Kevin Spacey Praises His Inspirational Acting Teacher, Marian Seldes

By: Oct. 10, 2014
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As BroadwayWorld reported earlier this week, Tony winner and premier actress of the American stage Marian Seldes, died peacefully at her home Monday after an extended illness. She was 86.

In today's New York Post, Michael Riedel turns his column over to Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey, who in 1979, was a student of Ms. Seldes at the Juilliard School of Drama. Below, is a portion of what the 'House of Cards' star remembers of his beloved mentor. Read the article in full here!

"She believed in her students. She believed in all her students," says Spacey. "She reveled in their challenges, inspirations and aspirations, and her dedication to them was endless - it never stopped, not even after class was over, or if a student graduated or was even kicked out of the "Yard," as we called it. Only after I left school did I realize the depth of her commitment and the impact of her dedication."

He continues, "I can honestly tell you that for the first four to five years of my career in the theater, Marian would somehow find out what I was doing, and where, and just show up. She was always there, pushing you on. That infectious smile when she greeted you backstage, as she enveloped you into her arms like some sort of rag doll; her seriousness in talking about your work; the notes she'd give you in a diner later on; the stories she would share about her own theatrical beginnings."

Spacey credits Seldes for encouraging him to believe in himself and his potential: "This is the work of a true teacher, one who knows that a young person needs encouragement when times are tough. Sometimes, an adult you admire (or even secretly worship) can say just the right words, at just the right time - and give you everything you need. And at that moment, it's not about a job or money: It's the feeling that comes when you believe in yourself, because that beautiful mentor was there when you needed her."

About Marian Seldes:

With a career that spanned 60 years, Seldes was the consummate actress and was happiest in the theater. She was honored to be in the theater and her focus and hard work resulted in extraordinary performances that became touchstones for those who worked with her and saw her on stage. She made her Broadway debut in 1948 in theRobinson Jeffers adaptation of MEDEA directed by John Gielgud and starring Judith Anderson in the title role.

She won her first Tony (she was nominated for five) for her supporting role in A DELICATE BALANCE by Edward Albee. Seldes has a long association with the playwright, appearing in THE PLAY ABOUT THE BABY, TINY ALICE, COUNTING THE WAYS (as part of Beckett/Albee plays) and THREE TALL WOMEN, a tour de force for the actress. She entered the Guinness Book of World Records for her appearance in Ira Levin's DEATHTRAP (Tony nomination)when she didn't miss a performance of the play's four-year run. Other stage credits include EQUUS, PAINTING CHURCHES, THE MILK TRAIN DOESN'T STOP HERE ANYMORE, THE CHALK GARDEN, RING ROUND THE MOON (Tony nomination), and DINNER AT EIGHT (Tony nomination). Her last appearance on Broadway was in 2007 in Terrence McNally's DEUCE.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos



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