Use Restrictions

There may be duplication restrictions because of copyright.

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Preferred Citation

Robert Prosky papers, C0022, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Robert Prosky in 2007-2008.

Processing Information

Processed in 2008 by Sarah Patton, Jennifer Munson, and Jordan Patty. EAD markup completed in 2008 by Jordan Patty and Jennifer Munson.

Biographical Information

Born in Philadelphia, Robert Prosky (1930-2008) spent much of his career as an actor in more than 200 plays at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., on Broadway in New York City, and in regional theatre. Prosky's association with the Arena Stage included more than 130 productions over the course of 20 years. His Broadway appearances included "Glengarry Glenross," "A Walk in the Woods," and "A View from the Bridge." Highlights from regional theater include "Death of a Salesman," "Twelfth Night," and "You Can't Take It With You." He also performed on stage in the Moscow Art Theatre in Russia, the Gate Theater in Dublin, Ireland, as well as in a Chinese theater in Hong Kong.

Beginning in the 1980s, he began regularly appearing in films and television shows. His films include "Mrs. Doubtfire," "The Natural," and "Dead Man Walking." Television credits include three years on "Hill Street Blues," many television films and guest shots.

He received or was nominated for two Tony awards, two Helen Hayes awards, an Emmy, the Drama Desk award, and the American Express Tribute To An American Actor. He continued to perform on stage and present lectures on his long career at universities, film festivals, for theater benefits, business groups and on cruises. He died on December 8, 2008, in Washington, D.C.

Scope and Content

Consists of documents spanning Prosky's career in theatre, film, and television. Materials include playbills, photographs, scripts, reviews, fan letters, scrapbooks, and audiovisual.

The collection consists of six series. The first series contains documents from his professional career divided into three subseries and arranged alphabetically by play, film, or television title, then chronologically. Subseries 1.1 includes playbills that date from his early performances at the Quarterdeck Theatre to his most recent performances in Washington, D.C. There are also numerous reviews as well as a few scripts with Prosky's handwritten notes. Subseries 1.2 contains mostly clippings and reviews about Prosky's film career, but there are a few scripts and emphemra, such as the trading card from "The Last Action Hero." Subseries 1.3 contains documents from his television career, mostly clippings from his time as a cast member on "Hill Street Blues" and "Veronica's Closet." Note that there are additional professional documents, such as posters, in the oversize series.

The second series contains personal documents and is divided into two subseries and arranged alphabetically and chronologically. Subseries 2.1 consists of correspondence to and from Prosky. The bulk of the correspondence concerns Prosky's family and close friends. There are also many greeting cards wishing Prosky luck on opening nights as well as offering congratulations and thanks. Subseries 2.2 contains many biographical articles discussing Prosky's life as an actor. The articles also discuss Prosky's wife and sons. Also contained in the subseries are clippings, programs, and certificates from awards ceremonies that Prosky participated in as a nominee and won. Of particular interest are transcripts from an autobiography by Prosky. Note that there are additional biographical articles in the oversize series both loose and in scrapbooks.

The third series contains photographs of Prosky' professional and personal life. Many of the photographs document Prosky's theatre and film career. There are also photographs from his personal life, such as family snapshots. The photographs range in size from 3"x5" to 8"x10". Most of the theatre and professional photographs are larger and in black and white while the personal snapshots are smaller and in color. Arranged by category, then production title or other description, and then arranged chronologically. Note that there are additional photographs in the oversize series both loose and in scrapbooks.

The fourth series consists of copies of Prosky's film and television appearances, particularly "Veronica's Closet." There are also copies of public service announcements and commercials. Most of the media contained on VHS cassettes and reel-to-reel audio tapes. There are also DVD copies of speaking engagements at George Mason University and other locations.

The fifth series contains items too large for the other series. Included are photographs, scrapbooks, and posters documenting Prosky's professional career and personal life.

The sixth series consists of objects from Prosky's professional career and personal life, such as opening night gifts and production souvenirs.

Arrangement

Organized into six series:

Series Series 1: Professional, 1954-2007 (Boxes 1-5) Series 2: Personal, 1909-2007 (Boxes 5-8) Series 3: Photographs, 1930s-2005 (Boxes 9-11) Series 4: Audiovisual, 1960-2007 (Boxes 12-13) Series 5: Oversize, 1950s-2006 (Boxes 14-15) Series 6: Realia, 1998-2004 (Box 16)

Related Material

Special Collections Research Center also holds the Arena Stage records.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Acting
• Actors -- United States
• Arena Stage (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
• Motion pictures -- United States
• Performing arts
• Photographs
• Television
• Theater
• Theater -- United States
• Theater -- Washington (D.C.)
• Video recordings