Katharine Cornell, American actress and producer (d. 1974)

Katharine Cornell: The First Lady of the American Theatre

Katharine Cornell (February 16, 1893 – June 9, 1974) was an iconic American stage actress, writer, influential theatre owner, and astute producer whose profound impact on Broadway remains legendary. Born in Berlin, Germany, to American parents Thomas C. Cornell and Alice Gardner Plimpton, she was raised in Buffalo, New York, where her father served as a superintendent of schools. This formative upbringing laid the groundwork for her eventual dominance of the American theatrical landscape.

From Buffalo to Broadway: Early Life and Ascent

Cornell's journey into the spotlight began with an early interest in the performing arts. She initially honed her craft with Jessie Bonstelle's stock company before making a pivotal move to New York City. There, she joined the avant-garde Washington Square Players, a significant stepping stone that exposed her to diverse stage productions and cemented her commitment to the craft. This early immersion in New York's vibrant theatrical scene quickly shaped her artistic vision.

"The First Lady of the Theatre": A Critical Acclaim

The esteemed critic Alexander Woollcott, a prominent member of the famed Algonquin Round Table known for his sharp wit and influential opinions, bestowed upon her the enduring moniker "The First Lady of the Theatre." This title was a testament to her unparalleled stature, commanding presence, and profound artistic contributions to the American stage. Her exceptional talent received official recognition in 1935 when she became the inaugural recipient of the prestigious Drama League Award for her compelling portrayal of Juliet in Shakespeare's *Romeo and Juliet*, cementing her status as a leading dramatic actress of her generation.

A Powerhouse Partnership: Cornell & McClintic's Artistic Dominion

Katharine Cornell's illustrious career was inextricably linked to her husband, the highly regarded director Guthrie McClintic. Their professional and personal partnership culminated in the formation of C. & M.C. Productions, Inc., a groundbreaking company that granted them complete artistic autonomy. This unparalleled freedom allowed them to meticulously select and produce plays aligned with their shared vision, liberated from external commercial pressures. Between 1931 and 1957, their company was responsible for producing 36 plays, not only staging some of Broadway's most significant dramas but also providing crucial early or prominent roles to many future luminaries of the 20th century, including renowned British Shakespearean actors who would later become household names.

Broadway's Luminary: Signature Roles and Enduring Acclaim

Regarded as one of the truly great actresses in American theatre history, Cornell's performances were consistently lauded for their depth, emotional resonance, and meticulous characterizations. Her most celebrated and iconic role was that of the English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning in Rudolf Besier's 1931 Broadway production of *The Barretts of Wimpole Street*. This play captivated audiences, running for an impressive 370 performances, and became virtually synonymous with Cornell's enduring legacy. Other pivotal Broadway appearances showcasing her remarkable versatility and dedication to serious drama included:

Stage vs. Screen: A Unique Artistic Stance

Unlike many of her contemporaries who eagerly gravitated towards Hollywood, Cornell famously spurned screen roles, steadfastly prioritizing the immediate connection, intimate experience, and artistic control offered exclusively by live theatre. This unwavering commitment to the stage meant she appeared in only one Hollywood film: the 1943 World War II morale-boosting feature *Stage Door Canteen*, where she made a brief cameo playing herself, supporting the war effort. While her film career was negligible, she did embrace television, appearing in adaptations of *The Barretts of Wimpole Street* and Robert E. Sherwood's *There Shall Be No Night*. Furthermore, her distinctive, resonant voice brought gravitas to the narration of *Helen Keller in Her Story* (also known as *The Unconquered*), a compelling documentary that won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1954.

Artistry and Presence: The Quintessential Tragedienne

Primarily recognized as a tragedienne, Katharine Cornell was universally admired for her refined, almost ethereal, and deeply romantic stage presence. Critics often highlighted her unique interpretative style, which avoided overt melodrama in favor of nuanced emotional depth. As one astute reviewer observed, "Hers is not a robust romanticism, however. It tends toward dark but delicate tints, and the emotion she conveys most aptly is that of an aspiring girlishness which has always been subject to theatrical influences of a special sort." Her ventures into comedy were infrequent, yet when she did perform them, her inherent warmth and sincerity were lauded more widely than her comedic timing or overt wit. Illustrating this profound artistic influence, acclaimed *New York Times* drama critic Brooks Atkinson famously concluded that her performance in *The Constant Wife* transcended the script, transforming a "hard and metallic" comedy into a richly emotional romantic drama.

Legacy and Final Years

Katharine Cornell's unwavering dedication to the stage, her pioneering spirit as a producer who championed artistic freedom, and her unforgettable, deeply moving performances cemented her legacy as a towering, indispensable figure in American theatre history. She passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on June 9, 1974, in Tisbury, Massachusetts, located on the picturesque Martha's Vineyard. Her final resting place is the Tisbury Village Cemetery, a quiet testament to a life lived in the brilliant, enduring spotlight of the theatre.

Frequently Asked Questions About Katharine Cornell

Who was Katharine Cornell?
Katharine Cornell was a highly celebrated American stage actress, writer, theatre owner, and producer, widely recognized as "The First Lady of the Theatre" for her profound and lasting contributions to Broadway throughout the 20th century. She was known for her compelling performances in serious dramas and her significant influence on theatrical production.
What was Katharine Cornell's most famous role?
Her most famous and iconic role was that of Elizabeth Barrett Browning in Rudolf Besier's 1931 Broadway production of *The Barretts of Wimpole Street*. This performance ran for 370 shows and became a signature part of her distinguished career.
Why did Katharine Cornell avoid Hollywood films?
Cornell famously prioritized the live stage, valuing the immediate, visceral connection with audiences and the extensive artistic control she maintained in theatre over the perceived limitations, commercial pressures, and lack of creative freedom often associated with Hollywood film productions. She felt the stage was her true medium.