LILIA SKALA - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 03/17/1969 - HFSID 315337

LILIA SKALA
The actress sends a photograph to John Willis, Editor of Theatre World, and thanks him for considering her for Theatre World
Autograph letter signed: "Lilia Skala", in blue ink, 1 page, 6x7. March 17, 1969. Elmhurst, New York. In full: "Dear Mr. Willis - Thank you for considering to include my biographical data in your next THEATRE WORLD. - Enclosed a photo as requested [items not included]. - Sincerely". Lilia Skala (1896-1994) was Austria's first female architect and an established stage star when Hitler's Germany annexed her country. She secured her Jewish husband's release from detention by bribing the guards, and later escaped from the country with her two children. Arriving in the US in 1939, she went to work in a Queens zipper factory. Her talent was recognized, however, and by the end of 1941 she gained her first Broadway role (in Letters to Lucerne). She played Grand Duchess Sophie in Ethel Merman's Call Me Madam (1950-1952) and Ann Frank's mother in The Diary of Ann Frank (1955-1957, and on tour). Her role as Mother Superior in Lillies of the Field (1963) earned an Oscar nomination. She was nominated for an Emmy for the TV mini-series Eleanor and Franklin (1976), playing the school headmistress who inspired the young Eleanor Roosevelt. She had notable character roles in the films Ship of Fools (1965) and Flashdance (1983). 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. Corners lightly worn and creased. Slightly toned. Fine condition.