Keene Curtis

Keene Holbrook Curtis (February 15, 1923 – October 13, 2002) was an American character actor. Early life Curtis was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Polley Francella (née Holbrook), a teacher, and Ira Charles Curtis, a railway and civil-service employee. He attended Davis High School in Kaysville, Utah, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served three years in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After the war, he attended the University of Utah, where he earned a bachelor's degree. In 1943, he was recognized by the Theta Alpha Phi national honorary dramatic society as the university's outstanding actor. Film Curtis made his film debut in Orson Welles' 1948 adaptation of Macbeth. His additional film credits include American Hot Wax, Rabbit Test, The Buddy System, I.Q., Heaven Can Wait, Sliver and Richie Rich's Christmas Wish. Theater Curtis' theatrical career began as a in 1949 as an assistant stage manager for the Martha Graham Dance Company before working on Broadway productions. His first appearance as a performer was in a 1965 revival of You Can't Take It with You. In 1971, he won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for The Rothschilds. His additional Broadway credits include The Cherry Orchard, A Patriot for Me, Via Galactica, Annie, Night Watch and La Cage aux Folles. He was a member of the Stratford Festival of Canada acting company in 1981, playing Sir George Thunder in Wild Oats.