Theodore Bikel: Broadway dims its lights

The Broadway community mourns the loss of celebrated actor and two-time Tony nominee Theodore Bikel who passed away on Tuesday at age 91. The marquees of Broadway theatres in New York will be dimmed in his memory tomorrow evening, Friday, July 24th, at exactly 7:45pm for one minute.

Mr Bikel picked up his Tony nominations for 'The Rope Dancers' in 1958 and for originating the role of Captain Georg von Trapp in 'The Sound of Music' in 1960. His other Broadway credits include 'The Inspector General,' 'Pousse-Café,' 'Café Crown,' 'The Lark,' and 'Tonight in Samarkand.' He also performed the role of Tevye in 'The Fiddler on the Roof' on stages around the world more than 2,000 times.

Besides performing, Bikel also made lasting contributions as President of the Associated Actors and Artistes of America, President of Actor's Equity (from 1973 to 1982), Vice President of the American Jewish Congress, Board Member of Amnesty International and a member of the National Council on the Arts.

Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of the Broadway League said,

"Theodore Bikel was a great talent and an accomplished performer whose contributions touched audiences from around the world. And in his role as President of Actors Equity Association, he made significant contributions to the world of Broadway. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans."