Date of Birth: July 8, 1913
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: October 9, 1996
Biography
Walter Kerr was a distinguished American theater critic, playwright, and director known for his insightful and often witty critiques. Born in Evanston, Illinois, Kerr developed a passion for theater early in life. He attended Northwestern University, where he earned a master’s degree in theater. Kerr began his career in academia, teaching drama at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., before transitioning to professional theater. Kerr’s critical career took off when he joined the New York Herald Tribune in 1951, where his reviews earned him widespread acclaim. After the Tribune folded in 1966, he became the chief theater critic for The New York Times, a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 1983. Kerr’s writing was marked by a deep understanding of theatrical history and a keen eye for both the technical and emotional aspects of productions. In addition to his work as a critic, Kerr was also a successful playwright and director. He co-wrote musicals like “Touch and Go” and “Goldilocks” with his wife, Jean Kerr, a noted author and playwright. His contributions to the theater world were recognized with several accolades, including a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1978.
5 Interesting Facts about Walter Kerr
1. Walter Kerr won the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1978.
2. He co-wrote several musicals with his wife, Jean Kerr.
3. Kerr’s tenure at The New York Times lasted from 1966 to 1983.
4. He was also a respected academic, teaching drama at Catholic University.
5. The Walter Kerr Theatre on Broadway is named in his honor.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Walter Kerr
1. “The theater is not so much a profession as a disease, and my first look at Broadway was the beginning of a lifelong infection.”
2. “Half the battle is to keep the audience awake.”
3. “The more minimal the art, the more maximum the explanation.”
4. “Criticism is a study by which men grow important and formidable at very small expense.”
5. “In a movie, you have to decide where the camera stands, and there it is. In a play, you’re always changing your focus.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Walter Kerr’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Walter Kerr and his wife, Jean Kerr, had six children: Colin, Christopher, Gilbert, Gregory, John, and Kitty.
Relevant Links
1. [Walter Kerr on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Kerr
2. [Pulitzer Prize for Criticism](https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/walter-kerr
3. [The New York Times Archive](https://www.nytimes.com/section/theater
4. [Walter Kerr Theatre](https://www.nederlander.com/venues/walter-kerr-theatre
