Arthur Cahn, Actor-Producer Devoted To The Human Spirit

Arthur H. Cahn's course was set long before he passed on the dramatic "Stalag 17" in order to produce an obscure little play, "The Torch Grows Dim."

But that choice he made in 1949 defined this producer, actor and social worker. Rather than present the award-winning, prisoner-of-war drama, he opted for a sad story of the African-American experience.

"He loved the theater, but was very caring for human rights and civil rights," said his son Peter Cahn of Seattle.

"Not many came to see the play, but he felt it was important to present it. All his life he took part in demonstrations, and organized co-ops to help people in inner cities find food, clothing and housing."

Mr. Cahn, a Seattle resident since 1975, died of heart failure Saturday, Nov. 30. He was 77.

Born in New York City, Mr. Cahn had an early exposure to the stage and to struggles of the poor.

He graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1946, and appeared in or produced productions on both coasts. Through this time he was active in helping the disadvantaged or disenfranchised in cities such as New York, Utica, N.Y., and Los Angeles.

He finished his master's at the University of Wisconsin, and helped organize people into direct-charge co-operatives. He later worked with at-risk children in East Chicago Heights, and Peoria, Ill.

"He was involved in community theater all during his career," said his son. "He played Willy Lowman in `Death of a Salesman' in Utica, and the hero in `Harvey' in Peoria."

After Mr. Cahn retired from social work and moved to Seattle, he began appearing at the Cirque Dinner Theatre in plays such as "Charley's Aunt" with Roddy McDowall.

"He played a lot of comedy," said his son. "He even started a traveling troupe, The Good Companions, which did plays at Elks clubs and country clubs all the way to Bend, Ore., where their bus broke down."

Mr. Cahn did voice-overs in radio commercials for the Seattle Mariners. He also appeared on a radio mystery-theater show.

Some locally shot films in which he appeared as a character actor include "Singles" with Matt Dillon, and "Dogfight" with the late River Phoenix.

"He had a terrific imagination," said his son Timothy Cahn, also of Seattle. "He used to read me stories when I was a boy . . . he made them come alive, from `Winnie-the-Pooh' to Shakespeare. I remember wanting to get sick so I could stay home from school and have him read to me."

"He was not very good at making money. But he was wonderful at being a nice person."

Other survivors include his wife of 49 years, Lois Cahn of Seattle; his daughter, Alma Gundelach, Columbus, Texas; and four grandchildren. Memorials may go to Medic One Foundation, c/o Harborview Medical Center, Box 359748, 325 Ninth Ave., Seattle, WA, 98104.