Julian Alan Sader

Julian “Alan” Sader, 85, of King and Queen County, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. A devoted husband, father, actor, and friend, Alan leaves behind a legacy of artistry, generosity, and joy. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Ann Chenoweth Sader, who preceded him in death in 2023. Alan is survived by his daughters Julianna (Jordan) and Mary (Anthony), sister Nancy (Lekh), brother Frederick (Linda), sister-in-law Janet, brother-in-law Tom (Louise), and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will forever cherish his love and unforgettable spirit. Alan was born on September 9th, 1940, to Julius and Barbara Sader (neé Muellerschoen) who raised him and his siblings (Nancy, Martha, and Fred) in Brevard, North Carolina. After initially pursuing a medical degree at Duke University, he realized the profession was not for him, and switched his major to English. While in college, he joined the Duke Players, a student theatre troupe, which ignited his lifelong love of performing. Over the next six decades, Alan worked every theater job imaginable in stock and regional theaters from New York to Florida. He has appeared in countless stage productions, television shows, commercials, and films, and worked with many Hollywood luminaries (Waterston, Nolte, Spacek, Carell, Mary Tyler Moore, Michelle Williams, to name a few). He was in Spielberg's Lincoln, and Streisand's Prince of Tides, and had a continuing role in the soap, Another Life. You can see his full filmography on IMDB. His iconic voice has been in countless tv/radio commercials. In 1972, he opened the Tidewater Dinner Theatre (known affectionately as “ the dinner theatre of the stars”) in Norfolk, VA, having been part owner or manager of several others across the South. Whether on stage, in front of a camera, or behind the scenes, he brought authenticity, warmth, and charisma to every role, earning the admiration of audiences and fellow performers alike. Alan was perhaps best known nationally as the television spokesperson for ChildFund International, formerly Christian Children's Fund, a position he proudly held for 23 years and felt was the most rewarding work he ever did. For decades, he was a trusted presence in homes across America. To generations of Baptists around the world, he was known as Mr. Christopher, the warm and welcoming host of the International Mission Board's educational programs. Closer to home, Virginians knew Alan as the familiar face of Haynes Furniture and Farm Fresh, making him one of the Commonwealth's most recognizable television personalities. A proud member of Richmond's vibrant theater community, Alan remained devoted to the stage throughout his life. He believed deeply in the power of live performance to inspire, bring people together, and encourage the next generation of artists. He shared that passion generously, supporting fellow performers with kindness, encouragement, and unwavering professionalism. In Richmond, he received two RTCC awards: Best Actor in a Play for the title role in King Lear for Quill, and Best Supporting Actor in a Play for RTP's production of Lazarus Syndrome. He was nominated for Quill's American Buffalo, Firehouse’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Krapp's Last Tape. His final leading role, in Richmond Shakespeare’s The Father (2025), also earned him a nomination for Best Actor. While audiences knew him for the characters he portrayed, those fortunate enough to know Alan remember something even greater. He possessed an infectious sense of humor, an unmistakable presence that could light up any room, and a remarkable ability to make people from all backgrounds feel seen and valued. He loved telling stories, making others laugh, and forming genuine connections wherever life took him. His kindness, professionalism, and generosity left an enduring impression on friends, cast-mates, and countless audience members. Above all, Alan treasured his family. His greatest joy was sharing life with Ann and watching their daughters grow into remarkable women. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and creativity, enjoying their rural home and woodland which brought them both so much peace and inspiration. As much as Alan’s work took him around the world, he also loved to travel with Ann, and they saw much of England, Wales, Scotland, and Greece together. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bald Head Island Conservancy at bhic.org/donate, a place that held special meaning for Alan and his family, or to the Theatre Artists Fund at artsies.org/theatre-artists-fund, which supports theatre artists in need in the Richmond area. A celebration of Alan's life will be held at a later date. Richmond, Virginia

September 9, 1940 - July 7, 2026

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Julian Alan Sader

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Lily Chapman

July 13

So glad to have worked with him on “The Father” at Richmond Shakespeare. What a gift ❤️

Laine Satterfield

July 12

Julian Alan Sader

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