Date of Birth: February 16, 1893
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: June 9, 1974
Biography
Katharine Cornell was an American actress, writer, theater owner, and producer. Born on February 16, 1893, in Berlin, Germany, to American parents, Cornell grew up in Buffalo, New York. She was regarded as one of the greatest American stage actresses of the 20th century, often referred to as the “First Lady of the Theatre.” Her career spanned several decades, and she was celebrated for her powerful portrayals of complex women in both classical and contemporary plays. Cornell made her Broadway debut in 1921 in “Nice People” and quickly established herself as a leading actress. She gained critical acclaim for her roles in “The Barretts of Wimpole Street” (1931), “Saint Joan” (1936), and “Antigone” (1946), among others. She was also known for her long and successful collaboration with her husband, director and producer Guthrie McClintic. Katharine Cornell was not only a star on stage but also a pioneer in producing and promoting high-quality theater. She continued to perform until the 1950s, leaving an indelible mark on American theater. She passed away on June 9, 1974, in Tisbury, Massachusetts.
5 Interesting Facts about Katharine Cornell
1. Katharine Cornell was the first actress to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play, receiving the honor in 1947 for her performance in “Antigone.”
2. She was known for her strong commitment to producing and performing high-quality theater, often financing productions herself.
3. Cornell was the first female actor to play a leading role in a Shakespeare play on Broadway, starring as Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet” in 1934.
4. She was a key figure in the Actors’ Equity Association and worked tirelessly to improve conditions for theater actors.
5. Katharine Cornell was a close friend and mentor to many young actors, including the legendary Marlon Brando.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Katharine Cornell
1. “The theater is a spiritual and social X-ray of its time.”
2. “You can’t be an actress without having a sense of humor and a sense of proportion.”
3. “The audience is the most revered member of the theater. Without an audience, there is no theater.”
4. “Acting is the most human of all the arts.”
5. “To play great roles, you must live a great life.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of her career, Katharine Cornell’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, a significant amount for her time.
Children
Katharine Cornell did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Katharine Cornell – Biography](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Katharine-Cornell
2. [Katharine Cornell – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0180075/
4. [Katharine Cornell – Tony Awards](https://www.tonyawards.com/winners/year/1947/
