Sidney R. Homan Jr. ’60

A South Philadelphia native, Sidney came to Princeton from Abingdon High School there, keen to study Shakespeare and work in the theater. He attained both goals with us and continued working at them throughout his life. Here, he added Glee Club, Chapel Choir, editing the Bric-a-Brac and Princeton Tiger, life at Terrace Club, theater activities, several sports, jazz piano, and majored in English.

Sidney earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in English at Harvard in 1965 and launched his academic career as assistant professor at the University of Illinois, producing his first book (on Midsummer Night’s Dream) and numerous articles on Shakespeare and Renaissance drama. Moving to Boston University in 1969 as associate professor, he continued his dual track, then going on to the University of Florida as full professor in 1976. He continued writing, teaching, acting, and directing for more than 10 years after his formal retirement in 2000.

Sidney was named University of Florida’s Teacher/Scholar of the Year. He was recognized for his teaching, his own books on Shakespeare, Beckett, comedy acting, writing comedy for the theater, editing many books and articles on the theater, and for his own work in comedy performance and directing.

Sidney is survived by his wife, Norma, four children, and their families.