CARLETON CARPENTER - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 06/02/1986 - HFSID 307154

CARLETON CARPENTER
The actor writes to editor John Willis, that the 1986 Theatre World Awards Party was, "a joy, and this year, a necessity."
Autograph letter signed: "Carleton," 1 page, 8½x11. No place, June 2, 1986.  In full: "Jack, Had a long talk with Mary Ann on sat. Giggles and foolishness and such. What a blow, but thank God she's finally getting something done. We'll all pray, and I'll keep in touch. I love her so. She said the Awards on Chan. 5 looked terrific (even heard Lowden's 'fuck' or maybe she was reading lips--didn't they bleep?) I missed Niles so. It's our annual date. But all of us regulars comforted each other. Your annual party is such a joy and this year a necessity. Hang in there, honey, if anyone can do it, you know Mary Ann can. I love you," and postscript "here's a short from 'Light Up'." Carleton Carpenter (1926-2022) was a professional musician and Broadway actor before signing a contract with MGM in 1949. He acted in both dramatic roles (Take the High Ground, 1953) and musicals. In Two Weeks with Love (1950), his duet of "Abba Dabba Honeymoon" with Debbie Reynolds stole the film from more senior stars and became a million-selling record. Carpenter has also composed songs performed by Billy Eckstine and others. Beginning in the 1960s, he shifted his focus from acting to write mystery novels and short stories. One of his books, Deadhead, was turned into a Broadway play. 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. Lightly creased. Otherwise, fine condition.