Richard D. May was finally living his dream. He had just been cast in a professional production, ready to take the stage in Death of a Salesman at the African-American Shakespeare Company in San Francisco, CA. He had the talent, the drive, and a powerful presence that turned heads. But just hours before opening night, everything changed. This is the story of a rising actor and the heartbreaking twist that came too soon.

Episode Sources:

“Pedestrian killed in SF 2-car crash was on his way to fulfilling life dream of being stage actor” by Alice Wertz, October 31, 2023, KTVU FOX 2

“San Francisco man Richard D. May, 65, who overcame homelessness to achieve his dream of becoming an actor is knocked down and killed by BMW while walking to rehearsal for debut performance in Death of a Salesman” by Emma Richter, November 2, 2023, updated November 5, 2023, Daily Mail

“Pedestrian killed Saturday at Post & Hyde Streets in Nob Hill marks 16th this year” Press Release from Walk San Francisco, October 31, 2023

“Richard D. May” website

“The Richard D. May Studio A.C.T. Scholarship Program” from American Conservatory Theater

“The African-American Shakespeare Company” on Facebook

“Actor Richard D. May’s Family Expenses” on GoFundMe

“Bay Area theater company cancels ‘Death of a Salesman’ after key actor was killed in S.F.” by Lily Janiak, November 3, 2023, San Francisco Chronicle

“‘Death of a Salesman’ revival in San Francisco canceled after cast member killed in pedestrian accident” by Randy McMullen, November 3, 2023, Bay Area News Group, Marin Independent Journal

“City of San Francisco Cancels $14 Million in Dream Keeper Initiative Funding” by Shannon Faulise, April 4, 2025, KQED

African-American Shakespeare Company

“Official Obituary of Richard Darnell May” from Duggan’s Serra Mortuary

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