Michael John Rademaekers, born November 27, 1961, died on August 29, 2021 in Marble Falls, Texas.  Preceding him in passing are his father William Rademaekers and mother Evelyn Hunt Rademaekers; and older brothers William (aka Rusty) Rademaekers and John Rademaekers.  He leaves behind sister Susan Kent, brother Kurt Rademaekers and sister Kat Rademaekers.  Mike also leaves three nephews, one niece, as well as grand nephews and grand nieces.  He leaves countless friends in Massachusetts, California and Texas who are bereaved by his passing, and sadly leaves his faithful dog, Buddy.

Mike grew up in Wilbraham, MA and was graduated from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut with a BA in Mass Communications.  He would have majored in Theater Arts, but his father would have none of that, so Mike elected to call it “Mass Communications.” In 1985, Mike moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting, directing and stage production.

As an actor in Los Angeles, Mike studied the Michael Checkov Technique, and is an alumnus of the renowned Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre.  A working actor in Hollywood, Mike appeared alongside such stars as Kiera Knightly, Matthew Broderick, and Darryl Hannah.  He also worked five pictures with John Goodman as his stand-in and photo double. 

In 2000, Mike and his then-wife, Kaz Matamura, opened the Secret Rose Theater in North Hollywood, Los Angeles after refurbishing former retail space.  Mike produced innumerable plays, acting classes for adults and children, and provided a space for actors and writers to refine their skills.

After 14 years, ownership of the Secret Rose was transferred to new management, but the venue continues today under that well-known name.  Mike also founded and was chair of Fire Rose Productions in 2000, and ran the nonprofit organization as executive director for nine years.

In 2014, Mike was appointed as Executive Director of the Hill Country Community Theater where he served until his passing.  His duties included producing all of the theatre’s shows and special events, handling fiduciary concerns, building audiences, marketing the theatre, creating fundraisers and special events, and directing a number of the theatre’s shows.  His death came just three weeks after the close of the “The Addams Family Musical,” which set an attendance record for the theatre.  Mike directed the show.

Mike was known and loved for his dry sense of humor, painful puns and practical jokes, all of which endeared him to his friends.  Most of all, he was known for his artistic and creative talent, his ability to direct, and the ample encouragement and the loving inspiration he provided to the actors and crew he worked within his lifetime.

A celebration of Mike’s life is scheduled for Saturday, November 13, 2021 at the Hill Country Community Theatre, at 4003 RM 2147, Cottonwood Shores, Texas 78657.  Additionally, a celebration is also being planned for his family and friends in Los Angeles California, with a date, time, and location to be announced soon.