RIP Marian Seldes

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Tony-Winner-Marian-Seldes-Passes-Away-at-86-20141006

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There was never a more living embodiment of the word "Class", than Mrs. Seldes. I imagine the residents of heaven are bowing to her as she enters through the gates tonight.

^^^
What CapnHook said.

I first came to be a fan of hers from the more than 200 episodes of the CBS Radio Mystery Theater she did in the 70's and early 80's. Such a talent. R.I.P.

God are we taking one hit after another this year.

Had the good fortune to see her in a number of shows.Hopefully there will be no question with dimming the lights for her.She also shined in her TV work in the fifties. A great talent has been lost

R.I.P.

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I saw her onstage once in "Deuce." My family and I went to see Angela Lansbury, but we got a surprise treat in being exposed to this lovely human being. Not only did she give a great performance, but she was very gracious both at the stage door and two days later, when my mother bumped into her on the street. Ms. Seldes was on her way to the theatre, but she took the time to chat with Mom and she would have continued if she did not have to go inside.

Over a year later, after I began my freshman year at Fordham University, I saw her in the audience of a Juilliard production. I walked over to her at intermission to tell her about the "Deuce" experience, and she actually did remember my mother. She was also excited about me being a Fordham student, where she served as an adjunct professor. As we said goodbye, she took my hand in appreciation.

She could not have been lovelier.

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Just heartbreaking. She was a singular talent, transcending the realms of elegance and class and craft in a way very few have. The absolute end of an era.

Elaine Stritch, Lauren Bacall, Joan Rivers, Polly Bergen and now the great Marian Seldes...
This year is just beyond depressing.

RIP to a great actress and one classy lady.

I have so many wonderful memories of this extraordinary woman.

I will always remember, especially, her performance in 'Counting The Ways'. I've never experienced anything quite like it--she had us mesmerized, so utterly in her thrall, it was as though she had hypnotized the entire audience. With nothing but the slightest inclination of her head or the merest movement of her extended hand she made us all laugh. It was magical.

I always imagined I would have the opportunity to thank her for a lifetime of joy. (Beginning, for me, with those 'Radio Mystery Theater' broadcasts. I've had her wonderful voice in my head for a very long time...)

Rest in peace, great Lady.

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Updated On: 10/7/14 at 02:48 AM

I saw Ms. Seldes in Deuce with the great Angela Lansbury. I feel very lucky to have seen her in that. The elegance and grace of these two grand dames of the theater wasn't lost on me at the time.
RIP, Ms. Seldes

She was the very definition of class and grace. I worked with her briefly, about fifteen years ago, and she was so kind and professional towards everyone, from her co-stars down to the lowest person on the totem pole. She knew everyone's name and went out of her way to greet people and make them feel appreciated. And the Christmas after we worked together, she sent me a personal holiday note on her gorgeous monogrammed stationery. I had that note framed, and I will always treasure it.

This story (attributed to Kim Hunter, see link) has always been my favorite about Ms. Seldes:

She's a lovely dame, and I use that term with respect. I like dames--they're regal and tough and real. I never believed that a play of mine had opened or happened until I saw her lovely black hair and alabaster face at my dressing-room door. At that point it was official! Her generosity is remarkable. Do you remember Olive Deering? That poor actress who was Alfred Ryder's sister? Well, Olive fell on hard times and pretty much took up residence on them, and she never had any money. I gave her money; everybody gave her money. Well, I went to see Marian in something and when we walked out of the stage door, there was Olive, looking pathetic and wan, and Marian reached into her purse and handed her an envelope, with Olive's name written in that tiny handwriting of hers. I asked about it at dinner. 'Oh, darling,' Marian said. 'I'm so lucky to be working and being paid well, and Olive needs it.' Olive Deering came to that stage door every week on payday and got her envelope. For years! That took my breath away. And Olive Deering was not the only one.
http://jamesgrissom.blogspot.com/2012/06/marian-seldes-benedictions.html

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