Bob Ryan '32

Bob Ryan '32 (shown as James Tyrone) collected apologies in October from English critics who wondered why an American film star would choose to star in "Othello" and O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey into Night" at Nottingham's Playhouse Company Theater.

At roughly three per cent of his customary Hollywood salary, Bob alternated in the two roles for a threemonth period because "there isn't any place in the States where you can do this kind of work." His director was John Neville, whom he met when they worked together in "Billy Budd."

Six curtain calls for the Moor's role and a review that judged "Robert Ryan's performance as James Tyrone ... worthy of O'Neill's fine play" marked his openings at the handsome provincial repertory theater. Although he has acted in more than 90 films and likes doing them, Bob welcomes the change of pace provided by the two stage productions. He would like one day to set up a truly repertory theater in New York, something he believes does not yet exist.