John Lahr

Date of Birth: July 12, 1941

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

John Lahr is an acclaimed American theater critic, author, and biographer, known for his insightful and in-depth analyses of contemporary theater and its players. Born into a family with strong ties to the entertainment industry, his father being the famous actor Bert Lahr, John had a front-row seat to the world of performance from an early age. He pursued his education at Yale University and Worcester College, Oxford, where he honed his critical eye and literary skills. Lahr’s career took off when he began writing for The Village Voice and later for The New Yorker, where his critiques and profiles became a staple. His works include several biographies of notable figures in theater, such as Joe Orton and Tennessee Williams, which have been praised for their vivid storytelling and psychological depth. Lahr’s influence on theater criticism is profound, combining a deep understanding of the art form with an engaging and accessible writing style.

5 Interesting Facts about John Lahr

1. John Lahr is the son of Bert Lahr, who famously played the Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz.”

2. He won the Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event in 2002 for his work on the production of “Elaine Stritch at Liberty.”

3. Lahr served as the chief theater critic for The New Yorker from 1992 until 2013.

4. He has written over 20 books, including biographies, plays, and novels.

5. Lahr’s biography of Tennessee Williams, “Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh,” was a finalist for the National Book Award.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Lahr

1. “The theater is a place where people can come together and experience the transformation of ordinary acts into extraordinary ones.”

2. “Criticism is not about finding fault. It’s about illuminating the complexities and subtleties of the work.”

3. “A great performance is like a secret whispered to you in the dark; it stays with you long after the curtain falls.”

4. “The essence of theater is surprise. It’s the art of making the familiar strange and the strange familiar.”

5. “In the theater, we see our collective fears, dreams, and desires played out in front of us, and in that moment, we are united.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

$5 million

Children

John Lahr has two children, Simon Lahr and Lucy Lahr. Both have pursued careers outside of the entertainment industry, maintaining relatively private lives.