Donald Brian
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Donald Brian (February 17, 1877 – December 22, 1948) actor, dancer and singer born St. John's, Newfoundland (now Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada), at the age of eighteen was crowned "King of Broadway" by the New York Times in 1907. Brian is noted for helping President Theodore Roosevelt act more relaxed in public and teaching Frank Sinatra to dance and entertain U.S. Troops in England with Bob Hope.
Brian, a tenor, was employed in a Boston machine shop and at the age of 16 began performing with a vocal quartette. When he joined a theatrical troupe in New York City his career had taken off. He had leading roles in more than 20 Broadway musicals.
Selected Broadway musicals Brian had starred or had leading roles;
- 1899 - On the Wabash,
- 1902 - Florodora,
- 1904 - Little Johnny Jones by George M. Cohan,
- 1906 - 45 Minutes From Broadway,
- 1907 - The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár,
- 1909 - The Dollar Princess,
- 1911 - The Siren,
- 1914 - The Girl From Utah,
- 1916 - Sybil,
- 1921 - The Chocolate Soldier,
- 1922 - Up She Goes,
- 1926 - No, No, Nanette and
- 1939 - Very Warm For May.
Brian was president of the Catholic Actor's Guild and helped many young budding performers excel in their career.
Donald Brian died at Great Neck, New York in 1948.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Donald Brian at the Internet Broadway Database
- Donald Brian at the Internet Movie Database
- Who's Who in Musicals
[edit] Further reading
Donald Brian: the king of Broadway by Charles Foster (2005) ISBN 1-55081-214-9
