David Belasco

This article is about the stage producer born in 1853. For his uncle, whose birth name was David Belasco, see David James (actor, born 1839).

David J. Belasco
Belasco in 1909
Born(1853-07-25)July 25, 1853
San Francisco, California, U.S.
DiedMay 14, 1931(1931-05-14) (aged 77)
New York City, U.S.
Occupation(s)Theatrical producer, director, playwright
Years active1884 to 1930
Known forBelasco Theatre; pioneer of modern stage lighting and stage effects; stage naturalism
Notable creditMadame Butterfly
Spouse
Cecilia Loverich
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(m. 1873; died 1926)​
Signature

David Belasco (July 25, 1853 – May 14, 1931) was an American theatrical producer, impresario, director, and playwright.[1] He was the first writer to adapt the short story Madame Butterfly for the stage. He launched the theatrical career of many actors, including James O'Neill, Mary Pickford, Lenore Ulric, and Barbara Stanwyck. Belasco pioneered many innovative new forms of stage lighting and special effects in order to create realism and naturalism.[2][3]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference obit was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Osnes, Beth, and Gill, Sam. Acting: An International Encyclopedia, ABC-CLIO (2001) p. 34
  3. ^ Marker, Lise-Lone, David Belasco: Naturalism in the American Theater, Princeton Univ. Press (1975)