July 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, July 31st, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/31/2012
Zero Mostel's 1965 Tony Award for his performance as Best Actor in a Musical in ''Fiddler on the Roof.'' The comic actor, who already had two Tony Awards to his credit, played Tevye, a Jew raising five daughters and trying to maintain traditions in Tsarist Russia. Mostel's memorable portrayal brought rave reviews and success for the show which broke records for the length of its run on Broadway. The 3'' medallion award, made of brass and bronze with a nickel plating, features the masks of comedy and tragedy with the words, ''Antoinette Perry Award'' on one side, and a profile of Perry, an early ''American Theatre Wing'' leader on the reverse. The ''Wing'' established the awards in 1947. Below the profile of Perry, the medallion reads, ''The American Theatre Wing presents to'' after which the recipient's information is usually engraved. However, in Mostel's case, a notarized letter from his son accompanying the award explains the absence of his father's name on this award. ''...My father, Zero Mostel, claimed he had no use for awards...He was more interested in a good chopped liver sandwich...At the award ceremony for 'Fiddler,' Zero was angry at everybody. The winning composer and lyricist, Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock thanked Jerome Robbins and Hal Prince. Jerome Robbins, the director, thanked Hal Prince, the producer, and Bock and Harnick. Hal Prince thanked Robbins, Harnick et al. When Zero got to the podium he was furious. He said, 'Since nobody else bothered to thank me, I thank me.' He put the award in his pocket and went back to his table...They [his Tony Awards] were kept in two drawers...Fiddler was in the upper drawer. We always knew which was which because the Fiddler drawer was tight. It scraped the case the Fiddler award was in. Of course the award is in perfect shape, but the case is banged up some. When he felt he had to show his achievements, he'd storm into his studio in the apartment and he would make a big tumult about this award and that award. 'And this is for 'Fiddler!' It was of course blank [not engraved]. It was like the Emperor's New Clothes. It always got a laugh, but in Zero's mind it was emblazoned with the accolades he so well deserved...'' This award was presented in 1965 so it does not have the black pedestal used with the medallion since 1967, but rather comes housed in a 4.75'' square satin-lined presentation case. Moderate wear to surface of case and separation of hinge. Overall very good. Light scratching to edge of 4.75'' ounce medallion, else fine condition. A scarce award of Broadway history.
Tony Award for Zero Mostel in His Most Beloved Role -- as Tevye in ''Fiddler on the Roof''
Click above for larger image.