ABBY LEWIS - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 05/05/1973 - HFSID 317972

ABBY LEWIS
Broadway actress updates John Willis, editor of Theatre World, about her and her husband's recent Newsweek cover
Autograph letter signed: "Abby Lewis & John D. Seymour" in blue ink. 1 page, 8½x11. Written on Theatre World letter requesting updates. May 5, 1973. In full: "Forgive our delay - We are so buys - and we are ashamed! We enclose for both Abby & John and a fun cover of Newsweek done of us on April 16, '73. Thank you for mention of Abby (Lewis) in "70, Girls, 70". Under separate cover goes to you an album of "70 Girls 70". From us both - God bless". Former high school teacher Abby Lewis (1910-1997) got her acting start in summer stock and worked her way up to her Broadway debut in Hamlet (1934-1935). She made the first of many guest star appearances on TV in 1952. In all, Lewis had seven Broadway credits between 1934 and 1975 and appeared in over 20 movies and TV shows between 1952 and 1997. She is the widow to John Davenport. John A. Willis (1916-2010), active in Theatre World from the beginning, became its chief editor in 1965, holding that position until 2008. Willis is regarded as one of the foremost theatre and film historians of the 20th century. While producing (and presenting) the annual Theatre World Awards, Willis also served on the nominating committee for the Tony Awards. Theatre World, which received its own Tony for Excellence in Theatre in 2001, continues under chief editor Ben Hodges. Normal mailing folds. Creased throughout. Toned. Red ink marks. Otherwise, fine condition.