Russell "Rusty" Hamilton

With profound love and a lifetime of incredible stories, we announce that Russell “Rusty” Hamilton made his final exit stage left on May 29, 2026, days after his 78th birthday. Born on May 26, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts, Rusty lived a life full of vitality, dedication, and a charismatic spirit that touched everyone he encountered. The beloved son of Chester and Jeannette Hamilton, he grew up in Boston, where he developed the quick wit and creative mind that would serve him throughout his life and career. He spent his formative childhood summers on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the historic, Black-owned waterfront village of Bellevue. Remembered by his Aunt Shirley as a joyful, happy kid who always had a smile on his face and a friendly word for everyone, Rusty developed his early work ethic working in the local crab houses, spent hot afternoons jumping off the Oxford-Bellevue ferry, and built a foundation of community and pride that stayed with him forever. A natural craftsman whose talent with his hands began in high school, Rusty took those skills and built a career that spanned television, film, and theater. As a student at Morehouse College, he truly began his stage work journey behind the scenes with the historic Morehouse-Spelman Players—cementing his place in campus lore during an unforgettable production directed by Joan Lewis, where he famously and impulsively jumped straight off the set to address a slight (IFKYK). From the television studios of Atlanta to the theater stages and movie sets of Baltimore, his skill and reputation grew. Rusty made history as the first Black member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 19 (IATSE). Throughout his thirty-year plus career backstage, he was deeply committed to opening doors for others, actively recruiting and mentoring women and people of color in the stagehand space. He built a legendary reputation for leadership, an unwavering work ethic, fun times, and great stories—whether he was on tour in Ghana with Stevie Wonder for a historic music and arts festival, catching his own cameo on the big screen in the movie No Way Out, or traveling the country in the 1990s with major national musical tours like Once on This Island, Annie Get Your Gun, Jelly's Last Jam, and Your Arms Too Short to Box with God. For Rusty, the theater wasn't just a job; it was his genuine passion. He loved being in the audience just as much as being backstage, regularly attending powerful Broadway plays like The Piano Lesson and Purpose, and musicals like Moulin Rouge!. He was an avid collector of theater posters, such as the Moscow Circus, vintage stagehand shirts from the hundreds of shows he worked over the years, and vinyl albums ranging from Gladys Knight to the Rolling Stones. He watched football all his life, cheering on his beloved Baltimore Ravens, and later in life, loved nothing more than relaxing with his daily dose of Gunsmoke on television. Rusty was a masterclass in humor and creativity, a true tapestry woven with threads of charm and joy. He was undeniably edgy, bringing a raw, uncompromising intensity that occasionally got him let go from a gig or two over the years. He often talked about writing a book about it all, under the fitting title, “What had happened was…” Yet, known for his infectious laughter and magnetic presence, he had a rare gift for making everyone feel genuinely seen and heard, making every gathering unforgettable. He is survived by his daughters, Abla and Jae, who carry on his legacy with grace and strength. His family extends with Aunt Shirley, Uncle Frank, Madelynn (half-sister), and her son, Marc. Rusty’s Final Curtain Call will be held on Monday, September 28, 2026. To receive location details and RSVP, please reach out via call, text, or email to 510-423-3034 or rnmhm2609@gmail.com by Sept. 14th. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Scenic Design and Production program (SDP fund) at Baltimore School of the Arts (https://bsfa.org/ways-to-give), or to PBS honoring his lifelong devotion to the arts, storytelling, and mentorship. Rather than giving in to sadness, we find comfort in the love and laughter he left behind, knowing his spirit continues to shine brightly. May his memory be a blessing.

Russell "Rusty" Hamilton

May 26, 1948 - May 29, 2026