William Hutt

(1920 - 2007)

William Hutt, born in 1920 in Toronto, crafted a distinguished career rooted in Canada's theatre scene. Opting for a quieter path, he joined the Stratford Shakespearean Festival, becoming an integral part since its inception in 1953. Renowned for his iconic Shakespearean roles like Hamlet and Lear, he periodically explored film and television, showcasing his talent in performances like Tiny Alice on Broadway and Long Day’s Journey Into Night. After 37 seasons at Stratford, he retired in 2005 with a reprisal of Prospero in The Tempest, marking a celebrated legacy. Hutt, an influential mentor, shaped the careers of numerous Canadian performers like Colm Feore and Christopher Plummer, leaving an indelible mark on the theatre. He was slated to return to Stratford in 2007 but had to cancel due to health reasons. Graduating from the University of Toronto in 1949, he impacted the theatrical world through his 130 productions over 39 seasons at Stratford.