ABBY LEWIS - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 06/13/1974 - HFSID 316784

ABBY LEWIS
The actress regretfully declines an invitation to the Theatre World Awards due to filming of a movie in Atlanta, Georgia
Autograph letter signed: "Abby Lewis", in blue ink, 10¾x6¾ open flat, 5¼x6¾ closed. Accompanied by original mailing envelope. June 13, 1974. In full: "Dear John Willis, I have written this note in my mind so many times - I hope I am not duplicating! John - only a film shooting date in Atlanta, Georgia could keep me away. That is where I was. I thank you for including me - each year my John loved it. Please keep on doing just that - inviting us. God bless. From Johnnie + me". 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. Mailing folds. Light surface creases. Fine condition.