Tony French was the New Orleans Theatre Association Endowed Professor in Theatre and Costume Design at UNO.

University of New Orleans theatre professor Anthony “Tony” French, who spent nearly three decades teaching theatre and costume design, died Oct. 27. He was 60 years old.

“Tony was the consummate professor: scholarly, creative and a beloved teacher,” film and theatre professor David Hoover said. “He will truly be missed."

French was the New Orleans Theatre Association Endowed Professor in Theatre and Costume Design and taught for 27 years. He retired in 2019.

French, who earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from University of Evansville and a master’s in fine arts from Carnegie-Mellon University, designed well over 150 shows over the course of his career, earning awards from the Kennedy Center among many others.

“He was such a versatile artist,” said Chris Day, UNO political science professor and department chair. “In addition to being a talented and award-winning artist and designer, Tony has been one of my favorite hangout-friends since he first came to UNO 27 years ago.

“His artwork hangs in a prominent place on my wall, and memories of sharing secrets and laughs with Tony hold a prominent place in my head and in my heart.”

French enjoyed travel and taught for two summers in Prague.

He was also an accomplished photographer having shown in many group exhibits around the country.

French is survived by his sisters, Maxine Stephenson, Rebecca Markham, Kay Vormbrock, Beverly Morris, Terry Egan, Lisa Destreza and his brother, Fred French.