HR0989 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0989 LRB097 21240 GRL 68880 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to remember Etel Billig for her many years of service to the south suburban community, her dedication to local theatre, and her love for her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Etel Billig was born on December 16, 1932, in New York City; she was the daughter of Anthony and Martha Papa; she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees at New York University; Etel lived in Park Forest since 1964, with the exception of the years 1974 to 1976, when she lived in Omaha, Nebraska while performing at a dinner theater; and

WHEREAS, Etel Billig had a theatrical career of more than 50 years, which included performances at the Goodman Theatre, the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, and the Court Theatre; she also performed in productions at the Wisdom Bridge Theatre in Chicago, the Forum, and the Body Politic Theater; and

WHEREAS, Etel Billig and her husband, Steve Billig, founded the Illinois Theatre Center in 1976; during her 36 years with the theatre, she appeared in or directed more than 120 productions; and

WHEREAS, Etel Billig was a cherished mentor to many actors, including Michael Shannon, an Academy Award nominee for best actor for his role in "Revolutionary Road", who got his first acting role at ITC, and Sally Murphy, who appeared on the TV shows "The Good Wife" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and now is starring in "Time Stands Still" at the Steppenwolf Theatre; and

WHEREAS, Etel Billig taught theater at Prairie State College; she served as the president of the Southland Regional Arts Council and as a member of the Theatre Advisory Panel of the Illinois Arts Council; she participated in many area charity events in her area and received numerous awards for her contributions to the arts, including the Women Together Award from the Abby Foundation, the Risk Taking Award from the National Organization for Women, the Linda Morgan Award from the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Athena Award; she was also elected to the Park Forest Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Etel Billig passed away on March 28, 2012, after suffering a brain aneurysm at her desk at her beloved theater on the previous day; and

WHEREAS, Etel Billig was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Martha Papa, and her husband, Steve Billig; and

WHEREAS, Etel Billig is survived by her sons, Curt and Jonathan; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we remember and honor Etel Billig for her great influence on theatre in Chicago and her great dedication to her community, family, and friends; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Etel Billig as a symbol of our esteem and respect.