Arthur Miller

Arthur Miller

Arthur Miller Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 11, 2005.
ROXBURY, Conn. (AP) - Arthur Miller, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright whose most famous fictional creation, Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman," came to symbolize the American Dream gone awry, has died. He was 89.

Miller, who had been hailed as America's greatest living playwright, died Thursday night at his home in Roxbury of heart failure, his assistant, Julia Bolus, said Friday. His family was at his bedside, she said.

His plays, with their strong emphasis on family, morality and personal responsibility, spoke to the growing f ragmentation of American society.

"A lot of my work goes to the center of where we belong - if there is any root to life - because nowadays the family is broken up, and people don't live in the same place for very long," Miller said in a 1988 interview.

"Dislocation, maybe, is part of our uneasiness. It implants the feeling that nothing is really permanent."

Miller's career was marked by early success. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for "Death of a Salesman" in 1949, when he was just 33 years old.

His marriage to Marilyn Monroe in 1956 further catapulted the playwright to fame, though that was publicity he said he never pursued.

In a 1992 interview with a French newspaper, he called her "highly self-destructive" and said that during their marriage, "all my energy and attention were devoted to trying to help her solve her problems. Unfortunately, I didn't have much success."

"Death of a Salesman," which took Miller only six w eeks to write, earned rave reviews when it opened on Broadway in February 1949, directed by Elia Kazan.

The story of Willy Loman, a man destroyed by his own stubborn belief in the glory of American capitalism and the redemptive power of success, was made into a movie and staged all over the world.

"I couldn't have predicted that a work like 'Death of a Salesman' would take on the proportions it has," Miller said in 1988. "Originally, it was a literal play about a literal salesman, but it has become a bit of a myth, not only here but in many other parts of the world."

In 1999, 50 years after it won the Tony Award as best play, "Death of a Salesman" won the Tony for best revival of the Broadway season. The show also won the top acting prize for Brian Dennehy, who played Loman.

Miller, then 83, received a lifetime achievement award.

"Just being around to receive it is a pleasure," he joked to the audience during the awards ceremony.

M iller won the New York Drama Critics' Circle's best play award twice in the 1940s, for "All My Sons" in 1947 and for "Death of a Salesman." In 1953, he received a Tony Award for "The Crucible," a play about mass hysteria during the Salem witch trials that was inspired by the repressive political environment of McCarthyism.

That play, still read by thousands of American high-school students each year, is Miller's most frequently performed work.

Miller and Monroe divorced after five years and in 1962 he married his third wife, photographer Inge Morath. That same year, Monroe committed suicide. Miller wrote the screenplay for the Monroe film "The Misfits," which came out in 1960, and reflected on their relationship in his 1963 play "After the Fall."

Reminiscing about Monroe in his 1987 autobiography, "Timebends: A Life," Miller lamented that she was rarely taken seriously as anything but a sex symbol.

"To have survived, she would have had to be either more cynical or even further from reality than she was," he wrote. "Instead, she was a poet on a street corner trying to recite to a crowd pulling at her clothes."

Miller's success, so overwhelming in the 1940s and '50s, seemed to be on the wane during the next two decades. But the 1980s brought a renewal of interest, beginning with a Broadway revival of "Death of a Salesman" starring Dustin Hoffman in 1984.

Enthusiasm for Miller's work was particularly strong in England, which marked his 75th birthday in 1990 with four major productions of his plays.

Miller also directed a Chinese production of "Death of a Salesman" at the Beijing Peoples' Art Theatre in 1983.

Those who saw the Beijing production may not have identified with Loman's career, Miller wrote, but they shared his desire, "which was to excel, to win out over anonymity and meaninglessness, to love and be loved, and above all, perhaps, to count."

In his later years, Miller became increasingly disillusioned with Broadway, and in 1991 he premiered a new play, "The Ride Down Mt. Morgan," in London - the first time he had opened a play outside of the United States.

Miller said at the time he opted for the London opening to avoid the "dark defeatism" of the New York theater scene.

"There is an open terror of the critics (in New York) and of losing fortunes of money," Miller said in an interview that year. "I have always hated that myself. All in all, it seemed like we ought to do the play in London."

He returned to Broadway in 1994 with "Broken Glass," a drama about a dysfunctional family that won respectful reviews and a Tony nomination, but no big audiences. In London, it won an Olivier award as best play.

Even in his later years, Miller continued to write.

"It is what I do," he said in a 1996 interview with The Associated Press.

"It is my art. I am better at it than I ever was. And I will d o it as long as I can. When you reach a certain age you can slough off what is unnecessary and concentrate on what is. And why not?"

"Resurrection Blues" had its world premiere at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis in the summer of 2002 when Miller was 86. Set in an unnamed banana republic, the satire dealt with the possible televised execution of a revolutionary.

In recent years New York even rediscovered Miller's first Broadway play, "The Man Who Had All the Luck," which was a four-performance flop in 1944, but had a successful revival, starring Chris O'Donnell, nearly six decades later.

Last October, another new play, "Finishing the Picture," premiered at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. It was based on an episode of his marriage to Monroe.

In accepting his lifetime achievement award at the 1999 Tony awards ceremony, Miller lamented that Broadway had become too narrow.

"I hope that a new dimension and fresh resolve will inspire the pow ers that be to welcome fiercely ambitious playwrights," Miller said. "And that the time will come again when they will find a welcome for their big, world-challenging plays, somewhere west of London and somewhere east of the Hudson River."

He was born Oct. 17, 1915, Miller was one of three children in a middle-class Jewish family. His father, a manufacturer of women's coats, was hard hit by the Depression in the 1930s, and could not afford to send Miller to college when the time came.

Miller worked as a loader and shipping clerk at a New York warehouse to earn tuition money and eventually attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1938.

He wrote his first plays in college, where they were awarded numerous prizes. He also published several novels and collections of short stories.

He wrote several screenplays, including "The Misfits" (1961), which became Monroe's last movie, and "Playing for Time," (1981) a contro versial television movie about the women's orchestra at Auschwitz.

He also wrote a number of books with Morath, mainly about their travels in Russia and China.

Miller had two children, Jane Ellen and Robert, by his first wife, Mary Slattery, and he and Morath had one daughter, Rebecca.


Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press

Sign Arthur Miller's Guest Book

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December 4, 2010

Angel C posted to the memorial.

March 30, 2010

Someone posted to the memorial.

May 3, 2005

Chris Dalrymple posted to the memorial.

40 Entries

Angel C

December 4, 2010

God bless such a great man!

March 30, 2010

For Arthur...

WEEP NOT FOR ME


Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.

Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.

I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.

Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.

Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.

Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.


© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California

Chris Dalrymple

May 3, 2005

Arthur Miller was a fabulous writer. He was by far one of the best writters alive and he will be deeply missed.

Joyce Rose

February 16, 2005

The UNM-LA Literature 150 class started the spring semester reading the play "Death of a Salesman." Arthur Miller died the week we finished reading his play. The death of a great writer with great attributes. We learned to look at life differently through the eyes of a man who tried to find his way in life. We can all relate to his life.

Charles G. Turner, sr.

February 16, 2005

Mr. Miller was a great writer. I truly admired his creation of the character Willy Loman whom I wrote about in a college paper.



May God Bless and comfort his family during this time of bereavement.



Charles G. Turner,Sr.

Leanne Chambers

February 16, 2005

Athur Miller you will be deeply missed you work was truly astonishing x x x x x x

Ken Takemoto

February 14, 2005

When I was young, your sorrowful play "Death of a Salesman" made me awakened to realities of the world and your wrathful play "The Crucible" determined what I am. I am grateful to you, sir. Rest in Peace!

Leta Ensey

February 14, 2005

Arthur Miller was truly one of the greatest talents of all time and will be sorely missed by all in the entertainment field.



Sincerely,



Leta Ensey

The Leta Ensey Show

Comcast Cable - Texas

ninon delenclos

February 13, 2005

What a great man! His name and master works will be remembered for ever.

Helena & Neil Perlmutter

February 13, 2005

A wonderful man. May he rest in peace. Our condolences to the Miller family.

Laura

February 12, 2005

You were a True GentleMan with class and a good Heart....Rest in Peace.... Mr Miller

Linda Upton

February 12, 2005

To Rebecca and her family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am the Nurse that worked with you on "Consenting Adults", in Atlanta, Ga. You are a very beautiful and sweet person. May you find peace in the days to come. Sincerely,

Linda Upton

micheal nesbitt

February 12, 2005

May you rest in peace.My condolences to ms.joan copeland

and family.GOD be with you all

Alfred Goodwein

February 12, 2005

My deepest condolences to all on the transition of Arthur Miller.His work and spirit shall continue with us and our lives and those to come shall be enrichened by his enduring legacy.



Peace, May It Reside Unto Him.



Alfred Goodwein,

Richmond, Virginia

MARK WEISS

February 12, 2005

TO THE FAMILY OF ARTHUR MILLER I HAVE ENJOYED ALL OF MR. MILLER'S PLAYS. WHEN I WAS IN A HIGH SCHOOL CLASS CALL AMERICAN DRAMA A AT ARCADIA HIGH SCHOOL IN THE EARLY TO MID 1970'S I HAD THE HONOR TO READ THE ROLE OF THE NARRATER IN GLASS MANAGERIE, I ALSO READ THE PART OF WILLY LOMAN IN DEATH OF A SALESMAN.

MARK WEISS ARCADIA HIGH SCHOOL[1973-1976]MY HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA CLASS ALSO DID MANY OF YOUR PLAYS INCLUDING DEATH OF A SALESMAN

Bennie Vann

February 12, 2005

To the family of Mr. Arthur Miller



I offer my sincere condolences and would like to share two of my favorite scriptures with you.

These bring me so much comfort.



"Blessed be the Father of tender

mercies and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our tribu-

lation." 2 Corinthians 1:3,4.



"Like a man whom his own mother

keeps comforting, so I myself

shall keep comforting you people

Isaiah 66:13



I look forward to the time when

death will be a thing of the past. Rev. 21:4 says: "He, God will wipe

out every tear from their eyes

and death will be no more, neither

mourning nor outcry nor pain be

anymore. The former things have

passed away."



Please know that I care.



Agape,

Susan Hardison

February 12, 2005

I would like to send my most profound sympathies to the family of Arthur Miller. He was one of the most gifted and insightful playwrights of his generation. He spoke of truth and hope, as well as the human condition. His work will speak to many generations in the future. I saw "Death Of A Salesman" numerous times and was always delighted to find something new each time. Rest in peace, Mr. Miller. You will be missed!

Elaine Price-te Meij

February 12, 2005

Rest in Peace Mr. Miller, your Genius will be sorely missed. My sympathy goes out to your family.

Jas Russell

February 12, 2005

In the film "Il Postino" it is said "poetry does not belong to those who write it, but to those who need it". Arthur Miller is gone now, and, despite what some copyright lawyer might say, his treasury of words is hereby bequeathed to us. We need it.

rhonda nieweglowski

February 11, 2005

mr.miller you'll be greatly missed!

god blessing to your family!



sincerely rhonda

ROSEANNE SCOTT

February 11, 2005

GOD HAS ASKED FOR YOU BEACUSE YOU ARE A SPECIAL PERSON TOO FILL HIS GARDEN, YOU ARE GOING TOO THE ANGELS NOW REST IN PEACE.OUR PRAYERS IS WITH YOUR FAMILY, MAY GOD BLESS THEM .

Chris Jahn

February 11, 2005

Years ago I was in rehearsal for ALL MY SONS. A week before opening, the shuttle Challenger exploded. In the ensuing weeks we recognized the resonance between the tragedy and the events in the story. And the same holds true for his other plays.

His words were timely and timeless. "The rest is silence".

Shirley Krieger

February 11, 2005

One of the great writers of the 20th Century. A Death of a Salesman will be played on Broadway, off Broadway and all over the world for every generation to see again and again. He will be greatly missed by all who appreciated his work.

Tijan Isleem

February 11, 2005

You will be remembered by many who enjoyed your work.

Beverlee Lee

February 11, 2005

To The Miller Family



I am very sorry for your lose.



With Love, God and Respect



Beverlee

Atlanta, Georgia

[email protected]

emile younan

February 11, 2005

just like to send my condolences to the family and most of all to the big family.. his fans,,,,



it is a great loss to them and to us fans as well.

god pless his soul.

emile younan

Gretchen Randall

February 11, 2005

To Jane Ellen, Robert and Rebecca, I share your loss as my own. Your father was a great man and he touched so many lives. Hopefully, in time you will be able to remember him with smiles insted of tears.

My deepest sympathy,

Gretchen Randall

Jesse Barlow

February 11, 2005

When I was in a high school theatre class, his plays helped teach me about

American theatre. When I bought a VCR,

one of the first videos I rented was

Dustin Hoffman in Death of a Salesman.

Thank you, Arthur Miller.

Cyril Carroll

February 11, 2005

Every time I saw one of Arthur Millers's plays, I was touched by his great concern for the human condition. America has lost one of its great playwrights. He will be missed but his work will keep his spirit alive for future generations.

Sandy Ewart

February 11, 2005

You are a true genius sir.



Your plays were supurb.

Amethyst Burris

February 11, 2005

The first play I viewed was "Death of a Salesman" The first book I ever read entirely was an Arthur Miller novel. He will be missed much.

Flor Deyuyo

February 11, 2005

His fine intelect will be sorely missed. I will, for one

Robert Phillips

February 11, 2005

He called us to pay attention to all the Willy Lomans in this world. For that, "attention must be paid" to the passing of this great writer.



Rest in peace, sir. You were anything but a dime a dozen.

February 11, 2005

The contributions of this great man to the American stage are unmatched. Truly, you will be missed.

Lewis Lambert

February 11, 2005

I'll always remember the first time I saw performances of "Death of A Salesman" and "The Crucible."



A great loss to the theatre community.

Arron Lapointe

February 11, 2005

Farewell... Your With Marilyn Now.....

RIP......... Mr. Miller

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Sign Arthur Miller's Guest Book

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December 4, 2010

Angel C posted to the memorial.

March 30, 2010

Someone posted to the memorial.

May 3, 2005

Chris Dalrymple posted to the memorial.