Renee Harris: podcast appearances and interviews

Irene Wallach Harris, known as Renee Harris, was an American theatrical manager and producer born on June 15, 1876, and passing away on September 2, 1969. She was notably one of the first female theatre managers in the United States, taking over the management of the Hudson Theatre. Harris's interest in theater developed through her relationship with her husband, Henry B. Harris, a prominent theatrical manager and producer. Although she had no formal experience in theater management before her marriage, she assisted her husband in his work, gaining knowledge about both management and production. Her husband regarded her as capable of managing his business if necessary. The Harrises owned New York theaters and traveled extensively. During a return voyage from England after finalizing theatrical business in London, they were aboard the RMS Titanic on its maiden voyage. Harris was injured during the sinking but refused to leave her husband, attempting to stay with him. She finally evacuated the Titanic fifteen minutes before it sank. After becoming a widow, Harris decided to continue her husband's business with the support of her father-in-law, successfully managing and paying off debts accumulated after her husband's death. She discovered talented individuals such as Barbara Stanwyck, Mae Clarke, and Moss Hart through her work in theater. However, the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression impacted her assets and the entertainment industry as a whole. Later in life, she formed a friendship with Walter Lord and contributed to his book A Night to Remember, including involvement in the subsequent film adaptation. Harris lived to the age of 93.