Tina Packer, a celebrated actor, director, and writer, passed away on January 9, 2026, at the age of 87. Surrounded by her son Martin and close friends, Packer leaves behind a legacy that transformed the landscape of Shakespearean theater.
Born in Wolverhampton, England, and raised in Nottingham, Packer honed her craft at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, graduating in 1964 with honors and receiving the Ronson Award for Most Promising Actress. Her early career included performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company and appearances in notable television series such as “David Copperfield” and “Doctor Who.”
Founding Shakespeare & Company
In 1978, Packer co-founded Shakespeare & Company in the Berkshires of Massachusetts alongside actor and director Dennis Krausnick, voice teacher Kristin Linklater, and a group of theater artists. The organization began its journey at The Mount, the home of author Edith Wharton in Lenox, Massachusetts.
Packer believed that Shakespeare’s language provided actors with essential tools for performance. She and Linklater established the Company’s Training Program, now known as the Center for Actor Training, which focuses on the integration of voice, body, mind, and spirit. This initiative has become a cornerstone of the Company, fostering a shared language and practice among actors that has had lasting effects on their craft.
Packer stepped down as artistic director in 2009 but remained active in directing and teaching. Among her notable stage performances were roles in “Shirley Valentine,” “Molly Ivins: Red Hot Patriot,” and “The Beauty Queen of Leenane.” She also portrayed characters from Shakespeare’s works, including Volumnia and Cleopatra.
Contributions to Academia and Literature
Throughout her illustrious career, Packer taught the entire canon of Shakespeare’s works at over 30 colleges and universities, including Harvard University and New York University. Her academic contributions also extended to the MBA program at Columbia University, where she co-authored the book “Power Plays: Shakespeare’s Lessons in Leadership and Management.”
Packer published several influential books, including “Women of Will,” which explored the female characters in Shakespeare’s plays through performances in which she portrayed every female role. This project led her to receive Guggenheim and Bunting Fellowships in 1994, allowing her to perform “Women of Will” internationally, marking her New York debut as both an actress and writer.
In recognition of her impact, the Women of Will Directing Fellowship was established in her honor to support early-career female stage directors passionate about Shakespeare. Packer’s work has been the focus of various books and documentaries, including the 1985 publication “The Company She Keeps: Tina Packer Builds a Theater” by Helen Epstein.
Packer’s accolades include six honorary degrees and numerous awards, such as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Shakespeare Theatre Association and the Gold Medal Award for the Arts from the National Arts Club.
Tina Packer is survived by her son, Martin Jason Asprey, and a large extended family who will deeply miss her vibrant spirit and passion for the arts.
In remembrance, a celebration of her life is scheduled for May 31, 2026, at the Shakespeare & Company campus. The Company has also established the Tina Packer Legacy Fund to support its future endeavors. In lieu of flowers, her family encourages donations to the fund. Friends and colleagues wishing to share memories or reflections about Packer are invited to reach out via email at [email protected].
