Longtime Journal arts writer Jim Seavor dies at 80
Jim Seavor, a retired arts writer for The Providence Journal who reviewed countless theater productions and interviewed Frank Sinatra Jr., Lauren Bacall and other celebrities during his 40-year-career in print and broadcast news, died on Friday.
Seavor, of Cranston, was 80, and his passionate enthusiasm for theater stayed with him right into the final days of his life, according to his husband, Gregory Mallane.
He was in the audience to see “Sister Act,” at Theatre By The Sea, on Aug. 19.
Seavor attended Cranston High School East and Boston University and became a broadcaster, joining the news department of WEAN and WPJB-FM in 1960.
He reviewed theater performances, films and interviewed authors. He also accompanied the Trinity Repertory Company on a trip to India.
He joined The Providence Journal’s features department when The Journal sold the two radio stations, continuing to focus on the arts scene in Rhode Island.
In 1976, says Mallane, Ruth Gordon told Jim that his interview was the best she ever had and sent him this note: “For Jim, who asked me such great questions and made our interview a treat!”
When the musical “Cats” played at the Providence Performing Arts Center, Seavor performed as a ‘Jellicle Cat,’ Mallane said.
The writer also took a flight on stage with Peter Pan’s Cathy Rigby when “Peter Pan” came to town.
In a posting on Facebook over the weekend, one of Seavor’s close friends, George T. Marshall, recalled the writer’s contributions to Flickers’ screenings of art and foreign films.
Seavor was a key adviser for the organization’s long-term planning efforts.
He also helped with Flickers’ television series “Between Takes” and he was the narrator for a musical/multi-media event that focused on notable film composers and their music.
“We shared so many great adventures together and they will remain chiseled in the book of my life,” says Marshall’s post.
In 2015 he received the Producer’s Circle Award for his passionate advocacy for the arts from the Rhode Island International Film Festival.
Seavor suffered from congestive heart failure, kidney disease and pulmonary disease and he died Friday morning following a medical incident, said Mallane.
“On earth, Jim Seavor was one of the kindest, gentlest, generous, caring, compassionate souls that God ever created,” Mallane wrote Sunday night as he worked on an obituary.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
mreynold@providencejournal.com
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