DAVID HOLLIDAY - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 05/09/1980 - HFSID 314855

DAVID HOLLIDAY
A letter to John Willis, Editor of Theatre World, saying he will be unable to attend the Theatre World party due to prior engagements
Autograph letter signed: "David Holliday", in black ink, 1 page, 8½x11. May 9, 1980. In part: "My dear John Willis - Thanks so much for your kind invitation. One of these years I'll be in New York for your celebration of the theatre. I shall be starting rehearsals on my 1st "My Fair Lady" in Claifornia June 23rd - and since ticket demand I so great for our present "Camelot", that Burt has extended our run an additional 2 weeks, now to finish on June 1st." David Holliday (1932-1999) was an American actor of stage fame, most well-known for his role in Man of La Mancha (1965) as the day matinee version of Don Quixote. However, this was not his only role, as he appeared in several other Broadway and off-Broadway plays, including a starring role as Tony in London's West End version of West Side Story. Stage work was truly his passion, and it showed, earning a number of nominations and wins for his work, including four wins for Carbonell Awards for Best Actor in a musical. He never made many screen or film appearances, though he did appear as Vigil Tracy in the television series Thunderbirds (1965). Sadly, Holliday passed away in 1999 from cancer. 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.Light surface creases. Corners worn and creased. Normal mailing folds. Top edge slightly frayed. Otherwise, fine condition.