The news of Tim O’Malley’s death on May 11 at the age of 68 shocked many in the city. O’Malley, a talented performer and teacher at The Second City, left behind both tears and smiles. He was known for his humor and his dedication to helping others by sharing his own experiences.

Pamela Staker, a skilled visual artist, was O’Malley’s life partner. They met in 2005 and decided not to formalize their relationship with marriage vows, choosing instead to build a committed life together as ‘life partners.’ Their bond was evident in their shared playfulness and deep affection. Staker noted how O’Malley protected those he loved, offering support and guidance through life’s challenges.

Though O’Malley was famously funny, it was his kindness and openness that deeply touched those around him. He was the tenth of eleven children, growing up in Beverly. Southern Illinois University was where he discovered acting, and by 1986, he joined The Second City’s touring company. His peers included Bonnie Hunt, Tim Meadows, Bob Odenkirk, and Chris Farley, each with aspirations of stardom. However, O’Malley’s path diverged due to addiction.

O’Malley faced setbacks in his career, which exacerbated his drinking and drug use, leading to his departure from The Second City in 1993. He moved in with his father after his mother’s death and struggled with substance abuse. With the help of his family, he enrolled in a 90-day program at Gateway Foundation and achieved sobriety. By 1996, he returned as a teacher at The Second City Training Center, influencing new generations.

O’Malley wrote and performed an autobiographical play, Godshow, which enjoyed extended runs at Second City and other venues. In 2012, he initiated a program using improv techniques as therapy at Gateway’s West Side facility. This program targeted men who had experienced challenging lives, some with incarceration history. O’Malley’s approach highlighted the group’s strength, emphasizing the shared journey of recovery.

He sought to assist others facing addiction, including his former colleague Chris Farley. Despite offering support in Farley’s final days, Farley passed away in 1997 from an overdose, which deeply affected O’Malley. Reflecting on the tragedy, O’Malley emphasized the widespread impact of addiction across various professions, not just among celebrities.