MARIAN SELDES - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED CIRCA 1980 - HFSID 315322

MARIAN SELDES
The actress thanks John Willis, Editor of Theatre World, for his birthday wishes and extends her own to him
Autograph letter signed: "Marian", in blue ink, 6¾x5½. 1980. In full: "Thank you dear John and whenever you celebrate your birthday you have my best wishes and loves". Marian Seldes (1928-2014) made her Broadway debut in 1948, and later notched 5 Tony nominations, winning as Best Featured Actress in A Delicate Balance (1967). She appeared in about a dozen films, from The Light in the Forest (1958) to Leatherheads (2008). Seldes was heard in 179 episodes of CBS Radio Mystery Theater (1974-1982). Her TV guest spots have included a spot as Lucas McCain's deceased wife in a 1960 episode of The Rifleman, appearing to her son Mark as a vision during an illness. She played the eccentric aunt of Murphy Brown in a 1992 episode. Seldes made a series of recordings of famous works of literature for Folkways Records, and taught at the Juilliard School of Performing Arts, where her students included Robin Williams and William Hurt. Her second husband, until his death in 1999, was screenwriter Garson Kanin. 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 worn and creased. Pencil notes (unknown hand). Light surface creases. Otherwise, fine condition.