Jean Adair (June 13, 1873 – May 11, 1953) was a Canadian-born actress whose stage career—and, later, memorable film role—make her a notable alumnus of the Historic Elitch Theatre.
Early Life & Career
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Jean Adair (initially known in vaudeville as Jennet Adair) trained in drama and spent several years working with touring stock theater companies. Her New York stage debut came in September 1922 in the play It’s a Boy! at the Sam H. Harris Theatre.
Connection to Elitch
In 1931, Adair appeared in the summer stock cast at the Historic Elitch Theatre—a connection that ties her to Denver’s storied theatrical heritage.
Broadway & Film Highlights
Over the course of her stage career, she appeared in more than two dozen Broadway productions, often portraying character roles—especially mature women, aunts or matriarchs. Her best-known screen role came in the 1944 film adaptation of Arsenic and Old Lace, where she originated on stage and then reprised the role of Aunt Martha Brewster. Her final performance was on Broadway in the original production of The Crucible (1953), in which she played Rebecca Nurse.
Jean Adair worked for her whole life among the “working actors” who supported the theatre for decades, and worked her way thought the years of supporting roles.
Seasons at the Theatre
Elitch Theatre Productions/Roles:
- See list of 1931 Productions
Notable Roles, Awards, and Other Work:
- Adair played Aunt Martha, one of Cary Grant’s dotty old aunts in Arsenic and Old Lace, a role she originated on Broadway.
Elitch Theatre Connections:
Wikipedia Link:
