About Katharine Cornell

Katharine Cornell – Buffalo’s First Lady of the Theatre

Buffalo, NY, has a proud history of nurturing extraordinary talent, and one of its brightest stars is Katharine Cornell. Born on February 16, 1893, to American parents in Berlin, Cornell was raised in Buffalo, where her passion for theater began to bloom. Her illustrious career and contributions to the stage earned her the nickname “The First Lady of the Theatre,” a title that cements her as one of the greatest figures in American theater history.

Growing Up in Buffalo

Katharine Cornell’s roots in Buffalo shaped the foundation of her career. The Cornell family, prominent in Buffalo’s business and social circles, fostered a creative environment that encouraged her to explore her artistic abilities. Growing up in a household on Mariner Street, Katharine participated in school plays, backyard dramatizations, and even family productions in her grandfather’s attic theater on Delaware Avenue.

Though her home life was tumultuous—her relationship with her parents was strained, particularly due to her mother’s struggles with alcoholism—Cornell found solace in the world of make-believe. It was this love of performance that ultimately propelled her towards a life on stage. She began acting in local productions, including performances at the Buffalo Studio Club’s parlor theater on Franklin Street.

She attended private schools in Buffalo before moving on to Oaksmere School in Mamaroneck, NY, where she further developed her interest in theater, participating in numerous productions and refining her craft.

A Broadway Legend

Cornell’s first big break came with the Washington Square Players, a theater company in New York City, where she was quickly noticed for her raw talent and stage presence. She went on to captivate audiences with her heartfelt performances in major Broadway productions throughout her career, which spanned from 1915 to 1960.

She is perhaps best known for her role as Elizabeth Barrett Browning in Rudolf Besier’s play The Barretts of Wimpole Street (1931). The production, a sweeping romantic drama, won not only critical acclaim but also the hearts of audiences across America. Cornell’s portrayal was described as “intensely emotional” and “magnetic,” establishing her as one of Broadway’s leading talents.

Other career highlights include her performance in Romeo and Juliet, where she played Juliet in what critics called the most enchanting interpretation of the role at that time. She was also lauded for her performances in The Letter (1927), Antony and Cleopatra (1947), and Candida, a role she returned to repeatedly throughout her career.

Her Broadway roles often emphasized serious drama and romance, and her refined presence brought a depth to her characters that resonated with audiences. She avoided Hollywood, appearing in just one film, stating that live theater allowed her to connect more deeply with her audience.

Her Title “The First Lady of the Theatre”

Katharine Cornell’s influence went far beyond her roles. Her tireless dedication to bringing high-quality productions to the stage earned her the affectionate title “The First Lady of the Theatre.” Her impeccable taste, attention to detail, and reverent approach inspired respect throughout the theater community.

Cornell worked alongside her husband, Guthrie McClintic, who directed many of her productions. Together, they founded C. & M.C. Productions, Inc., which gave them complete artistic freedom. Their company was instrumental in bringing Shakespearean plays and other high-caliber dramas to Broadway, introducing American audiences to some of the most celebrated British actors of the day.

Contributions to the Arts

Cornell was not only a performer but also a pioneer. During World War II, she took her production of The Barretts of Wimpole Street overseas, performing for troops in Europe amidst the chaos of war. Her ability to connect with audiences, even under challenging circumstances, solidified her reputation as an artist of unparalleled commitment and grace.

She remained deeply connected to Buffalo throughout her life, often bringing her productions back to the city. Her presence at theaters, particularly the Erlanger Theater on Delaware Avenue, symbolized her enduring love for her hometown. Cornell cherished Buffalo, and Buffalonians adored her in return, often greeting her with open arms and heartfelt applause.

An Enduring Legacy

Katharine Cornell’s theatrical career profoundly shaped American theater. Her fearless interpretations, sophistication, and groundbreaking work set a standard for stage actors, especially those pursuing classical and dramatic roles. To this day, she is celebrated as one of history’s great stage actresses.

Back in Buffalo, her legacy is preserved in several ways. The Katharine Cornell Theater was named in her honor at the Tisbury Town Hall on Martha’s Vineyard, where she lived later in life. Similarly, the Katharine Cornell Theatre at the State University of New York at Buffalo stands as a reminder of her roots and unwavering dedication to the arts.

A Lasting Inspiration

Katharine Cornell was a woman of extraordinary talent, vision, and heart. Her commitment to elevating the stage as a medium for storytelling, her love for her city of Buffalo, and her contributions to theater continue to inspire actors and audiences alike.

Every curtain drawn on a stage in Buffalo pays homage to her enduring influence. For generations of theater lovers, Katharine Cornell remains not just a local hero, but a national treasure—a beacon of what it means to create, inspire, and leave an unforgettable mark on the world.