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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (June 30, 2010) — The marquees of Broadway theaters in New York City will be dimmed tonight, June 30, at 8 p.m. for one minute in memory of Milligan College alumnus John A. Willis, one of America’s most important theater and film historians.
Born in Morristown, Tenn., Willis died June 25, at his home in New York City of complications from lung cancer. He was 93.
He was the former editor in chief of Theatre World and Screen World book series and a longtime producer of the Theatre World Awards, given to actors for outstanding Broadway and Off-Broadway debut performances.
On behalf of Theatre World, he received a 2001 Tony Award® for “Excellence in the Theatre” and the 2003 Broadway Theatre Institute Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also a recipient of a Drama Desk Award, a Lucille Lortel Award and the National Board of Review William K. Everson Award.
Willis graduated cum laude from Milligan in 1938 and received a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee in 1941. He served in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserves during World War II and later moved to New York City to become an actor. While working in summer stock, he applied for a position typing entries in Theatre World and Screen World. With past experience as an assistant typing teacher at Milligan, he got the job and later worked his way up to become editor in chief.
In 2007, Milligan honored Willis with the dedication of the John Willis Wing of the college’s new Gregory Center for the Liberal Arts. He was also a 1999 recipient of Milligan’s Professional Excellence Award, which honors alumni who have excelled in their chosen field.
“Here at Milligan and throughout the theater world, Mr. Willis will be remembered for his professional contributions, his work ethic and his impact as a renowned theater historian,” said Milligan President Don Jeanes.
The theater community, including The Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry, joins Milligan in mourning the loss of Willis.
“John Willis was the archivist for Broadway for half a century and ‘father’ to hundreds of Theatre World Award winners,” said Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of The Broadway League. “He was a true gentleman who tireless supported and encouraged the theater industry worldwide by nurturing new talent.”
Related articles:
John Willis, Ubiquitous Editor of Theatre World, Dies at 93 (NY Times)
Theatre World Founder John Willis Dies at 93 (Theatre Mania)
Film and Theater Historian John Willis Dies (Chicago Reader)