Longtime Chicago actor Matt DeCaro dies, performance of ‘Ma Rainey’ canceled: Report

Matt DeCaro, a Chicago actor whose career spanned decades and included a performance in the Goodman Theatre’s currently-running production “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” has died.

The Goodman Theatre announced DeCaro’s death on social media Saturday, writing, “We are devastated by the sudden loss of our dear friend…”

“Thousands of Chicagoans experienced Matt’s prolific stage work over four decades, including 10 more productions at The Goodman…” the theatre wrote, in part.

The Chicago Tribune reported the Goodman was forced to cancel its Saturday matinee performance of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and the cast decided to move forward with the later show in DeCaro’s honor.

The actors extensive list of credits includes appearances at other Chicago-area theaters, including the Drury Lane Theatre and Steppenwolf, along with others nationwide.

Rose Abdoo, an actress who knew DeCaro for decades, said he was “versatile, so talented, so funny, so kind, so wise.

“I’m heartbroken & yet so grateful to have had him as a brother since 1994,” she stated in a Facebook post, in part.

The Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, Fla., where DeCaro most recently appeared in a production of “Primary Trust,” shared its condolences on social media.

“Matt was beloved by those he worked with and the audiences who saw him on our stage…” the theatre said, in part.

DeCaro’s other stage credits include “Camino Real,” “Heartbreak House,” “Romance,” “The Great Society,” “The Little Foxes,” “Dark Rapture,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Machinal,” “American Buffalo” and “Rhinoceros.”

He also appeared in television shows such as “Prison Break,” “The Office,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “House.”