-kindness. It's good to read all these kind words. Cynthia Tannehill Faulk Ryland.
By Cathy Tabor
November 2, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
Years ago, in the early years of my working diligently as a board member for Zachary Scott Theatre, I had the great pleasure of working with Mary Alice Nasier. Imagine my delight when I learned that, besides my own mother, Mary Alice had the one that I would have certainly picked to be my own. Sassy, classy, amazing, lovable-- having you go to another place physically will never dampen the sparks you left with me deep within my heart.
"Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die."
Mary Frye
I will miss you so very much, Karen.
Cathy Tabor
By Paula Gilbert
November 1, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this
I met Karen first as a real estate agent. She showed me a property once. I couldn't afford it, and she knew it, but she wanted me to know that I should aspire to a dream. Then she sent me on my way with a business card and a caution to learn to live within my means, but dream big.
I loved how she named people in greeting when she saw them. Her lower-than-average female voice spoke your name with a honey feel.
My private meetings with Karen were few. I mostly got to enjoy her as the center of a gathering. I treasure the few private conversations we had. She could make you feel special, when she wasn't zinging you to bring you back to reality.
Bless you, Karen. And thanks for your presence in our lives.
Paula Gilbert
By Helen Roberts
November 1, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
Karen,
You taught us how much one person can make all the difference in our world, enlivening a room, a theater, a mind, a heart! I am deeply grateful for the joy and kindness and talent that you added to my life. My love and deepest sympathy to your wonderful family.
By Andra P.Cohn
November 1, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
At night when I look up at the stars I will see Karen. She was a Star on Earth and she will continue to light up the Universe. Twinkle twinkle on Karen.
By Ann Ciccolella
November 1, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
We are so fortunate that Karen was in our lives. I think of Cabaret especially that pineapple song with Scotty Roberts, I think of her no-nonsense verve in The V****a Monologues... and her many roles in Angels in America. I remember in Aug. 1989, the day after we moved to Austin, we went to see "Cafe Manhattan" in the cool, dark of the Chicago House on 6th & Trinity.... we knew we could love Austin -- it had Karen.
By Peg and Glynda
November 1, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
We began what was to be one of our most truly significant and treasured relationships when first we met KK in 1977 at Center Stage (once, and then, later again The Ritz). I, Peg Miller, was Box Office Manager (and follow Spot operator!)...and, my future business partner in Chicago House and "best friend forever", Glynda Cox, was House Manager - under the ever brilliant Jimmy Costello. It was quite obvious that we never forgot Ms. Karen... as she and Sterling were ever two of our very brightest lights at Chicago House in years to come - gracing our stage, and blessing us and Austin with countless witty and original versions of Cafe Manhattan, as well as Sterling's wonderful original shows The Electic Street and The Late 20th Century Love Affair. Audiences were mesmerized by their clever repartee between songs, and the obvious chemistry between THEM flowed into a synergistic, irresistible bubble of mutual adoration that the audience knew they were so very much a part of that magic! Unforgettable! We get goosebumps just thinking about our memories of those days. Karen is SO embedded in every aspect of Austin art... she will NEVER be forgotten. The sound of her sweet sultry voice, that beautiful smile, her wickedly impish sense of humor....and her absolute CLASS, sheer genius!!! What can we say? We've lost a sister, our friend, our idol... but, we know she's now starring in her greatest role yet, in an even larger venue. She leaves us with tears in our eyes, yet joy in our soul... for we know she's in a much better place, and we WILL meet again. Some day we will all be together. We were all SO very blessed to have her in our lives! Our hearts and prayers are with her lovely family....bless you all.
By Scott Swanson
November 1, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this
I first met Karen while doing The Who's Tommy at Zach Scott Theater back in 1998 but did not really get to know her until we were both in the 1999 run of The Rocky Horror Show. Karen's humor both on and offstage was a treat that I will always cherish. I remember watching her once at Zach Scott as she sang "Class" from Chicago and I thought "how ironic that one of the classiest ladies I've ever met is singing this song!" Goodnight and goodbye, dear Dame Kuykendall.
By Don Pryor
November 1, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
I will never forget her wonderful speaking voice for as long as I live! Whenever I heard that voice on a commercial or whatever, there was never any doubt who it belonged to. We have lost a great talent.
Don Pryor
By Don Temples
November 1, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
I first fell in love with Karen hearing her sing her cabaret act with Sterling in the late 80s. She sang songs with great intelligence and meaning. I am not sure I've ever heard anyone interpret the "Fifty Percent" song from Michael Bennet's "Ballroom" musical any better than Karen.
She was also so generous in her hospitality and entertaining with friends, so funny and so alive. It's been many years since we've lived in Austin, but I hear her voice so strongly.
May light perpetual shine upon her.
By Abbe Waldman
November 1, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
I was lucky enough to work with Karen in a real estate office for 3 years. Every woman was known fondly as "sister", or for the men "brother" by Karen. Her wit, class and style were ever an inspiration for all of us. After working long hours in real estate, off she would go to serve at a community function to help others. She will be missed.
By Deena Mersky
November 1, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
uniquely special, brilliantly talented, classy, brassy, brave and on the right side of just about everything. Via con dios, Karen.
Deena Mersky
By Scott Poppaw
November 1, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
I had the honor of performing with Karen when she was a guest artist of the Capital City Men's Chorus. As soon as she took the stage, her wit and charm entranced the audience. They were further beguiled when she "Began the Beguine"...:) I was also fortunate enough to get to know her on a personal level as well. Condolences and prayers to all her family.
I will miss my friend.
By leslie pool
November 1, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
I only knew karen as a member of the audience, and I'm so very glad to have those memories. her talent rang across generations! and, when paired with sterling price-mckinney, she was absolutely iconic.
thanks, karen, for all you gave us.
By Ray Benson
November 1, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
alas another of Austins originals has passed.she will be missed but never forgotten Ray B
By Susan Shelton
November 1, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
Karen was a delight to work with backstage. I loved being a part of any production with her. Such talent, such inspiration. She owned every part and gave it all she had. She had the sharpest sense of humor, and some of the best legs in a tuxedo jacket I've ever seen...
I will miss her terribly. But the planet spins, and the world goes 'round. House out, go. Goodbye.
By Frances Nail
November 1, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
Karen Kuykendall was the soul of this town. Wordsworth said that we come into this world trailing clouds of glory. Karen came and left trailing clouds of laughter.
By Gretchen
November 1, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
May Karen's generosity, style, warmth, and wit stay in our hearts and animate our lives and the whole world forever. She touched us all, family, friend, stranger. Her passing seems impossible somehow. How could such a flame burn down? We must keep her spirit--the spirit of all aliveness--burning brightly in each of us. And we must laugh, baby, laugh.
By Jeffrey Currier
November 1, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
The incredibly sad news reached me here in New York this morning, and I took a walk down Broadway during lunch and listed to Karen sing in my iPod. I recall singing a cabaret night with Karen (also Coco Sansoni and John Howry) for New Texas a few years back, and when we finished an emotional quartet of "Being Alive," Karen squeezed my arm and drawled to me under the applause, "He sure got that one right, didn't he?" Yes, Karen, he did. And so did you. Always.
By Forrest Preece
November 1, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
Karen was a cornerstone of Austin's cultural scene for many decades and a touchstone for the nurturing of younger talents.
I'm sure that everyone viewing these comments has their own favorite memories of her. We all loved seeing her perform on the boards, but her offstage zingers could fill a coffee table book.
How deftly she could look at a situation, turn that deadpan countenance towards you, and with impeccable timing say, "My, that is really something." You never doubted what she meant.
Her passing is an irreplaceable loss for Austin.
By Ben Bentzin
November 1, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Karen was always a bright spot of sunshine in our lives. Her energy, style, and grace, were contagious. A tireless advocate for the arts, Karen was an anchor our Austin arts community. She will be missed.
By Todd and Robin of TexARTS
November 1, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
It was an honor to have had Karen grace the stage in our MUSIC MAN at the Paramount in June 2006 and, as a result, to have been priviledged to come into that rarefied and wonderful world of Karen. To her wonderful family we offer our fondest and warmest thoughts and condolences. Austin has lost a great muse and cherished soul, but will be forever enriched for her having been amongst us.
By Michael McKelvey
November 1, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Besides being one of my favorite people to exchange the aforementioned "zingers", Karen was also one of the warmest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. The joy in her eyes as she watched Jennie in Honk at the MMNT, and her detailed recounting for me years later of the enjoyment she had for that production still astonishes me. I will miss the famous: "I saw you up there." She will always be the classy of dames to me.
By Acia Gray
November 1, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
Karen will be sorely missed ....the solid center of our Austin theatre. Ironically, two of my favorite actors & friends have passed on to the great venue beyond: Joe York and now Karen. I had the pleasure of working with both of them 30 years ago in one of my first shows - "Company" at the Ritz. Just a teenager, I was in complete awe. I still am and always will be ...I'll always hear that low, sultry voice that vibrated through us all so purely.
By Marisa
November 1, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Several years ago, as part of a fundraiser for the Austin Museum of Art, I had the amazing opportunity to perform side-by-side with Ms. Kuykendall. The fun we had during the rehearsal process, the kindness she showed me, and the sheer joy of being onstage with her are memories I will always treasure.
By Jacqui Cross
November 1, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
I am so, so saddened to hear about the passing of the great Karen Kuykendall. She was a great associate of mine. A theater buddy. We performed together for Austin Musical Theater in a fundraiser at the Four Seasons Hotel. She was a nut, soooo much fun. She was always so grateous to me and always praised me for my work. I appreciated that from her being so pure and geniune herself. I will truely miss Karen and I want her family to know that I am praying for their strength to endure this great and heavy loss.
By Mark L. Smith
November 1, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
Karen was one of the most delightful human beings I have ever known. Her gorgeous smile and unmatched sense of humor never disappointed. She helped me buy and sell several houses, and I always looked forward to looking at property with her because it was like getting a free, front-row seat at a performance by her; she would keep me laughing the whole time. And she delivered her humor in that wonderful, dry, smokey, ironic style that was unique to her. I miss her already. She was a generous person also, and her social gatherings at her home were always populated with the most interesting people, and she made us all feel special and welcome and part of a fabulous gang of artsy folk. And she had exquisite taste. She is a legend, and my life is much richer for having known her. Thank you, Karen, for your life with us. If there is a heaven, you are center stage in its best theater. Mark L. Smith
By S. Adams
November 1, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
Heaven has a special soul. How appropriate that she passed on the eve of All Saints Day.
My family all thought very highly of her, her parents and her siblings. They attended Mass and school together at St. Ignatius and St. Mary's.
She was very kind and loving, like her mother. I will never forget Karen Kuykendall. We are grateful God blessed us with her in our lives.
By Nancy Scanlan
November 1, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
Karen was my dear friend, consummate realtor, pilates partner and inspiration ... as a passionate theater buff, I stood in awe of her stage presence (on and off the stage!) and her ability to inject wit, irtony and panache into the most mundane of conversations ... not that we had many of those ... I will miss her!
By Trisa Thompson
November 1, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
We will all miss Karen. She brought joy, laughter, love and passion to our Zach world, to Austin and to all that knew her. Our prayers to her family.
By Lowell
November 1, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
Karen was a joy. Many actors will tell of the times Karen saw them in a show and then greeted them afterwards with "I saw you up there." This is maybe one of the best ways to be told she didn't really care for your performance. (I'll always be proud of the "Well, you really did it" sahe gave me one time.)
She delivered many wonderful performances on stage, but nothing that could surpass the fun and pleasure of her company off stage.
She will be missed in so many ways and this is a very sad day.
By Randy & Suzie Harriman
November 1, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
A great lady and a good friend, who played her final role with the same style, grace and class she brought to all the others for which we remember her.
We have fond memories of dinners at our house with Karen and Joe York, evenings filled with "show talk" laced inevitably with Joe's great good humor and Karen's needle-sharp wit.
In paradisum deducant angeli...
By TByrne
November 1, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
It is good that her pain has passed. I will miss my marvelous friend.
By Becky
November 1, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
A brilliantly gifted soul I can only imagine experiencing her spirit living on as the amazing Diva that she is on stage always with all of us.
B
By Susan Branch
November 1, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this
I only had the honor of working directly with Karen once, costuming her in CABARET at Zach Scott. My observation: Even when dressed in the character of a poor, modest, depression-era German landlady, she could not help but exude exceptional style, dignity, and elegance. True on stage, true in life.
By Henry Fitzgerald
November 1, 2007 7:46 AM | Link to this
I read this with sadness this morning.
What popped into my mind, though, when I remembered Ms. K, wasn't her singing, her remarkable speaking voice, or her wit, but a scene I saw her do with Rude Mechs.
In Big Love, a wonderful production, there was a moment when her character was sitting in a chair delivering a blistering speech, all the while carefully stemming ripe tomatoes from a bowl and hurling them into the floor, splattering them.
Somehow, when Ms. K. was doing this, it made perfect sense to me, and this moment burned into my memory. As a performer, she could make me believe anything.