At age 21, Eva Le Gallienne achieved status as a Broadway sensation, signaling a transition from struggling performer to a central figure of the American stage. Throughout a career spanning seven decades, she balanced roles as an actor, director, and theatre manager, while maintaining citizenship in both the United Kingdom and the United States until her death in 1991.
Early Development and Stage Debut
Born in London in 1899 to a poet and a journalist, Le Gallienne spent her formative years moving between Paris, London, and Copenhagen. Influenced by seeing Sarah Bernhardt perform in Paris, she dedicated herself to the theatre. Her professional debut occurred at age 15 in Maurice Maeterlinck's Monna Vanna. Following brief training at Tree's Academy, she earned recognition for a role in the West End production The Laughter of Fools.
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Upon moving to New York City at age 16, Le Gallienne pursued Broadway roles, eventually starring in Arthur Richman's Not So Long Ago in 1920. Her reputation grew through performances in Liliom and The Swan. In 1926, she founded the non-profit Civic Repertory Theatre, driven by the belief that quality theatre should be accessible. The company produced 37 plays before disbanding in 1934 during the Great Depression.
Artistic Contributions and Later Career
Le Gallienne was a versatile practitioner who adapted Alice in Wonderland for the stage with Florida Friebus in 1932. Her influence persisted through the 20th century, setting precedents for regional theatre. She remained active across various media, including television and film, earning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie in 1978. Her career was also acknowledged with the Knight First Class of the Order of St. Olav in 1961 and the National Medal of Arts in 1986.
Personal Life and Relationships
Le Gallienne lived openly as a lesbian throughout her life. Her significant romantic connections included Mary Duggett, actress Josephine Hutchinson, and Marion Gunnar Evensen-Westlake, the latter of whom was her companion for over thirty years. She maintained professional and personal associations with various theatre figures, including Alla Nazimova, throughout her time in the United States.
Fast facts
- Born: 1899, London
- Died: 1991, Weston
- Citizenship: United States and United Kingdom
- Civic Repertory Theatre active: 1926–1934
- 1978 Award: Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress
- 1986 Award: National Medal of Arts
- 1961 Award: Knight First Class of the Order of St. Olav
Questions readers ask
What was the purpose of the Civic Repertory Theatre?
Le Gallienne founded the theatre to present high-quality plays at the lowest possible prices for the public.
Did Le Gallienne work only on stage?
No, she worked as a screenwriter, stage actor, film actor, television actor, director, and theatre manager.
Achievements
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie — 1978
- Knight First Class of the Order of St. Olav — 1961
- Worked as stage actor, film actor and television actor
