The figurehead of of one of Aotearoa's first families of performing arts has passed away.

Raymond Hawthorne's impact on stage and screen in New Zealand has been nothing short of immense, both with his own talents as an actor and director as well as a teacher and mentor - earning him recognition as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to theatre.

The creative community has been reacting with shock and sadness to his death on 6 April, at the age of 88. 

Married to the extraordinarily talented and respected actress Elizabeth Hawthorne - herself an ONZM for services to theatre - the pair's two daughters also found themselves drawn to performing, with the late Sophia and her sister Emmeline both following their parent's career path. 

With a direct, uncompromising approach to the craft that could put noses out of joint but unequivocally with a passion and knowledge that few could contend, Hawthorne's legacy stretches back to the 1950s, as part of the New Zealand Players - Aotearoa's first major professional theatre company.

After spending time at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, he had a number of crucial roles in both the breeding of talent and the infrastructure of the performing arts sector.

Hawthorne founded Auckland’s influential Theatre Corporate in 1974, served as director of iconic 80s venue Mercury Theatre, was the head of Unitec's School of Performing and Screen Arts in the 2000s and even served a stint at Opera New Zealand. 

Over the decades he's directed and supported umpteen plays and musicals and spawned generations of performers, producers and directors.

He was a regular contribute to Auckland Theatre Company, who describe Hawthorne as "An early pioneer of the New Zealand theatre." From ATC's first production - 1993's Lovelock's Dream Run - he would return many times  over the next 22 years including as Oscar Wilde in The Judas Kiss, Vladimir in Waiting for Godot and Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream. He also directed several successful shows, his final ATC involvement being 2015's Guys & Dolls. 

ATC founder, director and performer Simon Prast notes on social media "His immeasurable contribution lives on in the work of the many of us he taught and in the memories of all who saw him act or a play he directed."

Acting powerhouse and performing arts advocate Jennifer Ward-Lealand shares a similar sentiment. A former student of Hawthorne's, she told RNZ he was a "Titan of the theatre" and that she owes much of her career to Hawthorne's teaching.

"He really instilled a deep, deep respect for the craft - he always said 'it's not just talent that's going to get you through a season but skills and techniques.'" she recalls, "and importantly, a really strong discipline and work ethic that still informs how many of us approach our work on stage and how we teach students."

Actor Sara Wiseman is another feeling the loss of a mentor, posting on Instagram "Your belief in me changed my life forever. I am forever grateful for the impact you made on me and the work ethic you installed as a student and as a professional.

"Your passion and dedication to the theatre & the craft of acting is unparalleled. The many artists you have taught and directed. And always, the inspired conversations upholding the importance of art."

As well as those he taught on stage, his influence was felt by those whose visions he helped bring to life.

Nightsong's Ben Crowder paid tribute "I am saddened to hear Raymond is no longer with us, but also feel blest that our paths crossed. He leaves a great legacy in terms of what he achieved and the influences he has had on NZ theatre and generations of artists. 

"There are so many tales of Raymond in action - many when retold are tinged with outrage and/or joy! But to me he was always charming, funny and supportive; he was theatre establishment, yet he always welcomed me as a peer."

Renowned performer Mark Hadlow offers a eloquent eulogy on Instagram. 

"It is with the heaviest of hearts I write this when the legend for so many of us has completed his final performance. 

"Raymond Hawthorne, you invested yourself in our futures and inspired so many of us and set the bar so high that we had to achieve and continue to challenge and reach for! 

"You were an incredible teacher, friend and mentor - encouraging and demanding our own skills to grow. I will always remember and think of what you gave us in 1978, which for me continued and became a friendship that will forever be in my heart and soul. 

"Adieu, adieu, bravo dear, dear Raymond. Safe journey…"