Theodore (Ted) Sarantos, 88, died on June 8, 2025, in Oak Park. Born on Nov. 11, 1936, in Elkhart, Indiana, he lived a life deeply rooted in the arts and dedicated to inspiring others through his passion for theater and film. A graduate of Columbia College’s theater program in Chicago, he taught at both the Art Institute’s Goodman School of Drama and Columbia College before spending much of his career running a thriving acting studio in Chicago and later Oak Park.
A devoted acting teacher and director, he spent his life nurturing talent in his hundreds of students. His commitment to teaching was unwavering, and he brought both knowledge and enthusiasm into every studio space he entered. His influence left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to learn from him.
Ted is survived by his wife, DeLacy; his daughters, Cricket and Kate; his stepchildren, Kevin and Raina; his grandchildren, Cricket, Samantha, Max, Lindsay, Liam, Ashton and Wesley; his siblings, Pat, Leon and John; and numerous great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Alex.
Ted’s legacy lives on not only through his family but also through the countless individuals whose lives were enriched by his teaching. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to all who continue to pursue the arts he so dearly loved.