Actor Tom Atkins to Discuss Career and 'The Chief' at the Library

Longtime actor and Peters resident, Tom Atkins will discuss his 44-year career in theater and his preparation for the role of his lifetime, portraying Art Rooney Sr., at the Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.

At the library, he will perform one of the stories from "The Chief," the one-man stage triumph about Rooney Sr., the legendary founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise.

"We finished running 'The Chief' last January," Atkins said. "I miss doing the play. Seven years. I loved doing 'The Chief.'"

A Knoxville/Mt.Oliver native, Atkins has lived in Peters for 10 years and spent 20 years residing in Los Angeles and New York. He recalled his first return to Pittsburgh.

"I first came back to Pittsburgh around '85 - '86 and I lived down Southside," he said, correcting himself a second time with "dahn Sahsside." "I lived near St. Michael's Church, which is now closed, then Brentwood for 13 years and now Peters for 10."

Atkins said he loves the small-town feel of Pittsburgh. 

Small-town indeed. Johno Prascak, owner of Johno's Art did a painting of the "The Chief," which Atkins recalls well. Prascak happens to be my uncle.

"He gave me [the print] opening night seven years ago in '03 at the Pittsburgh Public Theater," Atkins said. "It's a treasure. I was stunned when he did that. It's really terrific."

A DVD viewing, of the newly-released "The Chief," will follow his performance on Feb. 22, as well as a question and answer session.

To register for this program e-mail programs@ptlibrary.org or call 724.941.9430.