JOHN A. WILLIS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 03/29/1980 CO-SIGNED BY: VIRGINIA MCKINZIE - HFSID 317812

JOHN A. WILLIS and VIRGINIA MCKINZIE
John Willis, editor of Theatre World, corresponds with actress about her birth date
Typed letter signed: "John Willis" and "V. Mckinzie" 1 page, 8½x11. March 29, 1980. In full: "Dear Miss Virginia Mckinzie: Thank you for the photo and biographical data we received today. However, on the enclosed bio form you forgot to include your birth date. If the year is embarrassing to you, please give us the month and day, and return it as soon as possible. We appreciate your cooperation, and extend best wishes for your continuing success. Sincerely". Autograph note in bottom margin (in Virginia Mckinzie's hand): "Dear John Willis, Please know that I am in love (smile) with my birthday - celebrate if for 30 days!! every year! The date is just not for publication. (A decision I made for the theatre) Happy studio time!!! Thank you". 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. Actress Virginia McKinzie has performed on stage and television; she made her Broadway debut in Comin' Uptown (1979) and appeared in the television series 100 Centre Street (2002). Normal mailing folds. Corners rounded. Slight creases on edges. Light surface creases. Light toning in margins. Otherwise, fine condition.