About the Actor

Since his early childhood, Wayne Messmer has been drawn to the powerful real life story of Father Damien and his compassionate work with the forgotten lepers of Molokai. As an actor, Messmer has played dozens of leading characters of the American musical theatre, but none so significant as Damien. In November of 2008, Wayne and his wife Kathleen took a personal pilgrimage to the Hawaiian Island of Molokai where they walked the actual steps where Father Damien lived and served his beloved flock. "Standing in the churches that Damien built with his own hands, I knew that I had to tell everyone about his unconquerable commitment to his faith. Being in the very place where his saintly work occurred was breathtaking. I knew right then that the Damien story must be shared," Messmer said. "The mere opportunity to portray this man of intense courage, strength and conviction for just a couple of hours on stage, is a life-lifting experience." says Messmer. 

Wayne has taken on the role of Father Damien over the past six years carrying the message of this simple man to thousands of people. His production of the Damien play was the showcase theatrical presentation at the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier as part of the Catholic Festival of Faith.  Messmer has successfully performed and produced the Damien play by Aldyth Morris to critical acclaim staged as a major theatrical production as well in large churches and smaller venues as well. The current "home theatre" for Damien is the Winnetka Chapel (at the corner of Pine and Lincoln in downtown Winnetka).

 "The historic Winnetka Chapel provides a perfectly beautiful setting to unveil the personal and very passionate message of this play to the audience, says Messmer. In the intimate setting of the Winnetka Chapel, (seating capacity of 200), each person will meet Damien personally in a way that will significantly touch them."

"Of all that I have done in my professional life, the calling to bring Saint Damien to life, is a voice that cannot be ignored. Damien's sacrifice is a story that is more alive today than ever. In his day, the lepers of Molokai were abandoned without someone to speak for them, until he shouted to anyone who would listen and many who would not. We need more Damien's in our lives even today. My hope is that people in the audience will feel his spirit and touch the lives of another person who may have otherwise gone without a voice."

Often simply referred to as, "the guy who sings the Anthem," Messmer has become the voice most associated with the National Anthem in Chicago, having served 25 years with the Cubs. He is a founding partner of the Chicago Wolves Professional Hockey team and formerly, for 13 seasons, he was the celebrated soloist with the Blackhawks at old Chicago Stadium. His voice has also been heard with the Chicago Bears, Bulls, White Sox, Fire and countless major sports, civic and corporate events in Chicago over the past 30 years. He spent 18 years on the air as a radio announcer in Chicago and his voice is still frequently heard on commercials.

Messmer has built a distinguished career as a businessman and financial adviser with his Chicago-based financial services firm Wayne Messmer & Associates, LLC.