Edith King

Edith King, born Edith Keck on November 14, 1896, in White Haven, Pennsylvania, was an American stage and film actress whose career extended from approximately 1916 to 1964. The daughter of John Keck, she first encountered theater at the age of 14 and resolved at that point to pursue acting professionally. She subsequently relocated to New York City, where she arranged a meeting with producer David Belasco, who cast her in his production of Marie Odile.

Before establishing herself on stage, King worked as an artist's model, contributing to several paintings and illustrations by Howard Chandler Christy. Her early theatrical work included a role in Bab, in which she played the older sister of Helen Hayes's central character, as well as an appearance in Thank You. She also appeared in the film Saratoga during this period of her career.

King's stage work brought her into collaboration with Alfred Lunt and his wife on multiple productions. Among these were The Seagull, in which she played Polina, and The Taming of the Shrew, in which she took on the roles of Curtis and the widow. In 1943 she appeared in Paul Robeson's production of Othello as Bianca, then assumed the role of Emilia the following year, replacing Margaret Webster in that part.

Her Broadway credits across her decades-long career included the musical Saratoga, the play Chéri, the drama Miss Isobel, Wildcat, and A Murderer Among Us, among other productions. In later life, King resided in Kendall Park, New Jersey, where she operated a small gift shop while maintaining her acting work. In 1972 she relocated from Riviera Beach to Daytona Beach, Florida, where she died on February 24, 1973.