Brent, Romney, 1902-1975

Romney Brent actor, writer, director and producer was born in Mexico in 1902. He became an actor after viewing a Theatre Guild production, having tried both engineering and the law. His first role was as an acrobat in the production He Who Gets Slapped . Brent's acting career included roles in plays such as: Peer Gynt, The Devil's Disciple, The Squall, Androcles and the Lion, in which he played The Lion, The Merchant of Venice as Launcelot Gobbo and many others.

During the 1940's he began directing as well as acting. Some productions he directed include: The Winter's Tale, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Brigadoon and a Spanish language production of The Teahouse of the August Moon . Romney Brent was a member of the State Department sponsored tour of South America in 1956, Europe and Latin America in 1961, and the Far East, with Helen Hayes, in 1965.

He wrote the comedy The Mad Hopes in 1932 and collaborated on Nymph Errant with Noel Coward. He married the actress Gina Malo in 1937 and they had one daughter. Romney Brent died in Mexico City in 1976 at the age of 74.

From the guide to the Romney Brent papers, 1934-1975 (bulk dates 1969-1975, (The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.)