Players Quickie: Otis Skinner, 1858-1942

By TOWNES COATES

Otis Skinner

Born in 1858, the actor and writer Otis Skinner was drawn to the stage in his youth and worked alongside the leading men of the theatre (and founding Players) such as Augustin Daly, Lawrence Barrett, Edwin Booth, and Joseph Jefferson. 

Shortly after his death on January 4, 1942, the club received a note of thanks from his daughter, the actress and writer Cornelia Otis Skinner. Though The Players was an all-male club during her lifetime, Miss Skinner maintained a warm and affectionate relationship with the club long after her father's passing.

Letter by Cornelia Otis Skinner

The Players

Gentlemen:

The laurel wreath you sent my father for his last triumphant performance was so fitting and so beautiful and so exactly what he would have loved. It is needless to say how deeply he loved the Club and how happy he was in his association there. Although he was ill and barely conscious he spoke with regret at having to miss the New Year's Pipe Night. His gay and gallant spirit will, I am sure, live on with you as long as there remains a member who knew and consequently loved him.

I know he sends his love to you all—

Cornelia Otis Skinner

Townes Coates is a writer and producer of documentary film. He serves as the twentieth President of The Players.