Irene Wallach Harris | |
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&sq=&lang=&file=File:Renee_Wallach_Harris_1913.jpg) Renee Harris, c. 1908 | |
| Born | Irene Wallach June 15, 1876 Washington, D.C., U.S |
| Died | September 2, 1969 (aged 93) New York City, U.S |
| Resting place | Ferncliff Cemetery, Westchester County, New York |
| Known for | First female theatre producer on Broadway |
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| Relatives | William Harris Sr. (father-in-law) William Harris Jr. (brother-in-law) |
Irene Wallach Harris, better known as Renee Harris (June 15, 1876 – September 2, 1969), was the first female theatrical manager and producer in the United States. Harris was interested in the theater, but had no experience with it other than as a patron. While attending a matinée, she met her husband, the noted theatrical manager and producer Henry B. Harris. The two had a whirlwind courtship, with Harris assisting her husband in his work even before the marriage. Through their work together, Harris learned about both theater management and theatrical production. Her husband said that she was competent enough to take over his business if anything happened to him.
The couple owned New York theaters and large homes, and traveled extensively for both business and pleasure. They had taken an extended journey through Europe and North Africa and were returning to the United States after finalizing some theatrical business in London. The Harrises were sailing on the maiden voyage of the new White Star liner, RMS Titanic. When the ship began sinking, Harris wanted to stay with her husband. Despite being injured by a fall, she climbed out of the first lifeboat she was placed in before it was lowered into the water. Harris finally left Titanic fifteen minutes before the giant liner sank.
She returned to New York a widow and decided to continue her husband's business because she felt it was what he would have wanted. With the help of her father-in-law, Harris was able to successfully keep the business going. When her husband's will was settled, she learned there were more debts than assets. Her father-in-law advised her to close the business but Harris felt this would be an insult to his name and memory. She threw herself into hard work and was able to pay her husband's debts.[citation needed]
After these bills were paid, Harris enjoyed enough success to afford the lifestyle she had led before Titanic. In the course of her theater work, she discovered people such as Barbara Stanwyck, Mae Clarke, and playwright Moss Hart. But the stock market crash of 1929 and the subsequent depression meant the end of her assets and brought hard times to all in the entertainment industries. Harris retained her pleasant disposition and sense of humor regardless of whether she was having good times or bad and made friends throughout her life.[citation needed] She died in 1969 at age 93.