Oliver Smith

Oliver Smith was a Tony Award-winning scenic designer who left an indelible mark on Broadway. Born in Waupun, Wisconsin in 1918, Smith attended the University of Wisconsin before moving to New York City in the early 1940s. He began his career as a dancer and actor, performing in several Broadway shows before transitioning to set design.

Smith's first Broadway credit as a scenic designer was for the 1948 production of "High Button Shoes." He quickly became known for his innovative and visually stunning designs, collaborating with some of the biggest names in the theater world. He worked on over 50 Broadway productions throughout his career, including "My Fair Lady," "West Side Story," and "Hello, Dolly!"

In addition to his work on Broadway, Smith also designed sets for opera productions at the Metropolitan Opera and the San Francisco Opera. He was also a professor of scenic design at Yale University from 1956 to 1961.

Smith won two Tony Awards for his scenic design work, for "My Fair Lady" in 1957 and "West Side Story" in 1958. He was also nominated for several other Tony Awards throughout his career. In 1990, he was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.

Smith's influence on the world of theater was not limited to his work as a scenic designer. He was also a mentor to many young designers, including Tony Walton and William Ivey Long. He was known for his generosity and his willingness to share his knowledge and experience with others.

Smith passed away in 1994 at the age of 75. His legacy lives on through his designs, which continue to inspire and awe audiences on Broadway and beyond. His most recent work was the 1993 Broadway revival of "My Fair Lady," which featured a recreation of his original set design.