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Creator
Hunter, Kim, 1922-2002
Call number
*T-Mss 1978-003
Physical description
1.5 lin. ft. (4 boxes)
Preferred Citation

Kim Hunter Papers, *T-Mss 1978-003, Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

Repository
Billy Rose Theatre Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.Restrictions apply

The Kim Hunter scripts and rehearsal notes represent a cross-section of her involvement in theater, film and television and span the years 1957-1993. Most of the scripts are annotated and often include cast lists, rehearsal schedules, and her own handwritten cue sheets. The materials on FAULKNER'S BICYCLE include an account of her daily rehearsal experiences for both the Yale Repertory and New York productions. The collection encompasses new plays and revivals, as well as motion picture, television and radio scripts. Performance spaces included universities, regional theaters, Broadway and Off-Broadway.

Biographical/historical information

Stage, film and television actress Kim Hunter (nee Janet Cole) was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 12, 1922. She attended public schools in Miami Beach, Florida where she studied acting and made her stage debut in a production of Penny Wise at the Miami Women's Club in1939. In 1943 she was discovered by a David O. Selznick talent scout and was put under contract only to be immediately loaned out to Val Lewton for his thriller The Seventh Victim, her film debut. In 1947 Ms. Hunter won the role of Stella in the Broadway production of A Streetcar Named Desire. For her portrayal she received both the Donaldson Award and the Variety NY Drama Critics Award. When she repeated her role in the 1951 film version, she won an Academy Award for best supporting actress. Ms. Hunter joined the Actors' Studio in 1948.

Her film career was interrupted for a period during the 1950's when she was blacklisted, ostensibly for being a sponsor for the 1949 World Peace Conference. Fortunately she was still able to work in the theater during this time, appearing in several plays including Darkness at Noon and a revival of The Children's Hour.

Kim Hunter has had a distinguished career working extensively in theater, film, and television. She starred on Broadway, in national tours, and in regional theater; appeared in numerous television films, series, and mini-series; and was featured on the soap opera The Edge of Night. Her many film appearances include Stairway to Heaven, Lillith, and The Planet of the Apes films for which she is most well-known.

Ms. Hunter is also the author of an autobiographical cookbook entitled Kim Hunter - Loose in the Kitchen. She has been married to writer Robert Emmett since 1951, has two children, and resides in New York City.

Scope and arrangement

This collection represents a cross-section of the range of Kim Hunter's theater, film and television experience and spans the years 1957-1993. Most of the scripts are annotated and often include cast lists, rehearsal schedules, and Ms. Hunter's handwritten cue sheets. The folders containing Faulkner's Bicycle include an account of her daily rehearsal experiences for both the Yale Rep and New York productions. This journal gives a wonderful insight into an actor's emotional and technical journey towards performance.

The collection encompasses new plays as well as revivals. Performance spaces include universities, regional theaters, Broadway, and Off Broadway. One motion picture script, seven television scripts, and one radio script are included.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically

Administrative information

Custodial history

The collection was donated to the Billy Rose Theatre Division in three installments (1978, 1984 and 1994) by Kim Hunter.

Source of acquisition

Gift, Kim Hunter, 1978 Gift, Kim Hunter, 1984 Gift, Kim Hunter, 1994

Processing information

Processed by Susan McArthur.

Using the collection

Location

Billy Rose Theatre Division
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498
Third Floor

Conditions Governing Use

For permission to publish, contact the Curator, Billy Rose Theatre Division.

Access restrictions

Photocopying prohibited.