Marilyn Langner — an actress, producer and, with her husband Philip, a longtime force behind the Westport Country Playhouse, founded by her father-in-law Lawrence Langner — died on June 22, in her Central Park West apartment. Her family was by her side. She was 99 years old.
Marilyn was born in Spokane, Washington on September 28, 1924, and grew up in Long Beach, California.
She was a graduate of the University of California-Los Angeles, where she majored in theatre arts, and was student head of the Drama Department.
She returned to UCLA for further study in foreign policy and constitutional law. While doing graduate work she was a speech instructor, and a founder of
the Circle Theatre in Los Angeles.
She moved to New York City where, in addition to acting on Broadway, and in
films and television shows, Marilyn distinguished herself in writing and production.
She starred on Broadway, as Marilyn Clark, in “Absurd Person
Singular.” She also appeared in the Tyron Guthrie revival of “Dinner at Eight,” “Middle of the Night” with Edward G. Robinson, “The Seven Year Itch”
with Tom Ewell, and “Romantic Comedy” with Anthony Perkins and Mia
Farrow.
Marilyn Langner with Tom Ewell, in “The 7 Year Itch.”
She was in 4 films by John Cassavetes, and “The Swimmer” by Frank
Perry (filmed in Fairfield County).
Marilyn devised the concept and selected songs for “A Musical Jubilee,” The Theatre Guild’s all-star show which played on Broadway and throughout the United States.
In 1975 she and her husband — producer and Theatre Guild president Philip Langner — and mother-in-law Armina Marshall Langner instituted The Theatre Guild’s Theatre At Sea program. They presented 38 cruises around the world, featuring Broadway greats like Helen Hayes, Patricia Neal, Lillian Gish, Ed Asner and other stars over the 25 years of cruises.
During her travels abroad Marilyn laid the groundwork for The Theatre Guild
Cultural Adventures, wrote for travel journals, and created a travel newsletter for Theatre Guild Abroad.
Marilyn is survived by her husband Philip, daughters Lola and Eve, and granddaughters Lauren Kennedy and Brielle Kennedy.
A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held this fall.
Contributions may be made in her honor to Broadway Barks or the charity of your choice.
(For a Times Square Chronicles story highlighting her work with the Theatre at Sea, click here.)
