Memories of Ozzie

AMERICAN THEATER MAGAZINE

Keith David, who remained friends with Ozzie through the years, said: “Ozzie’s energy always made me want to smile! Whether he was joking with you or reprimanding you. He ran a tight ship. And had a great sense of humor! Wry sometimes, but always there. And I love the way he respected actors/artists and the process. Not everyone understands the way performers process; he always gave us respectful space! And he was a gracious human being. I love him and will miss him. God bless you, Ozzie.”

Keith David with Ozzie Rodriguez at the 2023 La MaMa gala.

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“My memory of Ozzie begins when I performed Agamemnon: The Circle of Blood at La MaMa in New York. One afternoon, we arranged a private tour of the La MaMa Archive—a living museum of its vibrant history, its artists, its founding energy. Ozzie was not just a guide. He was a performer, a storyteller, a vessel of the place’s soul.

That tour became an extraordinary one-man show—not in name, but in essence. Ozzie didn’t just describe history, he embodied it. With every word, every gesture, he transported us. He lit up our minds, our senses, our imaginations. He gave us permission to dream. To play. To believe again.

And I will never forget the night he came to see our performance. His warmth, his support, his generous feedback—so full of care and excitement. The way he spoke with us afterwards wasn’t just about critique; it was about communion. He had this rare gift of entering your world fully, with sincerity and joy, and of making you feel like your art mattered.

Ozzie wasn’t just part of La MaMa’s history. He was its beating heart. He showed me what it means to carry a legacy: not with weight, but with wonder.”  Rafika Chawishe:

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“Ozzie came to our show at La MaMa on the June 20, 2024 and put on a costume for conducting the Spectacular Experiments on the Great Atomic Bombreflector. He looked really cool in the costume.” Rustem Begenov and Alexandra Morozova (ORTA):

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“I had a very loving Dad but Ozzie is the father to my creative life. I met him in 1980 when I was 18 years old in San Antonio, Texas. He started a theater company here ( Madre Del Sol E.T.C. From 1980-1984 I was guided by this incredible man who band together a group of young and old alike and opened a world of possibilities for so many of us. My dream was to study and live in NYC. With his encouragement I did. For fifteen memorable years in the Big Apple.
My prayers and condolences to his family and friends. My love to you and all. “ Marcus A. CerdaI

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“To me he is Uncle Junior as my grandfather’s name was also Ozzie. I am Ozzies 1st niece. My fondest memory is of him calling me on the phone when I was just 5 and my mom was in the hospital having my baby sister. He asked if I was available and could he come and get me and I of course covered the mouth piece to ask my grandmother if I was available. I uncovered and told him I was in fact available for the day. (Lol). He came and got me and we got in a cab and he took me to lunch we went sightseeing and he took me to see the Muppets Take Manhattan! He always talked about this story to me. My Uncle always loved the Arts and he introduced me to so many different things about my theatrical and musical talents. Our family will always remember him fondly he was quite a character and always the “director” even off the stage. He was eclectic and a collector of old things and loved beautiful things. He was an actor a director a curator an archivist a painter a keeper of memories a comedian a son, brother,Godfather and an Uncle as well as friend, mentor and so many other things to so many people. He touched the lives of many and lived life on his own terms. He definitely touched mine and I will miss him. His is a life worth celebrating. So until next time Uncle June. All my love!” Rena Segarra-Cohen

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“Here are some pictures of Ozzie when he did the tours with Trinity/La MaMa students” Trinity/La MaMa

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“Ozzie was always so dedicated to everything he did, especially The Archive when I first met him and joined the La MaMa family. I loved bumping into him on the street as we always shared a laugh together. He will be missed. There is no one else like him!” Sophia Gutchinov

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“I was a young woman walking up to the archives for the first time. You welcomed me with open arms. For hours you explained the history of La Mama, theater on the LES and I listened to your stories and kept listening as closely as I could. I appreciate you and adore you and think the world of you. Your spirit lives on. THANK YOU” Glory Kadigan 

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“I met Ozzie when I auditioned for La Mama ETC., in Great Neck, Long Island. The play he was directing was “Quincas.” My first professional acting audition and experience. This was 1974. I was a senior in high school. Ozzie asked me to join the group and cast me in “Quincas.” It changed my life. The play was performed in Long Island, and then for a two week run at La Mama ETC. in Manhattan. A surreal and extraordinary experience, all because Ozzie saw me for who I was and believed in me. There I was in the heart of the off-off broadway world I had only read about. A mind blowing experience for a seventeen year old teen from Long Island. Sending love, condolences to Ozzie’s family and the staff of La Mama.” Roy Fialkow

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“Long ago, in the early 80s, during a dry spell with shows, Ozzie asked how I’m doing. I told him I was holding on only sometimes it was hard to afford the supermarket. He instantly dropped what he was doing, said ‘come with me’, walked me to Kyev Restaurant and bought me lunch. That’s who he was.” Chaim G

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“I remember Ozzie was always there. At least he was there for a minute or two with his eternal cup of coffee and then back again to check if we had what we needed. And he was there for a rehearsal of “The Stairs.” I don’t remember exactly when, but I asked him to watch and to give advice. Ozzie had a great eye for detail. I remember that he said: “Twist your head completely to the right, as your legs move simultaneously in the opposite direction.” That detail made the transition of beginning upside down and falling slowly work. It created a compelling sense of opposition in the fall.

Ozzie was a man of detail and he gave his mastery generously. Ozzie gems are floating throughout La MaMa, especially throughout the archive. Ellen trusted Ozzie with her life work, as we all trusted Ozzie. And he continues to be there for us, just around the corner.” Maureen Fleming