Lynn Fontanne

Lynn Fontanne (1887-1983) was a British-American actress and theatrical icon who, alongside her husband Alfred Lunt, became the most celebrated acting partnership in American theater history. Born in Essex, England, Fontanne trained extensively in drama and dance before launching her acting career in London. She moved to America in the 1910s and met Alfred Lunt, and together they created an unparalleled theatrical brand. The Lunts dominated Broadway from the 1920s through the 1960s, starring in sophisticated comedies, sophisticated dramas, and classics with intelligence, charm, and impeccable comic timing. Their partnership revolutionized American theater, bringing European theatrical sophistication to Broadway audiences. Fontanne was celebrated for her versatility, moving seamlessly between comedic roles in plays like 'The Guardsman' and dramatic performances in Shakespeare. She won the Tony Award in 1957 and continued performing into her later years with undiminished vitality. The Lunts' influence on theater technique, ensemble playing, and theatrical production was profound, establishing standards of professionalism and artistry. Fontanne's legacy represents the golden age of American theater, and the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York, named after the couple, continues to honor their contributions to performing arts.