She was every understudy's nightmare. She never missed a show!
Hope someone on here is able to video the dimming of the lights tomorrow. Appreciated seeing recent dimmings for Stritch and others.
Turns out Ms. Seldes was actually 88, not 86 as been listed before in numerous sources. Nevertheless, very sad news and tremendous loss for American theater.
I saw her often in audiences and a few times told her much I had enjoyed her performances. She was always so gracious.
My favorite Marian Seldes story was when she took over the lead role in Ring Round The Moon (I think Irene Worth had to drop out) at the Belasco. We were sitting in a row in front of Peter Hall and a few of his theater friends. The play ended, and the cast came out to take their bows. Then Marian came out for her star bow, and something happened that I had never seen before: the lighting changed just for Marian's bow! In the row behind us, I heard Peter Hall chuckle and say appreciatively, "OH, Marian..."
I was lucky enough to see her twice in Albee works; THREE TALL WOMEN and THE PLAY ABOUT THE BABY.
Just saw this in one of the online obituaries:
Ms. Seldes was once asked in an interview what she would do if she didn't act. The interviewer's intention was to inquire about an alternate passion that might lead to another career. She answered, intensely, "Grieve."
Updated On: 10/7/14 at 02:07 PM
I'm glad I had the chance to see Ms. Seldes in "Deuce."
"Say Thursday". When you get to the end of this video, you'll understand. This is Rick McKay's moving tribute to Marian Seldes. The person you see being interviewed is wonderful, lovely and classy to the core.
Marian Seldes
I saw her in "Deuce", she was so nice to me at the Stage Door and we had a nice long conversation. Wonderful actress, person and teacher.
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