Adair, Jean, 1873-1953

Jean Adair, character actress, was born Violet McNaughton, in Hamilton, Ontario Canada, ca. 1872-1873.

She trained for the theater in Chicago and developed her craft in stock companies. Her first important role was the lead in the William A. Brady tour of MOTHER. She spent several seasons on the vaudeville circuit doing playlets including THE OLD ARISTOCRAT, BEAUTY IS ONLY SKIN DEEP and MAGGIE TAYLOR, WAITRESS. Her Broadway career began in 1922 with IT'S A BOY and ended with THE CRUCIBLE in 1953. er best known role was Aunt Martha in ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. She died in New York City on May 11, 1953 at the age of 80.

From the description of Jean Adair papers, 1914-1936 bulk (1914-1929). (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 122576189

Character actress Jean Adair was born Violet McNaughton in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in 1872?. [For a short time she was also known as Jennet Adair.] She trained for the theater in Chicago and developed her craft in stock companies. Her first important role was the lead in the William A. Brady tour of Mother . She spent several seasons on the vaudeville circuit doing one-act playlets including The Old Aristocrat, Beauty Is Only Skin Deep and Maggie Taylor, Waitress . Her Broadway career began in 1922 with It's a Boy and, after over 30 productions, ended with The Crucible in 1953. No matter how small her role, she always won praise from the critics.

Miss Adair was mainly known for playing mothers but is best remembered for her portrayal of Aunt Martha in both the stage and film versions of Arsenic and Old Lace . She died in New York City on May 11, 1953 at the age of 80.

From the guide to the Jean Adair papers, 1914-1936, 1914-1929, (The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.)