Stanley Albin Anderson, Jr. 1939-2018

Stanley Albin Anderson, Jr., 78, passed away at his home in Santa Rosa, California on June 24, 2018, six weeks after being diagnosed with brain cancer. He was born on October 23, 1939 in Miles City, Montana to Stanley Albin Anderson, Sr. and Marie Gosselin Anderson, who predeceased him. His half-sister, Myra Jeanette Anderson Kopf Hatch, died in 2009. Most of Stanley’s childhood was spent in Billings, Montana, and1fe gradffated from Billings Senior High School. In 1957, he joined the United States Army where he served most notably as a radio announcer in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1960. In his twenties, he put himself through college, attending San Jose City College and, later, San Jose State College, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Drama and completed his thesis and all but one class for a Master’s Degree in Drama. While at San Jose State College, he met and married his wife of 52 years, Judith Long Anderson. Stanley’s professional acting career began with Seattle Repertory Theatre, and continued with Actors Theatre of Louisville, and more than 20 years at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. His role in Arena’s “The Piggy Bank” earned him a Helen Hayes Award for Best Supporting Actor. His film career included roles as the President of the United States in two Michael Bay movies, Armageddon and “The Rock.” His television career included a recurring role as Drew Carey’s dad on The Drew Carey Show and as Judge Vandelay in the final episode of Seinfeld. Stanley was a long-time member of three labor unions for actors. Concurrent with his acting career, he was well-known behind the scenes for his three decades of voiceover work in ads for Democratic candidates and issues across the country. He was most proud, ultimately, of the part he played in politics. Besides his wife, Stanley is survived by his son, Derek Evan Anderson of Ashburn, Virginia, and his three grandchildren, Antonio Ashton Anderson of Springfield, Virginia, and Stella Donna Anderson and Roxanne Marie Anderson of Ashburn, Virginia. Stanley requested that no services be held.

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