Harrison Grey Fiske (July 30, 1861 – September 2, 1942) was an American journalist, playwright and Broadway producer who fought against the "Theatrical Syndicate" that formed around the turn of the twentieth century.
| Harrison Grey Fiske | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 30, 1861 Harrison, New York, U.S.A. |
| Died | September 2, 1942 (aged 81) New York City, New York, U.S.A. |
| Occupation | Journalist Playwright and Broadway Producer |
| Spouse | Minnie Maddern Fiske |
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Harrison Fiske was born at Harrison, New York, the son of Lyman Fiske, [1][2] a hotel proprietor, and the former Jane Maria Durfee of Southbridge, Massachusetts. [3] Fiske's family later moved to New York City where he attended Mrs. Vanderhoff's School and became exposed to Shakespeare through dramatic readings given by the headmistress' husband. Fiske next enrolled at Dr. Chapin's Collegiate School for Boys, a college preparatory school on Madison Avenue and later after touring Europe attended New York University for two years. [4] There he was asked to sign a pledge to forsake dens of iniquity like theaters, taverns, dance halls, billiard rooms and such. Fiske subsequently admitted that he and his friends kept their fingers crossed when it came to attending theaters. [5][6]
While at college Harrison Fiske wrote short stories and sketches for magazines and within a short while became an editorial writer and dramatic critic for the Jersey City Argus and later in a similar capacity at the New York Star. In 1879, not yet nineteen, Fiske began what would turn out to be a 32 year affiliation with the ‘’New York Dramatic Mirror’’ as a contributor, editor, and owner. In 1883 Fiske assumed a controlling interest in the Mirror and by 1888 was sole owner of the Mirror Newspaper Company. Through his influence there Fiske was largely instrumental in getting the Actors' Fund of America established and with the help of Mrs. Fiske, David Belasco, Sarah Bernhardt and the Shubert family, contributed in breaking the stranglehold the Theatrical Syndicate had on theater bookings from coast to coast. [7][8]
In 1901 Fiske leased the Manhattan Theatre on Thirty-Third Street as a showcase for his wife and as a venue for other artists. The theater became home to the Manhattan Company (not the bank), that’s players included the well known actors Tyrone Power Sr., George Arliss and John B. Mason.
Fiske over his career produced some 140 plays, many of which he wrote or directed. He authored, "Hester Crewe " (1893), "The Privateer" (1903) and "The Queen of Liars" (1896) adapted from a play by Alphonse Daudet and Léon Hennique. Fiske was most remembered for his 1911 production of Edward Knoblauch’s "Kismet" starring Otis Skinner.[9][10]
On March 19, 1890 Harrison Fisk married actress Minnie Maddern at Larchmont Manor. He first saw her when at the age of twelve he attended a local production of "King John" in which his eight year-old future bride played a boy’s part. Their paths crossed once again a few years later, but were not formally introduced until she was nearly twenty. Mrs. Fiske, as she was often professionally known, appeared in a number of plays directed by her husband, including "Tess of the d 'Urbervilles", "Salvation Neil", "Becky Sharp" and "Mary of Magdala". The two remained together until her death in 1932. [11][12]
Harrison Grey Fiske died aged 81, as a result of a heart attack suffered at his New York apartment on West Sixty-Six Street. He had retired around the time of his wife's death and was working on his memoirs at the time of his passing. [13]
This article incorporates text from an edition of the New International Encyclopedia that is in the public domain.