... of Nellis, the Seattle fringe-theater icon who passed away last Friday, from Jim Jewell of the Seattle Children's Theater (and 14/48 and many, many other local projects):

Nellis: Based on a True Story

When I first met Nellis, I asked him to tell me his favorite drunk story. He regaled me with a tale involving a spin-out into a stranger’s yard, a giant beaver costume, and his enlistment in the U.S. Navy. And he told it unapologetically, peppering it with his distinctive laugh.

Christopher B. Nellis, called Nellis by friends and anyone who wanted to stay on his good side, died Friday May 15, 2009 in the care of Franciscan Hospice of University Place, WA from end-stage liver disease from alcoholism.

Nellis was a mainstay of Seattle fringe theater and sketch comedy for many years. If you went to a show or after-party in the early 90’s, you saw, heard of, met and/or drank with Nellis. He created and wrote the wildly popular “Star Drek”; Leonard Nimoy attended a performance, and Nellis actively encouraged the rumor that Shatner had as well.

Over the years , he racked up favorite roles in numerous “Twilight Zone” episodes at Theater Schmeater, One World Theatre’s “Waiting for Lefty,” and Stepping Stone’s “Catch-22” as Yossarian, but he found his home producing late night sketch comedy cabarets. Nellis declared he wanted to do “theater for people who drink and smoke.” He was the nominal leader and figurehead of Theatre Under the Influence (pre-cease-and-desist), Theatre on the Rocks, and as recently as late March the late night show “Stansbury” in Open Circle’s late night space. It was the perfect venue for his infectious and playful personality, which poured off the stage and into every off-stage party with equal gusto.

It’s hard to sum up a man but by his beliefs. Nellis believed that cheap booze and cheap mixers worked as a double-negative. He didn’t believe in tipping well, he believed in over-tipping. He loved reality TV, fantasy sports, and sports radio. His theory was “rehearsal is for pussies—we work it out on stage.” He adopted phrases with such conviction they became his own. His last known catchphrase was, in sad, I-shit-you-not fashion, “I’m a sad man. I’m a bitter man. My liver hurts.”

If you were touched by this man, tilt one back and forego the second.

We all walked with him. But some parties have to end.

He hates me for saying that.

The family has asked any donations go to the Franciscan Hospice or your favorite theater.