George Jean Nathan (14 February, 1883 – 8 April, 1958) was a drama critic and editor from Indiana. He brought the literary magazine The Smart Set to prominence as the editor.
George Jean Nathan as Hamlet – The National Portrait Gallery
Books by George Jean Nathan*
Fun Facts about George Jean Nathan:
- George Jean Nathan was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Charles Narel and Ella Nathan.
- During his studies at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. He was the editor of The Cornell Daily Sun and independent newspaper published twice a week.
- Even though he was a known drama critic, Mr. Nathan didn’t shy away from dating actresses or women who worked in the theater business.
- The character of Addison De Witt, an influential drama critic who become obsessed with Eve Harrington, a young actress, in the 1950 Best Picture winner film All About Eve is based on him.
- George Jean Nathan had a long lasting romantic relationship with movie star Lillian Gish, in the 1920s. She consistently refused his marriage proposals.
- In 1955 George Jean Nathan married Juley Haydo, an actress of stage and screen.
- Mr. Nathan only wrote one play, The Eternal Mystery, premiering in 1913.
- As a critic, Mr. Nathan championed the plays of such notables as Henrik Ibsen, George Bernard Shaw, and Eugene O’Neill.
- The George Jean Nathan Award is given by Cornell University Department of English “to the American who has written the best piece of drama criticism during the theatrical year (July 1 to June 30), whether it is an article, an essay, treatise or book.”
- All his letters and papers are now at Cornell University, including letters he received from Eugene O’Neill.
Zohar – Man of la Book
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