We Remember Stocker Fontelieu

Posted December 16, 2009
12:00 PM PST

Charles “Stocker” Fontelieu, a New Orleans theater legend and longtime AFTRA member, died Dec. 14 at the age of 86.

Fontelieu joined AFTRA in 1957 as an announcer and served as a Local Board member for the AFTRA New Orleans Local for many years. He was recently awarded the Local’s Star Award for his years of service and his contributions artistically to the New Orleans scene.

Fontelieu performed as everything from "Dr. Walrus" on the old "Maison Blanche Mr. Bingle Christmas" television program to the face of Morris Kirschman in a long running series of commercials in which he drove a wagon down the city streets hawking furniture.

AFTRA New Orleans President Diana Boylston said of his passing, “Stocker was one of those rare types who believed that we must "give back" and help others in the field.  We need more like him.”

The following are some thoughts on Stocker from his friends and leaders at AFTRA New Orleans Local:

George Sanchez, Secretary

If a tree falls in the middle of the forest, does it make a sound? Yes, for the earth in which it was rooted, the air that surrounded it, the birds and animals who depended on it for shelter and sustenance, will note its passing.

We lost an oak today.

Stocker Fontelieu was a long-time member of AFTRA who had sheltered us in his home for meetings after our office was closed. He taught and inspired generations of young actors, costumers, set designers, lighting designers, prop men, stage managers, crew and folks who just liked to be around when the work was being done. He was a fixture at any theater in town worthy of the name. Late in life, he touched a new generation by his work as an Evaluator for the Talented Theatre programs in South Louisiana.

He was my friend.

We acted with and directed each other. We shared time and fellowship. We shared our lives. Mine is lessened by his loss.

In June of this year, Stocker allowed the New Orleans AFTRA local to honor itself by presenting him with an award acknowledging his long career. Yes. I said that right. We gave the award, but he honored us by accepting it.

If you seek his monument, look around you. Look not just in New Orleans, but in communities around the country and around the world who are benefiting from the work of the persons he touched and taught.

Vaya con Dios, Viejo.

Charles Ferrera, Vice-President

Stocker Fontelieu, the "rock" of the New Orleans acting community has, by his passing, left a void which is impossible to fill. 

Stocker, whether on the battlefield as a combat soldier in World War II – where he earned two combat medals – or on stage as an actor and/or director, could always be counted on to deliver not only a solid but spectacular performance.

In his later years, these outstanding performances continued during his film appearances. Anyone who knew Stocker will never forget his remarkable performance in the 1987 film "Angel Heart." Although extremely serious about his craft Stocker also possessed a huge sense of humor as evidenced by one of his most recent performances in the 2006 film “Big Momma's House 2.” 

It can truly be said that Stocker Fontelieu was one of a kind, raised the bar for the New Orleans acting community and for that, we all give Stocker a standing ovation.

Click here to read his obituary at NOLA.com

Click here to read his obituary by WWL-TV

 

 

 

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