Cornelia Otis Skinner

Date of Birth: May 30, 1899

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: July 9, 1979

Biography

Cornelia Otis Skinner was a renowned American actress and writer, known for her work on stage and in literature. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, and was the daughter of the famous actor Otis Skinner and his wife Maud Durbin, an actress herself. Cornelia was educated at the prestigious Bryn Mawr College and later honed her acting skills at the Sorbonne in Paris. Her career began in the 1920s, and she quickly became known for her monologues, which she both wrote and performed. These monologues were a unique blend of humor and observation, often touching on the everyday lives of women. Skinner also had a successful career as a writer, contributing to magazines such as The New Yorker and publishing several books, including “Our Hearts Were Young and Gay,” co-written with Emily Kimbrough, which was later adapted into a film. Throughout her career, Skinner was celebrated for her wit, charm, and versatility, making her a beloved figure in American theater and literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Cornelia Otis Skinner

1. Cornelia Otis Skinner’s father, Otis Skinner, was a prominent actor in the early 20th century, which greatly influenced her career.

2. She co-authored the best-selling book “Our Hearts Were Young and Gay” with Emily Kimbrough, which was later adapted into a successful film and Broadway play.

3. Skinner’s one-woman shows, where she performed her own monologues, were highly popular and showcased her talent for both writing and acting.

4. She was a frequent contributor to The New Yorker, where her essays and short stories were well-received.

5. Despite being primarily known for her stage work, Skinner also appeared in several films, including “The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing” (1955).

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Cornelia Otis Skinner

1. “The best part of one’s life is the working part, the creative part. Believe me, I love to succeed…however, the real spiritual and emotional excitement is in the doing.”

2. “Humor is the ability to see three sides to one coin.”

3. “To be in the theater one needs to be a strong personality with a lot of resilience.”

4. “Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.”

5. “The essence of humor is surprise, and surprise makes us feel alive.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Cornelia Otis Skinner’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a significant amount for her time, considering her contributions to theater, film, and literature.