1942 – 2024
Reading – Douglas George Griffin, 82, of Reading, MA, died on July 26 after a brief illness.
Born in Lynn, MA, to William and Sarah (McAlevey) Griffin, Doug was a United States Air Force veteran and actor.
Doug lived a very interesting life. He joined the United States Air Force in 1959 and became a Russian linguist who flew on aerial reconnaissance missions in C-130 planes during the Cold War. He was based in Iran, Turkey, Germany, Italy and, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Key West, FL. He eventually made Portland, OR his home for 25 years, until moving back to the Boston area in 1995.
As a voracious reader throughout his life and a man with a memory like a steel trap, Doug was a walking encyclopedia. He could discuss virtually any topic in depth. Even if you thought you knew something, Doug knew more!
He loved history, politics, Juliet Binoche, fine wine and good beer, but his true passion was the theater. Since his first role at 16 in “The Importance of Being Earnest” at Lynn English High School, Doug went on to have a nearly seventy-year career as an actor. He performed in plays wherever he lived in the world, did voice over and extra work, and appeared in several independent films. He was particularly proud of late in life roles in the Huntington Theater production of “Our Town,” and the 2021 film, “A Fine Pavement.” Doug and his frequent artistic collaborators had engaging projects in the pipeline up until his passing.
He was predeceased by his sister, Melinda (Griffin) Driscoll and brother-in-law Jim Driscoll of Lynn, MA. In addition to his sister Susan Fitzgerald and brother-in-law Richard Fitzgerald of Reading, MA, Doug leaves behind many cousins, nephews, nieces and dear friends who will miss him very much.
Doug requested no formal service. In his honor, please patronize your local theater and toast to all the artists who make those productions possible.
