Many will remember Jack Albertson as Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), or Manny Rosen in The Poseidon Adventure (1972), or Ed Brown in Chico and the Man (1974–78).
However, in 1964 Jack Albertson originated the role of John Cleary in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, The Subject Was Roses, and he won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play.
In 1966 he appeared at the Historic Elitch Theatre in the same play. Two years later, in 1968, he appeared in the film version of the same show, and in 1969 he won the Academy Award for the role.
Seasons at the Theatre
- 1966
Elitch Theatre Productions/Roles:
- The Subject was Roses (June 27 – July 2, 1966) – John Cleary
Notable Roles, Awards, and Other Work:
- Albertson won a Tony, Oscar, and Emmy, which ranks him among a rare stature of actors who have been awarded the “Triple Crown of Acting”.
- For his performance as John Cleary in the 1964 play The Subject Was Roses, and its 1968 film adaptation, he won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play, and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
- For the television sitcom Chico and the Man (1974–1978), he won an Emmy.
- He may be best-know as Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
- Albertson played Manny Rosen in The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Elitch Theatre Connections:
- For the film version of The Subject Was Roses, Albertson won an Academy Award as best supporting actor and he starred with Elitch Theatre alumna, Patricia Neal, who was nominated as best actress.
- Elitch Theatre alumna, Shelley Winters, played Albertson’s husband in The Poseidon Adventure.
