I first met Rusty at the West Bank Cafe. Although we were only of limited acquaintance, every time I saw him he made me feel like a close friend. Not in a phony show business way, but in a sincere warm wonderful way. Perhaps one only needed to know Rusty a little bit to be a close friend as there was always room in his heart.

To Rusty's Family

When I started to do stand up comedy and acting over a decade ago I was always releived to see Rusty when I entered a room. I'm sure he made everyone feel welcome but for me he will always be a warm face in a room of stangers.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Rusty's warmth was truely rare.

I only knew Rusty from his music... and what a beautiful one! My most deary embrace to Alison in these difficult moments.

Rusty -- I never got to say goodbye the right way, but I hope you can hear me now. Alison and Nat -- my thoughts, prayers and love go out to you. I just want to take this time to thank you for your unending courage in me. You took a big risk in casting me as Flute in Midsummer a week before opening night -- your faith and confidence in me during that project gave me the ability to go out onstage and have a blast. And we certainly did. Big risks is what you were always about and what I learned most from you -- huge risks, and the payoff was always loving what you were doing onstage. I applaud you for that. I wish every young actor in NYC could have had the learning experience that I had with you.

I miss you -- our arguments about Dylan and our talk of the Delaware River. And, of course, Dallas BBQ.

Good night, sweet prince. And may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Many years ago, I knew Rusty for a brief period of time. Besides finding him charming, personable, and funny as hell, I also found him awfully talented. I still have vivid, very fond memories of his one-person show,in which he sang (among many other hysterical parodies) a version of Tracy Chapman's ode to working-class angst, "Fast Car", in which Rusty yuppie-fied the lyrics and sang -- "You got a Gold Card/I got a Visa and American Express..." Forgive me, Rusty, if those lyrics aren't exact, but the fact that I -- a man with a truly lousy memory -- still remember the song is a testament to your talent. When I think of you now, Rusty, all I can do is smile and remember belly-laughing along with a very, very happy audience.

Oh sweet Alison,

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Adam and I are so sorry to hear this terrible news. Please, please let us know if there is anything at all that we can do to help out.

I first met Rusty at ART, where I was a gigantic fan of The Servant of Two Masters (I was an understudy) and Ubu Rock. I thought Rusty's music was fun and inventive and original and that he was so much fun to be around. We must keep singing his music. It's that simple. We will just keep singing his music, and that way he will always be with us.

Our love to you and Nat and your extended family. We know Rusty is looking down on you and taking good care of you. Peace to you all, my friend.

Love Kerry and Adam

to rusty's family...
i will always remember how much joy he spread wherever he was. and how he could turn the saddest of small crowds into what seemed like a huge party with lots of laughs. and above all- he was nice. he was sweet. and that is so rare. i was a waitress at the old IMPROV on west 44th street when it was still open. and rusty performed there a lot. his optimism was always inspiring to me.

--mary

My sympathies to Rusty's family and friends. I knew of him through his work and performances with Moonwork. He had such an infectuous joy, a childlike mischief that made you ready to go back out and face all the nonsense in the world again. He entertained, he inspired, and he will never be forgotten. Wishing you comfort in this difficult time. Cailin

I was so sorry to hear the news--I kept hoping that Rusty would somehow beat this thing and continue to bring joy to all of us. Much sympathy, and many many good wishes! (And do please let me know when the NYC memorial happens--I'd like very much to be there!)

Alison--

We haven't seen each other or spoken in a while, but I'm sending my sympathies and sincere best wishes to you and your family.

--Sandy