Senate Resolution No. 1062

BY: Senator SERRANO

MOURNING the death of Miriam Colon, a pioneering
actress, founder of Puerto Rican Traveling Theater,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of the
community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those individuals whose commitment and creative talents have
contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of their
community and the entire State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Miriam Colon of Ponce, Puerto Rico, died on Friday, March
3, 2017, at the age of 80; and

WHEREAS, Born on August 20, 1936, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Miriam
Colon grew up in San Juan; from a young age, she was interested in
theater; she began performing in school productions, auditioning in
drama classes at the University of Puerto Rico while she was still in
high school, and made her film debut at the age of 15 in "Los
Peloteros"; and

WHEREAS, Two years later, Miriam Colon moved to New York to pursue a
career in acting; and

WHEREAS, Miriam Colon enrolled at the Actors Studio as the first
Puerto Rican member, leading to an abundance of roles in the early days
of television; between 1955 and 1961, she appeared in 25 episodes of
network shows; and

WHEREAS, For over seven decades, Miriam Colon went on to appear in
scores of TV series and movies including feature films; some of her most
celebrated roles were "The Outsiders" (1961), "Scarface" (1983), "Lone
Star" (1996) and "Bless Me, Ultima" (2013); and

WHEREAS, Due to starting her career on the stages of New York's
theaters, Miriam Colon founded the Puetro Rican Traveling Theater, with
the goal of bringing free bilingual theater to all parts of the City;
and

WHEREAS, The Pregones Theater Puerto Rican Traveling Theater found
its home at an empty firehouse in Manhattan, New York, in 1981, where it
remains today; Miriam Colon served as the artistic director through
2014, until the company merged with Pregones and she became the artistic
adviser; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious theater was highly acclaimed by multiple
critics and was considered one of New York City's theatrical adornments;
and

WHEREAS, A vocal advocate of both funding for the arts and personal
self-resilience, Miriam Colon was the recipient of multiple awards
including the Obie Award for Lifetime Achievement in Off Broadway
Theater and the National Medal of Arts; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by her ex-husband, George Paul Edgar, Miriam
Colon is survived by her current husband, Fred Valle; one stepson,
Fabian Valle; one stepdaughter, Wendy Valle; and four grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to remember the
life and accomplishments of legendary actress Miriam Colon, whose
illustrious career will forever live in the hearts of many, and will
continue to inspire generations to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Miriam Colon, and to express its deepest condolences
to her family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Miriam Colon.