Rick Bauer, Chicago actor, was known in commercials and print ads as the distracted, wild-haired everyman with an out-of-control robotic line or 15-foot lint brush or more often as the disapproving, Jeeves-like maitre’d in many a newspaper and magazine. Bauer, 50, passed away Jan. 4, 2003. A member of the Screen Actors Guild (as R. A. Bauer), his TV credits include the upcoming HBO movie, “Normal” with Jessica Lange, and the “Oprah Winfrey Show.” His numerous movie credits include “Rookie of the Year,” “Road to Perdition,” “Above the Law,” “The Color of Money,” “Under the Biltmore Clock,” “Sixteen Candles” and “Continental Divide.” Born Richard Alex Bauer in Berrien Springs, MI, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree at Western Michigan University and served in the Vietnam War as an army code interpreter. A colleague commented, “Without fail, upon greeting Rick, he would pour out great torrents of info about opportunities in the entertainment industry and friends’ good fortunes and was always interested in you. He was a constant inspiration when you were low.” His gentle soul, quick wit and boundless energy will be greatly missed by his loved ones and his many friends in the entertainment and catering industries. His is survived by his father, Richard E. Bauer; his great-aunt, Alberta of Pittsburgh; aunts, Molly Ruf of Kansas City, KS, Rose Ruf of Kansas City, MO and their children. Funeral will be held January 14 at 1 p.m. at Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs, MI, 212 S. Main St. and a memorial on January 20 at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 2120 Lincoln, Evanston, IL at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to St. Matthews Episcopal Church.
