Maurice Evans as Shakespeare’s Richard II

Maurice Evans

Little Rock connection: Appeared at Robinson Auditorium in 1947 and 1949.

Tony Awards connection: Though primarily known for his classical roles, usually in the plays of Shakespeare, his two Tony nominations came for non-classical roles. The first was in 1957 for a revival of Shaw’s The Apple Cart and the second came in 1961 for the musical Tenderloin. He did receive two Tony Awards, but not for his acting. In 1950, he received a special Tony for producing a successful season of theatre at New York’s City Center. In 1954, he received a Tony as producer of The Teahouse of the August Moon, which was named Best Play.

(Evans’ claim to fame for wide acclaim was his role as Samantha’s father on “Bewitched” on TV.)