Cornelia Otis Skinner (1899–1979) was an American actress, writer, and monologist known for her razor-sharp wit, sophisticated humor, and beautifully crafted solo performances. The daughter of acclaimed actor Otis Skinner and actress Maud Durbin, she grew up backstage and on tour, absorbing the rhythms of the theatre world from childhood. After studying at Bryn Mawr College and training in Paris, she developed a distinct performance style that blended dramatic storytelling with comedic observation, making her one of the most celebrated solo performers of her era.
As a writer, Skinner’s essays and books became beloved fixtures in mid-20th-century American literature. Her work—appearing in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and several best-selling collections—captured everyday absurdities with a light, intelligent touch. She also ventured into historical biography and fiction, co-authoring Our Hearts Were Young and Gay, the humorous memoir that became a Broadway play and film. Whether on stage or on the page, she brought a unique blend of theatrical flair, emotional insight, and polished humor.
In 1964 Skinner graced the Historic Elitch Theatre stage, continuing the family tradition of distinguished theatrical artistry. Her appearance at Elitch added to the theatre’s long legacy of presenting major national talent, and she was warmly remembered for the elegance and intelligence she brought to her performances. Her presence at Elitch helped cement the venue’s reputation as a summer home for some of the era’s finest actors, writers, and creative voices.
Seasons at the Theatre
- 1964
Elitch Theatre Productions/Roles:
- 1964 – The Irregular Verb to Love –
Notable Roles, Awards, and Other Work:
Elitch Theatre Connections:
- Skinner wrote Madame Sarah, a biography of HET Alum Sarah Bernhardt.
- In a 1944 conversation with HET Alum, Victor Borge, Skinner reportedly told the Danish comedian that she decided to drop the term “diseuse” from her act after reading in a Scottish newspaper: “Cornelia Otis Skinner, the American disease, gave a program last night.”
Wikipedia Link:
