Antoinette Perry

Antoinette Perry 1888-1946, American actress, manager, producer, b. Denver, Colo. Perry began her career as an actress. She later produced several successful plays with Brock Pemberton, including Strictly Dishonorable, Personal Appearance, and Kiss the Boys Goodbye. Perry was noted for helping young people who were attempting theatrical careers. She was a founder of the American Theater Wing, which presents the annual Antoinette Perry (Tony) Awards in her honor for outstanding accomplishments in theater.

Perry, Antoinette (1888–1946), director and producer. Born in Denver, she began her career as an actress in 1905, but after her marriage to Frank Wheatcroft Freauff in 1909 she retired from the stage until 1924. Perry abandoned performing when she became a director for Brock Pemberton and often his silent partner in production. Among the plays she staged were Strictly Dishonorable (1929), Personal Appearance (1934), Ceiling Zero (1935), Kiss the Boys Goodbye (1938), Janie (1942), and Harvey (1944). With Rachel Crothers and Jane Cowl she helped organize the New York Stage Door Canteen and also served as chairman of the board and secretary of the American Theatre Wing. In 1947 the Antoinette Perry Awards, popularly known as the Tonys, were named after her and were first given for distinguished achievement in the theatre.