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Adrianne AllenBritish theater actress
Date of Birth: 07.02.1907
Country:  Switzerland |
Content:
Biography of Adrienne Allen
Early Life and EducationAdrienne Allen was born on February 7, 1907, in Manchester, England. She completed her education in Germany and France before studying acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her graduation performance in 1926 caught the attention of actor, producer, and director Basil Dean.
Theater Career
Dean offered Allen the role of Nina Vansittart in Noel Coward's play "Easy Virtue." Her first appearance on the West End stage took place in 1930, where she played Sybil Chase in the original production of Coward's "Private Lives." In 1935, Allen portrayed Elizabeth Bennet in the Broadway production of "Pride and Prejudice," receiving high praise from critics for her impeccable performance. She was hailed as a master of light comedy and was known for her intelligence on stage.
Success on Broadway
In 1948, Allen delivered a subtle and powerful performance as a mentally disturbed wife and mother in the play "Edward, My Son." Her portrayal of the character facing abuse from her husband was considered one of the most significant achievements on Broadway that year. In 1956, she played a doting mother trying to find a suitable husband for her daughter in the comedy "The Reluctant Debutante," earning further acclaim from the press.
Personal Life
In 1929, Allen married Canadian-American actor Raymond Massey, who offered her a role in Noel Coward's play "The Rat Trap." They had two children, son Daniel Massey and daughter Anna Massey, both of whom later became actors. The marriage ended in divorce on July 7, 1939, and Allen remarried on July 20. Her second husband, William Dwight Whitney, was an internationally renowned lawyer and a longtime family friend who handled her divorce proceedings. This unique situation inspired Hollywood screenwriters to create the comedy "Adam's Rib," which was nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe Award. Allen and Whitney remained close friends and lived happily together until their deaths.
Later Years and Death
During World War II, Allen and Whitney resided in London with Allen's children, who spent more time with their mother's new family than with their father. In the late 1950s, the couple relocated to Montreux, Switzerland. Allen retired from her acting career in 1958 and did not make any further appearances on stage or screen. Whitney passed away in 1973, and Allen survived him by 20 years. On September 14, 1993, the charming Adrienne Allen died of cancer at the age of 86 in Montreux.
