Mark Rhodes ’81

Mark died April 1, 2022, after a cardiac arrest, surrounded by his family.

At Princeton, Mark majored in English, and developed his love and gifts for theater. He began Princeton as a member of the Class of 1980, taking a year off to work at the Old Vic in London.

After Princeton, Mark lived in New York, continuing his work in theater and film. He met and married his beloved wife, Elisabeth. With their young daughter Sarah, they moved to Great Barrington in 1992, which is where their son Niklas was born.

Great Barrington is also where he began his work in ride-films, a career that led him to Universal in Orlando. During his 30 years in this field, he was a key creative force behind some of the most successful and fun attractions, including Back to the Future, Spider-Man, King Kong, and multiple Harry Potter rides. So many of us have seen and enjoyed his work.

Mark also left his mark on those who knew him. One of his many talents was the lifelong gift of forming deep and enduring friendships. He was lively and easy in his approach to life; he was kind, loyal, and deeply attentive with people.

His greatest joy was his family — Elisabeth, Sarah, and Nik. They miss him deeply, and treasure his memory, as do his brother John Rhodes ’79 and Lydia Rhodes Petty ’84, and as do his devoted friends.