He’s worked with Spielberg, O’Toole and Poitier. But ever since cancer called, Denver Actors Fund has been his co-star.
Who we helped: Boulder native John Scott Clough played Joseph in the very first production ever staged at Boulder’s Dinner Theatre, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” back in 1977. After a wild L.A. detour, he became a regular there again, finally backing away from the stage in 2013 after playing Julian Marsh in “42nd Street.” Other favorite roles have included playing Father in Ragtime, Cliff in “Cabaret,” the Pharaoh in “Joseph” and Captain Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music.” (DAF founder John Moore, then The Denver Post’s theater critic, wrote of Clough: “He introduces an emotional humanity and moral strength to Von Trapp that catches one utterly unprepared.” He has since remained active at what is now called the BDT Stage, mostly by providing video and marketing support while also pitching in on creative aspects of shows – such as painting that gorgeous “WC” scrim that opened the company’s 2021 production of “White Christmas.” But if you only know the Boulder years of Clough’s career, buckle up. That was (mostly) after a scorcher of a run in Hollywood. Google his name and it’s likely to bring up some smoldering references to his work in the 1985 film “Fast Forward,” a dance musical directed by the legendary Sidney Poitier and produced by the equally legendary Quincy Jones. He also was directed by Steven Spielberg for his TV series “Amazing Stories.” He acted with Peter O’Toole in “Phantoms.” Other TV and film credits have included “Gross Anatomy” with Matthew Modine, the Jennifer Rubin horror flick “Bad Dreams,” the Denver-based film “Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story,” “Night Court,” “Return to Green Acres,” “Empty Nest,” “Melrose Place” – and he got to make out with Tracey Gold on “Growing Pains.” He’s going to hate us for saying this, but yes … John Scott Clough WAS Teen Beat’s “Hunk of the Month” for July 1985.
His medical story: John was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in late 2021. He has been receiving radiation and other aggressive forms of treatment ever since.
How we have helped: As John’s bills have come in, the DAF has been there to wipe out his out-of-pocket obligations so that he can focus on his recovery without staring down a mountain of medical debt. Just this past week, a single bill came in from The Urology Center of Colorado for just under $7,000 – and we paid it off. To date, the DAF has paid down John’s medical bills by $12,413.
A message from John: “I am so very thankful the Denver Actors Fund is here to help out when the going gets rough. This visionary organization has made dealing with my anxiety and fears so much easier to deal with. I honestly don’t know what I would do without the DAF. It’s been such a blessing to not have to worry about bills so that I can concentrate on getting better. You are the shyte!”
And this from John’s sister, Amy Jacquemard: “I can’t thank you enough! The process has been so easy on our side. You have been so helpful and supportive – it brings tears to my eyes.”
‘I honestly do not know what I would do without the Denver Actors Fund.‘ – John Scott Clough
How you can help us replenish: At The Denver Actors Fund, we love it when the money goes out as fast as it comes in, which means we are in a constant state of replenishment. That’s the gig. If you would like to help us keep up, simply mail checks in any amount made out to Denver Actors Fund to P.O. Box 11182, Denver, CO 80212. Or use this donation link, with our humble thanks.
Read testimonials from other Denver Actors Fund beneficiaries here, or click on a recent name below:
JORDAN MANCHEGO: $5,161
HANNAH DUGGAN: $3,588
JESSICA HINDSLEY (PAWS FUND): $3,000
BRIAN COLONNA: $1,665
PETER TRINH: $2,908
KENT SUGG, $8,413
BRITTNI AND LAVOUR ADDISON: $13,361
The Denver Actors Fund has now made $1,190,000 available to more than 540 Colorado theater artists. Read testimonials from other Denver Actors Fund beneficiaries here
Note: At The Denver Actors Fund, anonymity of aid recipients is presumed and fully protected, unless and until the recipient chooses to have their story told.
HOW YOU CAN HELP US REPLENISH:
To DONATE the Denver Actors Fund, please CLICK HERE (with our humble thanks)
ABOUT THE DENVER ACTORS FUND:
Video above: The Denver Actors Fund receives the Colorado Theatre Guild’s 2016 Community Impact Award.
The Denver Actors Fund is a source of immediate, situational relief when members of the local theater community find themselves in medical need. In addition to financial relief, a team of more than 100 Denver Actors Fund volunteers offers good neighborly assistance including meal prep and delivery, child care, transportation, errands, construction, pet-sitting and more. For more information, visit our web site at DenverActorsFund.Org.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AID:
To apply for Denver Actors Fund aid: Fill out this brief online form here
INTRODUCING THE PAWS FUND:
In May 2023, the Denver Actors Fund introduced the PAWS Fund, which is a new and separate $35,000 fund that makes some relief available to qualified Colorado theater artists to pay down their veterinary bills. Click here to read all about it.
MORE WAYS TO HELP:
DONATE BY MAIL:
Send checks made out to the Denver Actors Fund to:
P.O. Box 11182
Denver, CO 80211
VOLUNTEER:
Ever thought about taking a more active role in The Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information
SHOP AT KING SOOPERS
Sign up for King Soopers’ Community Rewards Program and raise money for The DAF just by shopping for your groceries – and it doesn’t cost you an extra penny. To sign up, simply go here and designate The DAF as your preferred non-profit. Each quarter, King Soopers sends us a donation based on how much our supporters have spent. Thanks to all of you who are shopping for The DAF.
DONATE YOUR CAR
The Denver Actors Fund is now registered to accept vehicle donations, thanks to a new partnership with Vehicles for Charity. You can turn your unwanted but usable vehicle into greatly appreciated funds for The Denver Actors Fund. The process is simple. The DAF will receive 80 percent of auction proceeds, and a receipt for the donation will be sent to you that can be used for tax purposes. Read all about it here.
VOLUNTEER:
Ever thought about taking a more active role in the Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information
COME TO THE EVENTS THAT SUPPORT US:
MONDAY, JUNE 5: Please join us for Miners Alley Playhouse’s Industry Night performance of “The Oldest Boy.” Our friends at Miners Alley are continuing their groundbreaking, trendsetting commitment to dedicate ALL PROCEEDS from one designated performance of each run to go to the Denver Actors Fund. And on this night only, $51 tickets can be yours for only $20. Sarah Ruhl’s acclaimed play is a moving exploration of parenthood focused on an American mother and a Tibetan father who have a 3-year-old son they come to believe is the reincarnation of a Buddhist lama. If you plan to see this play, please consider joining us at 7:30 p.m. on MONDAY, JUNE 5. Miners Alley Playhouse is located at 1224 Washington Ave., in Golden. Call 303-935-3044 or choose your own seats at minersalley.com. Be sure to choose June 5. The promo code for $20 tickets is DAFNIGHT.
MONDAY, JUNE 5: Please join us for Buntport Theater’s Industry Night performance of “Best Town,” a new play about stars, isolation, the magic of libraries and Laura Ashley curtains. Buntport is a collective that has created 51 original, full-length plays for the stage Seeing any of their plays is a quintessential Denver theater experience. Join us at 7:30 p.m. on MONDAY, JUNE 5, at 717 Lipan St. Buntport will donate 50 percent of all ticket proceeds to the DAF. Reserve your tickets, which are all “name your own price,” at buntport.com
SUNDAY, JUNE 11: It’s Tony Awards night! And the Denver-area Actors’ Equity Association, along with SAG-AFTRA Colorado Local, the Colorado Theatre Guild and Denver Film are hosting a viewing party on the big screen at the Sie Film Center as a benefit for The Denver Actors Fund! The night will feature drink specials, special ballots, swag, and a food truck! It;s free to get in, but donations to the DAF will be accepted to the DAF. Thank you to everyone from all FOUR of these partnering organizations! Make your free reservation here.MONDAY, JUNE 12: Please join us for Town Hall Arts Center’s Industry Night performance of “Memphis.” Our friends at Town Hall are continuing their incredible commitment to designate one performance per run with 100 percent of all proceeds from ticket and concession sales to be donated to The Denver Actors Fund. “Memphis,” directed by Billie McBride and Mykai Eastman, tells the dangerous love story of Huey Calhoun, a local, white radio D.J. with a passion for R&B music, and Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming black singer with music direction by Trent Hines. Join us on MONDAY, JUNE 12, at 2450 Main St. in Littleton. Tickets are only $27 (normally as much as $52). Reserve your seats at 303-794-2787 or townhallartscenter.org.
THROUGH JUNE 25: During its entire run of “Cats,” The Candlelight will be collecting once again for the Denver Actors Fund at ALL performances. Incredible! 4747 Marketplace Dr. in Johnstown. Tickets at 970-744-3747 or coloradocandlelight.com.
VISIT OUR ONLINE MERCH STORE:
Click here to see how you can buy DAF products such as T-shirts, key chains, puzzles and much more.
