Associated Press Jack Klugman and Charles DurningThe theaters of Broadway will honor two acclaimed actors on two consecutive evenings, dimming their lights at 8 p.m. on Thursday in memory of Charles Durning, and again at 8 p.m. on Friday in recognition of Jack Klugman, the Broadway League said on Thursday.
Mr. Durning, who died on Monday at the age of 89, was a Tony Award-winner for his performance as Big Daddy in the 1990 revival of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,†whi ch also starred Kathleen Turner as Maggie and Daniel Hugh Kelly as Brick. He also appeared in such plays as the original 1972 production of “That Championship Season,†and a 1996 revival of “Inherit the Wind,†opposite George C. Scott. He received one of his two Academy Award nominations for his role in the 1983 film adaptation of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.â€
Mr. Klugman, who died on Monday at the age of 90, received a Tony nomination for the debut 1959 production of “Gypsy,†in which he originated the role of Herbie. He also replaced Walter Matthau as Oscar Madison in the original Broadway run of “The Odd Couple†before going on to portray that character in the TV-sitcom adaptation, and later appeared in a revival of “The Sunshine Boys†with his “Odd Couple†co-star Tony Randall.
