JAMES "JIMMY" COCO - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 03/28/1973 - HFSID 300630

JAMES "JIMMY" COCO
The actor types and signs a personal letter to John Willis, chief editor of Theatre World, thanking him for remembering his birthday
Typed Letter Signed: "Jimmy", 1 page, 8½x11. No place, 1973 March 28. On personal letterhead to "Dear John [Willis]," in full: "How sweet of you to remember my birthday. How do you do it? You're incredible! It was lovely of you and I love the card and your good wishes. If I am in town, I will certainly be at your party. Love,". James "Jimmy" Coco (1929-1987) earned an Obie for his stage performance in The Moon In Yellow River (1959), and starred in several plays each by Neil Simon and Terence McNally. His starred in two short-lived TV series of the 1970s, but was a popular guest, winning an Emmy for one such appearance on St. Elsewhere (1983). His films included Man Of La Mancha (as Sancho Panza, 1972), Murder By Death (1976) and his final role in That's Adequate (1990). He was Oscar-nominated as Best Supporting Actor for Only When I Laugh (1981). Theatre World, founded in 1945 by Daniel Blum, is America's oldest annual record of Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theatre, referenced by industry professionals, historians, students and theatre fans worldwide. Until 1998, when a separate nonprofit corporation was established, Theatre World's editorial staff bestowed the prestigious Theatre World Awards for outstanding Broadway and Off-Broadway debuts. Screen World (from 1950) and Dance World (from 1966), administered from the same office, furnished comprehensive information on those entertainment genres. 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.