Marian Seldes
Marian Seldes
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Marian Seldes was born on August 6, 1928, as Marion Lurie in Harlem, New York City. She is often referred to by her birth name, but professionally, she used the stage name Marian Seldes.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: August 6, 1928
Passed away: May 6, 2023
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Marian Seldes was an American actress who primarily worked in theater. Her extensive career spanned over seven decades, with notable performances on stage and screen.
Early Life and Background
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Seldes was born into a family of artists. Her father, George Seldes, was a journalist and critic, while her mother, Lillian Cornell, was an actress and a singer. The household environment nurtured Marian's interest in the arts from an early age. She began attending acting classes at the age of 12.
Growing up in Harlem, Seldes developed a strong connection to her community. Her father's progressive views on politics and social justice instilled in her a sense of responsibility towards making a positive impact. This foundation laid the groundwork for her future work as an advocate for arts education.
Major Accomplishments
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Marian Seldes had an illustrious career, marked by numerous achievements. Some highlights include:
Tony Award wins: She won three Tony Awards throughout her career, solidifying her reputation as a talented and versatile actress.
Drama Desk Awards: Seldes received multiple Drama Desk nominations for her performances in various productions.
Artistic collaborations: She worked with prominent directors such as Frank Langella, Terrence McNally, and Michael Blakemore.Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Marian's most notable works include:
The Sisters Rosenzweig: Seldes performed in this play for over 500 performances, showcasing her ability to sustain a long-running role.
A Delicate Balance: Her portrayal of Claire Standish in this production earned her multiple award nominations.Impact and Legacy
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Marian's contributions to the world of theater have had a lasting impact. She advocated tirelessly for arts education and was an outspoken advocate for social justice causes.
Seldes' dedication to mentoring young artists has inspired many, paving the way for future generations of performers. Her commitment to creating roles that showcase women's stories has left a lasting legacy in the industry.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Marian Seldes is widely quoted and remembered due to her:
Unwavering dedication: She consistently demonstrated her passion for the arts, never wavering from her commitment.
Pioneering spirit: Throughout her career, she pushed boundaries by taking on innovative roles that challenged societal norms.
Enduring legacy: Seldes' numerous contributions to theater continue to inspire and influence artists today.
With a remarkable seven-decade-long career, Marian Seldes left an indelible mark on the world of theater. Her dedication to arts education, social justice, and innovative storytelling has cemented her place as a celebrated figure in the industry.
Quotes by Marian Seldes
There’s no trick of teaching acting. Either someone wants to do it and is gifted, or not.
If you’re unhappy in a relationship, I think you just don’t trust yourself for getting into another one.
The kind of acting I love is when you watch and you discover what you think perhaps you weren’t supposed to see: the chink in the armor.
I had never heard anyone play like Benny Goodman and had never seen anyone like him on the stage. I realize now that what impressed me and stayed with me in memory was – the sounds he made. He played so purely. The music seemed to come from him, not just the instrument he played with such mastery.
I try to find humor in everything I do, because I think all great plays – even great tragedies – have enormous humor in them.
My grandmother always used to say, “If you know your past and you know where you have to go, why do you rehearse?” I always remember this and it’s true. You have to start each day again-you can’t repeat what you did.
Own the room. Confidence has nothing to do with what you look like. If you obsess over that, you'll end up being disappointed in yourself all the time. Instead, high self-esteem comes from how you feel in any moment. So walk into a room acting like you're in charge, and spend your energy on making the people around you happy. Giving confidence to others will come back to you and you'll end up feeling better about yourself.
I had never heard anyone play like Benny Goodman and had never seen anyone like him on the stage. I realize now that what impressed me and stayed with me in memory was - the sounds he made. He played so purely. The music seemed to come from him, not just the instrument he played with such mastery.
My grandmother always used to say, "If you know your past and you know where you have to go, why do you rehearse?" I always remember this and it's true. You have to start each day again-you can't repeat what you did.