ROBERT DRIVAS - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 10/29/1973 - HFSID 316115

ROBERT DRIVAS
A letter from the actor to John Willis, Editor of Theatre World, giving a false birth date and asking that his birthdate not be published
Autograph letter signed: "Bob Drivas", in blue ink, 1 page (front and verso), 6x8. October 29, 1973. In part: "Dear Sir, Theatre World and ScreenWorld. Enclosed are the photograph you requested. My official birthdate is Nov. 20, 1943. Chicago Illinois. I would prefer no birthdate be given. Mr. Willis has assured me that it would be taken care of". Robert Drivas (1938-1986) was an American actor and director, best known for his theatre directing. He began his career in 1958, as an actor, when he was cast as Rameses in the original play The Firstborn. That same year, Drivas made his onscreen debut in an episode of Young Dr. Malone. Over the next decade, he continued to act both on the stage and on the screen, appearing in such titles as The Wall (1960-1961), And Things Go Bump in the Night (1965), the television series The Wild Wild West (1966), and the popular television series Bonanaza (1968). Eventually, in 1974, Drivas made his directing debut, when he directed the original one-act comedy Bad Habits. Throughout the next nine years, Drivas directed eight more productions, and starred in a single production entitled The Man Who Had Three Arms (1983). His last professional role before his death was as the director of the 1983 original production of Peg. 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 fold. Corners lightly worn. Ink notes (unknown hand). Fine condition.