If the content you are seeing is presented as unstyled HTML your browser is an older version that cannot support cascading style sheets. If you wish to upgrade your browser you may download Mozilla or Internet Explorer for Windows.

Cronyn, Hume

Actor born in London, Ontario , in 1911 and for over four decades part of the "The First Couple of American Theatre" with his wife, Jessica Tandy (1909-94). His father was a banker and Member of Parliament.

He was studying law while participating in productions with the Montreal Repertory Theatre . He decided to study acting which he did in Austria and New York. He made his professional début in Washington DC and was soon a regular performer on Broadway.

He directed Ms Tandy in Tennessee Williams' Portrait of a Madonna in 1946. They played together on Broadway and worked at the Stratford Festival (1976-80), performing in Foxfire and A Midsummer Night's Dream among others. (Mr. Cronyn also served on the Festival's board.)

They have played often together and apart in film and television. Mr. Cronyn was inducted into the Order of Canada.

Mr. Cronyn is also a distinguished writer, he adapted Foxfire and The Dollmaker, and published his memoires, A Terrible Liar in 1991.

His performances are marked by a gentle gruffness and a withering sense of humour.

He is the father of actor Tandy Cronyn .

Viewings: See his magnificently subtle performance opposite Ms Tandy in the 1980 film of the DL Coburn stage play Gin Game (RKO/Nederlander, dir: Mike Nichols)

Last updated 2003-01-28