Joanna Merlin in Memoriam

Joanna’s family extends their deepest gratitude to all who shared her passion for the Chekhov
work and her artistic journey with MICHA, which has been central to her life and a source of
great joy and creative fulfillment. It all began when she was a young actress in Hollywood
where she studied with Michael Chekhov for five years in the 1950’s as a member of his acting
studio. His teachings and philosophy so profoundly impacted her that she became an acting
teacher herself, in the midst of her successful dual careers as an actress and casting director,
founding MICHA in 1999. MICHA's Board of Directors honored her in 2023 with the creation of 
the Joanna Merlin Professional Artists Initiative. At the time of her death, she was Chekhov’s 
last living student.