Michael Andre Bertin Heinlein

Michael Andre Bertin Heinlein, born June 26, 1947, to Suzanne and Oscar Heinlein, passed away July 9, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. A proud islander from Manhattan, Michael was a long-time resident of Arlington, Virginia.

Following his dramaturgical education at the Yale School of Drama he pursued a career as a theatre critic, dramaturg, and professor of drama. Starting with his doctoral dissertation in dramatic literature and criticism, Michael worked closely with the noted theatre critic and playwright, Eric Bentley. He was recognized as “Eric’s more or less official biographer” and went on to edit and publish The Play and Its Critic: Essays for Eric Bentley in 1986, which was hailed as a “superb collection of essays.”

Proud of his work at the Salvation Army after concluding his theatre career, Michael took loving care of his mother during the last ten years of her life. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, his two children, Madeleine and Richard, and his cousins, Jerome and Roxanne. A service to celebrate Michael's life will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 5pm at the Murphy Funeral Home in Arlington, VA. In lieu of flowers, we invite contributions to The Human Fund: money for people.