In Memory of Sam Bliven

Artreach is sad to share the news that Sam Bliven passed away on November 15, 2025. Sam was an Artreach member for more than 30 years, having performed in his first Second Step Players show at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in September of 1994. From that time onward, Sam has been a beloved favorite in the Second Step Players touring troupe, in our annual music showcases, and with our stand up comedy team. In addition, for many years, Sam served on the Artreach Board of Directors and on the Boards of other area mental health agencies.

As part of the Second Step Players touring troupe, Sam both performed and educated with the purpose of reducing the stigma and negative stereotyping that comes with having a mental illness. Performances were for audiences of nursing students, psychology students, current mental health practitioners and the general public. Shows end with a segment called “Truth,” a frank post-show discussion with the audience in which the performers, after first winning over the audience through enjoyable sketch comedy, share their diagnosis; whether they take medication; and whether they have been hospitalized or not. Sam often surprised audiences with his reply, and openly answered their questions related to his personal history as a man who was hospitalized 17 times due to mental health issues. 

In 2009, Sam was among the first team of Artreach members to work with Vancouver’s David Granirer, founder of Stand Up for Mental Health. The general rule for each comic is that 60% or more of the material must be related to the person’s mental health history and recovery journey. One of Sam’s stand up acts from 2013 can be found HERE on Artreach’s youTube channel.

Samuel Davis Bliven, III was born November 26,1953 in Westerly, RI. He passed away on November 15, 2025, at the age of 71 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in New London, CT.

Sam was the oldest of 4 children. He is survived by his brother Gregory and sister Melony, and was pre-deceased by his brother Jeffrey. 

After losing both parents in a house fire in Montville, CT in January of 1969, Sam graduated with the Class of 1971 at R.E.Fitch Sr HS. Samuel attended Southern Connecticut State University, receiving a Bachelors in Fine Arts (Theatre) degree. Sam's training in college led to radio work with WPLR. 

He also created the National Bummer's Association as its first president of a comedic society. Sam was taught piano by his grandmother and continued playing throughout his life,  much like his father, also a musician. 

Sam's hobbies included his music, acting, voice impressions of assorted characters, and TV personalities. Sam was predeceased by his father Samuel, his mother Gloria, and brother Jeffrey. He's survived by brother Gregory of Bradford, RI, and sister Melony of Waterford, CT.