Hazel Dawn: The Pink Lady

BY MICHAEL GERBINO, Chair, Art Committee

One of the many privileges of being a Player is spending a quiet moment in the historic Equity Room while seated between the stained-glass portrait of William Shakespeare and this stunning, full-length painting of Hazel Dawn.

Hazel Dawn (1890–1988) was an American actress, singer, and violinist recognized for her contributions to stage, film, and television. Born Henrietta Hazel Tout in Ogden, Utah, she moved to Wales at age eight when her father served as a missionary. She pursued music education in London, Paris, and Munich, excelling in violin and voice. Dawn began her career in London musical comedies and made her Broadway debut in 1911, in Ivan Caryll’s popular musical "The Pink Lady," which ran for over three hundred performances. Hazel’s association with the role earned her two names that would follow her for the rest of her life: her stage name, Hazel Dawn, had been suggested by Caryll (who found her original surname, “Tout,” unsuitable for the stage), and she herself became widely known to audiences as “The Pink Lady.”

Dawn went on to star in "The Debutante" and "Up in Mabel’s Room," and appear in the "Ziegfeld Follies." In 1927 she married Charles Edward Gruwell, a wealthy Montana mining engineer, and retired from acting. They had two children, Dawn Gruwell (who also became an actress, using the name Hazel Dawn Jr.) and Charles E. Gruwell. Following her husband’s death in 1941, Hazel Dawn worked in the casting department of the J. Walter Thompson advertising agency until her retirement in 1963. She briefly returned to the stage in 1948 to perform with her daughter in a revival of "Years Ago."

Ms. Dawn inspired performers such as Ruth Gordon and Adele Astaire, and the classic cocktail “The Pink Lady” is said to be named in her honor. She passed away at the age of ninety-eight in 1988, at her daughter’s home in Manhattan.

The artist of this portrait is thought to be Sebastian Cruset (1859–1943), who is best known for his paintings of landscapes and local monuments, both urban and rural.

Player, Michael Gerbino; Photo by Leo Jacob

Michael Gerbino writes the monthly email blast “Artwork at The Players” and is the current Chair of the Art Committee. Michael also serves on the Board of Directors of The Players Foundation for Theatre Education.