Newport Harbor instructor inspired his acting students

Lolita Harper

Robert Wentz was one of the first theater arts instructors at Newport

Harbor High School and served a dual role as a forensics instructor.

He began teaching in 1947 and was quickly regarded as an expert in

performing arts.

Current theater instructor Gail Brower-Nedler said the Newport

Harbor legend built the school’s reputation for excellence in the

arts, in theater and speech.

“When I think of the legacy of the wonderful people that have come

before me ... “ Brower-Nedler said. “I was so lucky to get to know

him.”

Wentz’s professional career as an actor included local

performances at Laguna Moulton Playhouse and other Southern

California community theaters, Brower-Nedler said. While his

community ties are impressive, Wentz’s career on the national theater

scene speaks for itself. In New York, he was featured in “Caine

Mutiny Court Martial,” “The Seven Year Itch” and “Harvey.” Wentz also

graced the big screen in “Melvin and Howard” and “The Long Hot

Summer.”

Wentz retired after 32 years of teaching in 1979 but continued his

dramatic passion.

When his health began to fail, a dedicated former student stepped

in where family normally would and took care of her former

instructor. Wentz lived with Leslie Holland, who had found him in a

nursing home and invited him to stay in her home instead.

Just before his death, Wentz took part in one last Newport Harbor

production of “Chess the Musical.”

“He really moved the audience,” Brower-Nedler said. “He was so

beautiful that he got a standing ovation every night. It really made

me feel special that he had come here.”

Wentz died in October 1994. In March of 1995, the stage of the

Norman R. Loats Performing Arts Center was named for the late theater

instructor.

His legacy lives not only in the venue but on every production

program.

“Thank you Mr. Wentz, for inspiring youth to act, to live life

fully and to achieve excellence in an everyday world,” the program

reads. “We will always remember you and love you.”

* LOOKING BACK runs Sundays. Do you know of a person, place or

event that deserves a historical Look Back? Let us know. Contact

Lolita Harper by fax at (949) 646-4170; e-mail at

lolita.harper@latimes.com; or mail her at c/o Daily Pilot, 330 W. Bay

St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627.