Mark Joseph Isham(1964-2014)
- Director
- Writer
- Casting Director
Mark Joseph Isham was born in Montpelier, Vermont on December 21, 1964 to Henry (Jack) and Ivy Isham. They moved to Arizona as a family when Mark was five years old. Mark grew up in Tucson, and eventually moved to the Phoenix area where he lived and worked the remainder of his life. Mark died on his 50th birthday, December 21, 2014, at five o'clock in the afternoon, by his own hand, at the Papago State Park Amphitheatre, where one of his favorite scenes in "The Cowboy and The Ballerina" was filmed. Mark is survived by his parents Jack and Ivy Isham and his wife of 17 years, Suzanne Inez Jaillet-Isham. Mark began his working life as a surveyor in Tucson then went on to become a competitive Bodybuilder, earning the Mr. Arizona title in 1990. Mark was also a prolific poet and had multiple poems published in various publications. He had his own business working as a private bodybuilding coach and personal fitness trainer while simultaneously writing feature-length film scripts. Mark came close to production on his first feature film, even casting well-known actors in several roles, however the financing eventually fell through and his features were never made. "The Cowboy and The Ballerina" won numerous film festival awards globally, attracted much media attention and was purchased by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City as part of its permanent film and video collection. Mark donated VHS copies of the film to schools for the deaf and libraries across the United States. It was shot on 35mm film, and was edited and cut by hand, just before digital became the industry standard. Mark suffered from bipolar disorder and chronic pain which led him to make his fateful decision in 2014. Mark is remembered for his generous heart, humor and quick wit, intelligence and creative talents. He is greatly missed by his wife, family and many amazing friends.