Brian A. Kremen ’75
Brian died of cancer Feb. 5, 2025, in Canada. There was no one more ebullient and high-spirited than Brian, who brought a smile to everyone’s face with his witty one-liners and comedic timing.
He came to us from Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, N.J., where he developed a love of the arts, particularly the performing arts. At Princeton, he honed this passion for acting, along with his considerable talents as a dancer and singer. Primarily, Brian is remembered for his commitment to the Triangle Club, for which he performed every year and often encouraged his shy friends to “have a go” and audition. He was an English major and joined Tower Club.
Following graduation, Brian entered the world of the theater, relocating to Canada to be with his husband, Mike Plaus. There he became a director at Followspot Theatre and the Toronto Theatre Alliance. He eventually diversified his talents, becoming a development director for the Mississauga Symphony, the RiverBrink Art Museum, and the Pumphouse Arts Centre. He also served as president of the Princeton Association of Canada.
We mourn the loss of this keen Princetonian, devoted Triangle supporter, and blithe spirit.
Paw in print
November 2026
History is in Terri Sewell ’86’s hands; campus mental health culture; the two Princetons.
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Comments
Oscar Villanueva
1 Week AgoRemembering a Friend
I met Brian in the last few years of his life, shortly after moving to Canada, and little did I know that he would become one of my closest friends. We shared so many lovely moments, from watching Jeopardy! together (where he would, without fail, know all the answers in the art, theatre, and literature categories) to endless conversations about just about everything.
He even helped me design my garden, making sure to include his favourite flower, the white tulip. I still keep one on display, and every time I look at it, I think of him.
I feel so lucky to have crossed paths with Brian. I’ll remember his infectious smile, his wonderful sense of humour, his love for a good conversation, and the way he managed to keep his spirit and sense of fun even towards the end. I wish we had been given more time, but I’m grateful for all the memories, the laughter, and the friendship we shared.
Brian, you will be missed more than words can say.
Deb Schmidle
6 Months AgoRemembering a Friend
Thank you for this lovely tribute to Brian that I only just now found. You captured his essence beautifully. I met Brian almost 15 years ago in Canada and he became more than a lifelong friend — he became family. My husband and I had a friendly rivalry going on with between our affiliation with Cornell and his with Princeton.
I still miss Brian every single day and especially miss talking theatre with him.