John Hamant portraying Benjamin Franklin, 2007.
It is with heavy hearts that we note the passing of longtime Colonial Williamsburg Foundation employee and veteran character interpreter, John Hamant.
Mr. Hamant, a Baltimore native, earned a bachelor’s degree in theater production and a master’s degree in acting and directing from the University of Arizona, but it was his love of archaeology that first drew him to Colonial Williamsburg. He began his career as an archaeological excavator in 1977, and later became a supervisor of excavations. During that time he worked with pioneering historical archaeologist Ivor Noel Hume, and participated in landmark discoveries like the 17th-century Wolstenholme Towne site and the Martin’s Hundred dig.
John Hamant working at the Martin’s Hundred archaeological dig at Carter’s Grove, 1978.
In the early 1980s, Mr. Hamant transitioned into historical interpretation. He became a character interpreter in 1982, and within two years began taking on new roles and responsibilities. Between 1984 and 2003, he worked in various capacities as the artistic director for the Company of Colonial Performers; director of Special Events and Protocol; director of programming for the Williamsburg Institute; manager of Special Projects for the Education Division; and manager of Evening and Special Programs. He was a fixture in Colonial Williamsburg’s dramatic evening programs, acting as a regular part-time performer even after his retirement in 2012.
“One of my greatest joys all these years has been the pleasure of working with so many talented and dedicated people toward a common goal,” Hamant said in 1997. “We may not always agree on how to get there, but we all do agree on what this place stands for and how we should be of service to it.”
John Hamant, center, sits surrounded by the cast of “The Lying Valet,” 1986.
“John Hamant was a great man who devoted a career spanning 40 years to Colonial Williamsburg’s mission, guests and community in work as a researcher, manager and interpreter,” said Colonial Williamsburg President and CEO Mitchell B. Reiss. “A natural, gifted actor, he brought to life characters as varied as Benjamin Franklin, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and our co-founder, Rev. W.A.R. Goodwin. With warmth and ease he made each of his characters real and accessible to various audiences. Over the decades his work out-of-costume was equally prolific, both in support of colleagues and in service to guests.
“Together John’s grace, good cheer, and joy in engaging and inspiring audiences embodies our mission and provide an ideal to which we all can aspire,” Reiss added. We extend our deep sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues in this time of shared loss.”
Hamant in the pillory, 1992. Hamant was known for his good humor and infectious laugh.
John’s dedication and contribution to the Foundation is immeasurable. Yet, perhaps the greatest tribute to his legacy is found in the words of those who worked alongside him:
“He was incredibly talented, irreverently hilarious, and capable of pulling the best possible work out of everyone around him.”
“John brought a light into this world that will not be extinguished. He was incredibly talented, irreverently hilarious, and capable of pulling the best possible work out of everyone around him. It was my honor to be directed by, and act alongside him in several shows. I last spoke to him a few weeks ago; we were performing in the evening program, “To Hang a Pirate.” As we walked away from the Capitol building he said, “Good job tonight.” Those three words may not seem like much, but from John they were high praise. He will be greatly missed, and I know that I am not alone when I say that I am a better actor, historian, and person for having known him.”
— Emily Doherty, Character Interpreter
John Hamant on stage, 2007. In 2003, upon receiving the Colonial Williamsburg Silver Bowl award for twenty-five years of service, Mr. Hamant offered this advice to new employees: “Always take your work seriously, but never yourself.”
“I couldn’t have begun to comprehend what it means to be Character Interpreter without him.”
“To attempt to memorialize John Hamant in a few sentences is simply impossible; the man defies description and commendation, because to know him is an indescribable pleasure. John was the first person that I met here, and the only person that I cannot imagine Colonial Williamsburg without. He challenged me to become who I am, and I could never have begun to comprehend what it means to be Character Interpreter without him.
“What made John exceptional is not just his skill as a performer, his discernment in crafting a piece, or the level of research he completed to truly bring someone into the world of the individuals he portrayed—it was his integrity. I have never seen someone so innately convey his ability not only to know himself, but also to understand the principles and honestly necessary to inspire it in other people.
“As the Rev. Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin (one of the many people John portrayed), famously said about Williamsburg in 1941, “If there is one firm guiding and restraining word which should be passed on to those who will be responsible for the restoration in the future, that one word is integrity.” John Hamant embodied that, he was that for me. This is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. John would expect nothing less, and if he were standing behind me right now I know he would laugh and tell me so.
“Thank you, John. I won’t forget it.”
— Nicole Brown, Character Interpreter
John Hamant portraying W.A.R. Goodwin, 2016.
“Though he passed from us much too soon, his accomplishments add up to three lifetimes.”
“I met John 20 years ago when he hired me. He was remarkably gifted as an actor and historic interpreter, and was incredibly loyal and supportive to his employees when he served as Director of the Historic Area and Evening Programs. I worked personally with John on many programs, including a special holiday program we did at Carter’s Grove in which he portrayed Franklin D. Roosevelt—who actually came to Williamsburg and visited Carter’s Grove. John ‘owned’ that role. We had a guest one evening who was a young child when FDR came to Williamsburg. She engaged me in conversation after the program, and was quite visibly moved. She said that thanks to John’s remarkable portrayal, she felt like she had been in the presence of FDR once again. She added that she knew Mr. Hamant and had seen him in other roles, but for her, that evening he was FDR. Truly, she was in the presence of greatness.
“To say that John will be missed is an understatement. So much of what we call ‘great’ at Colonial Williamsburg was touched by his hand. Though he passed from us much too soon, his accomplishments add up to three lifetimes.”
— Michael Monaco, Harpsichordist (retired)
John Hamant portraying Franklin D. Roosevelt, 2001.
“He was always so enthusiastic, and seemed to have unending knowledge about Colonial Williamsburg.”
“John obviously loved what he did. He was always so enthusiastic, and seemed to have unending knowledge about Colonial Williamsburg. He would have people staying after his programs to speak with him every time he was here, because of this depth of information. We have lost someone who truly embodied Colonial Williamsburg ideals, and I hope as a community we can live up to that.”
— Cari Rillo, Senior A/V Technician
John Hamant speaking with George H.W. Bush, 1995.
“The folks that he inspired will continue his legacy.”
“I think of John Hamant as ‘Mr. CW.’ My first holiday season in the Hennage Auditorium included daily showings of ‘Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg,’ where he narrated and portrayed the Royal Governor. He portrayed CW through many centuries, most recently in the Hennage as Dr. Goodwin. It was a real crowd pleaser, as he took the audience on a tour of the town through Goodwin’s eyes…seeing ghosts in the buildings. I’ll see John in many of them now as I think about the many roles he played on and off stage at Colonial Williamsburg. It’s sad to see him go, but the folks that he inspired will continue his legacy.”
— Mary Cottrill, Manager of Museum Operations
John Hamant portraying a colonial governor, n.d.
“His advice was invaluable and I will now always hear his voice, in my head, coaching me.”
“The first time I got the chance to meet John was during winter training two years ago. He was portraying John Greenhow, and explaining Colonial economy. He was the first person to explain it in a way I could understand. He was so engaging that people just couldn’t help but listen and learn.
“John would become, a year later, a mentor to me when I became a storyteller for ‘Ghosts Amongst Us.’ His advice was invaluable and I will now always hear his voice, in my head, coaching me. He will be sorely missed by one and all!”
— Heather Hanft, Historic Interpreter
John Hamant in “A Grand Medley of Entertainments,” July 5, 2017.
We offer our deepest condolences to John Hamant’s family, especially his wife Brenda, and to his many friends. He was a good man, and he will be missed.
Milton Nieuwsma says
I had the honor of working with John on the PBS production of “Inventing America.” He was a consummate professional and a true gentleman.
JDH says
The remarkable gift of John was to have him, all to yourself, in conversation - anytime - anywhere..
It is with a deep sadness that we learn of the passing of John Hamant. Being Foundation members and visitors of Colonial Williamsburg for over 50 years we remember him deeply. Our condolences to his family and friends. And a great appreciation for all he gave of himself to CW!
Hal Bidlack says
I am so grateful I had the honor of performing with John last December, in a play for PBS. He played a magnificent Franklin, to my far less impressive Hamilton. I found John to be both very kind and very giving. I learned so much from him, and was looking forward to many more interactions. I am feeling a great sense of loss, and yet gratitude to have been in his orbit, albeit for only 5 days, last December. It was a pleasure to learn from a master teacher and performer.
Jim Holwager says
John was my cousin. He was 8 days older than me and he never let me forget that fact. One time I went with him for a performance of FDR. He left me and went to get ready. When he came back I really did not know it was my cousin. That was the former president speaking. I am so very proud of my cousin John.
Alexandra Hernly says
John was a wonderful man that will be missed. He was my boss in the Theatrical dept for a couple years and I alway enjoyed working with him. He always had a great since of humor! The most amazing thing happened 2 years ago when my daughter then 10 got to work with him in the Colonial Williamsburg trick or treating commercial. He saw me and got a huge grin on his face and gave me a big hug. I’m glad I got the chance to introduce my daughter to such a amazing, talented gentleman.
Sorry to hear that John had passed. We saw him in so many roles, from Hang a Pirate, to the new Murder Mystery. He was very talented and funny. We come to Williamsburg twice a year, and always see him and have conversations with him. He will be missed.
John Hamant was a coworker, occasionally my boss and always my friend. He was a great talent, a very funny man and his laughter was infectious. I will never forget his ability to persevere at Colonial Williamsburg through many trials and tribulations. His FDR was superb.
I remember one night when we had just finished another “Evening with the Presidents”. On older lady walked up to the edge of the Kimball stage and reached out to shake John’s hand. She was crying as she shared with John how important he had been in her life. Of course, she meant Roosevelt. This was so moving and so impressive. It is one thing for the rest of us to be recognized as a “symbol” but this lady recognized John as a man she saw in film and heard on the radio in her lifetime. Such a powerful moment and a great example of John’s ability. I will remember it always. Godspeed John….
Cynthia Meeks says
I cannot say that I “knew” Mr. Hamsnt, but he gave myself and my husband a memory that we still laugh about, We came to CW for the first time in 2011 for our 25th anniversary. We encountered Mr. Hamant on the street, and he said, “From whence do you hail?” My husband stated that we were from Georgia. His reply: “Oh my! What did you do?” Because we are history nuts, we immediately understood the joke and still love it! I didn’t know his name, but seeing his picture here, I recognized him as the wonderful gentleman that gave us such a great immersive experience in history. Our condolences to the CW family and to his family.
John Hamant - A life well lived. Godspeed.