Moscowitz, Jennie, ca. 1868-1953.

Jennie Moscowitz was an actress prominent in Jewish theater circles for decades, initially on the Yiddish speaking stage and later in English language roles.

Jennie Moscowitz was born Jennie Silverstein in Jassy, Romania, around 1868 or 1869. She was studying acting by the age of 12, and at 13 was touring Romania and Germany with Sarah Bernhardt in CAMILLE. By 1890 she had come to America, and before long was performing in the Jewish Art Theater, working with Jacob Adler and Bores Thomashefsky. Jennie Moscowitz' first English speaking role was in Israel Zangwill's play THE MELTING POT (1909), with Walker Whiteside. Later, David Belasco cast her in his play THE AUCTIONEER (1920). Other roles included PARTNERS AGAIN (1923), KOSHER KITTY KELLY (1925), Elmer Rice's COUNSELLOR-AT-LAW (1931) with Paul Muni, and EXCURSION (1937). Moscowitz scored a great personal success in the 1943 revival of COUNSELLOR-AT-LAW, in which she and Muni reprised their original roles. She died on July 26, 1953, at the age of 85.

From the description of Jennie Moscowitz papers, 1907-1943. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 144651947

Jennie Moscowitz, nee Silverstein, was born in Jassy, Romania around 1868 or 1869. The oldest of four children she had an early interest in the theater and by the age of 12 was studying at the Conservatory in Jassy, Romania. Her first role, at age 13, was in the role of "Nanine" in Camille with Sarah Bernhardt performed for the King and Queen of Romania and on tour in Germany. Jennie came to America at the age of 18, traveling with a company brought here for the Yiddish stage. It was through this engagement that she acted in the Jewish Art Theater with Jacob Adler, David Kessler and Boris Tomashefsky.

Her first New York role was that of the "blind girl" in The Two Orphans . Best known for character portrayals of Jewish mothers, her first English speaking role was in the play The Melting Pot with Walter Whiteside. Later, David Belasco gave her a role in his play The Auctioneer (1920-1921). Other roles were in Partners Again (1923-1925), Potash and Perlmutter in Society (1917-1920), Kosher Kitty Kelly (1925-1926), Counsellor-at-Law (1931 & 1943) with Paul Muni and Excursion (1937). At the age of 80, John Golden attempted to find her a role in his upcoming production of They Knew What They Wanted with Paul Muni.

In 1928, after a four year absence, she returned to vaudeville in a sketch entitled Tell It To Sweeney . Jennie Moscowitz also played on radio is such productions as Rudy Vallee's Varieties, My Boy, House on the Hill and A Mother's Sacrifice .

She was married for 58 years to theatrical manager Max Moscowitz and had 4 children. She died on July 26, 1953 at the age of 85.

From the guide to the Jennie Moscowitz papers, 1907-1943, (The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.)