DRAMA TEACHER WILLS HIS SKULL TO THEATER

DRAMA TEACHER WILLS HIS SKULL TO THEATER

CHICAGO (Wireless Flash) -- A deceased drama teacher whose students included Mike Myers and John Belushi has found a unique way to keep acting -- his skull will be used as a theater prop. Recently deceased improv pioneer Del Close willed his skull to Chicago's Goodman Theatre so it can be used in productions of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" or any other play requiring a human skull. Close's longtime companion, Charna Halpern, says it was his last wish that his skull be put to good use after his death. She admits the preparation of the skull was a complicated process, but she refuses to discuss the details. However, one coroner figures a forensic anthropologist was hired to boil the flesh off in a pot of water or a medical school was enlisted to "debride" the head. The skull will be officially presented to the theater next Thursday (July 2).

CONTACT: Charna Halpern, ****; Chicago; (773) 880-0199; Dan Matticks, San Diego County Coroner's Office ****; (858) 694-2895