Tony Awards®: The First Years (1947-1966)
A look back at the beginning of the Tony Awards, recognizing excellence in Broadway theatre.
Antoinette Perry (1930/1940)American Theatre Wing
The American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards® got their start in 1947 when the Wing established an awards program to celebrate excellence in the theatre.
Named for Antoinette Perry (pictured here), an actress, director, producer, and the dynamic wartime leader of the American Theatre Wing who had recently passed away, the Tony Awards made their official debut at a dinner in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria hotel on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1947.
Antoinette Perry - Head Shot HI RESAmerican Theatre Wing
Antoinette Perry is best remembered for her generosity and leadership in World War II as a co-founder of the Wing. Through Perry's financial support of the Wing's Stage Door Canteen, the program grew into USO tours for troops. In addition, Perry underwrote auditions for 7,000 hopefuls and her dream of a national actor's school was realized in 1946.
Once a reporter questioned her support. "Why do you devote so much of your money and time to such thankless activities?" Replied Perry, "Thankless? They're anything but that. I'm just a fool for the theatre."
On June 28, 1946, as her daughter and sister made plans for their mother's 58th birthday, Perry had a fatal heart attack.
Brock Pemberton, a friend and fellow theatre director/ producer memorialized her as "an individualist who met life head on, dramatized life, and gave of a generous nature." He proposed an award in her honor for distinguished stage acting and technical achievement. As he handed out the first award in 1947, he called it a Tony. The name stuck.
1- Tony Ticket - 1300x1200American Theatre Wing
The guests of the first annual Antoinette Perry Awards attended on April 6, 1947 to the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.
2a Page1 - 1200x1400American Theatre Wing
Cover of the First Annual Tony Awards Program.
1st Annual Tony Awards Program (Menu) (1947)American Theatre Wing
Guests were treated to a wonderful dinner beginning at 9pm.
2c Page3 - 1200x1400American Theatre Wing
Entertainment and presenters from the 1946-1947 season were included in the evening.
2d Page4 1200x1400American Theatre Wing
A listing of the Officer, Directors, Honorary Members of the Wing.
An explanation on how Tonys began and a list of the selection committee who chose the first Tony winners by secret ballot.
Tony Award Compact (1947)American Theatre Wing
For the first two years of the Tonys, women received compacts made by Tiffany and Co. as their award.
Tony Award Money Clip (1947)American Theatre Wing
Men received a gold money clip as their award. This one belonged to Burns Mantle.
1950 Tony Awards (1950)American Theatre Wing
In 1949 the designers' union, United Scenic Artists, sponsored a contest for a suitable model for the award. The winning entry, a disk-shaped medallion designed by Herman Rosse, depicted the masks of comedy and tragedy on one side and the profile of Antoinette Perry on the other. The medallion was initiated that year at the third annual dinner. It continues to be the official Tony Award.
Pictured here: Helen Hayes with recent Tony winners Sidney Blackmer and Shirley Booth who won for their roles in "Come Back, Little Sheba."
Tony Medallion (Front) (1954) by Medallion (Front)American Theatre Wing
Front side of the Tony medallion showcasing the Comedy and Tragedy masks of the theatre.
Tony Medallion (back) (1953) by Medallion (Front)American Theatre Wing
Back of the Tony medallion showcasing the profile of Antoinette Perry along with the winner's name. This one belonged to Betty Comden and Adolph Green for their lyrics for Wonderful Town in 1953.
7th Annual Tony Awards (1953-03-29)American Theatre Wing
1953 Tony Awards at the Waldorf Astoria.
1953 Tony Awards at the Waldorf Astoria.
1953 Tony Awards at the Waldorf Astoria.
1953 Tony Awards at the Waldorf Astoria.
6 - 1959 photo - 2American Theatre Wing
Gwen Verdon wins Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She is pictured here with 1959 Tony winners Jason Robards Jr., Richard Kiley, Tony Nominee Claudette Colbert, and Tony Host Bud Collyer.
1960 - Tony Awards Best Musical - Tie!American Theatre Wing
In 1960, the Tony Award for Best Musical went to both Sound of Music and Fiorello! in the first tie for that category, and still the only one to this day for Best Musical. The Awards were presented by Oscar Winner Celeste Holm.
1961 - Tony Awards - SelectionsAmerican Theatre Wing
In 1961 Academy Award winner and Tony Nominee Paul Newman presents awards to Gower Champion for Choreography of "Bye Bye Birdie" (accepted by Kay Medford), Dick Van Dyke for Best Actor (Musical) "Bye Bye Birdie" (accepted by Charles Nelson Reilly). The award for Best Actor (Dramatic) went to Zero Mostel for Rhinoceros, presented by Mary Martin and Cyril Ritchard.
1962 - Diahann Carroll wins Tony Award - Best Actress in a Musical (1962-04-29)American Theatre Wing
1962, Diahann Carroll becomes the first African-American winner in a lead role to win a Tony Award. She won for her role as Barbara Woodruff in Richard Rodger's musical "No Strings."
1962 Tony Award Winners (1962-04-29)American Theatre Wing
1962 Tony Winners (from left to right) - Diahann Carroll, Robert Morse, Margaret Leighton and Paul Scofield.
10- Walter Matthau, Irene Worth, Liza Minnelli, Zero Mostel2American Theatre Wing
1965 Tony Winners (from left to right) - Walter Matthau, Irene Worth, Liza Minnelli, and Zero Mostel.
tony logo 2American Theatre Wing
"Thankless? They're anything but that. I'm just a fool for the theatre." - Antoinette Perry
