Edith Meiser

Edith Meiser was an American actress, playwright, and author who is best known for her work on radio adaptations of Sherlock Holmes, numerous Broadway shows, and appearances in popular television programs such as “I Love Lucy”. She was born on May 9, 1898, in Detroit, Michigan, and passed away on September 26, 1993, in New York City, New York.

Personal and Family Life

Edith Meiser attended Vassar College and began her stage career in 1923 with the production “The New Way”. She was married to Tom McKnight, and together they worked on various projects, including the radio series “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”. Meiser participated in around 20 Broadway shows throughout her career, with her final performance occurring in the 1960 production of “The Unsinkable Molly Brown”.

Career Achievements

Meiser’s career included writing scripts for Helen Hayes’s first radio serial and adapting the Sherlock Holmes series for radio from 1939 to 1943, which starred Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. She was instrumental in fostering interest in Sherlock Holmes, earning her a place in ‘The Baker Street Irregulars’, an honor given for her contributions to the franchise. In her later years, she wrote mystery novels and a play called “The Wooden O”.

Death and Legacy

Edith Meiser passed away on September 26, 1993, at the age of 95 in New York City. Her collection of scripts and materials was acquired by the University of Minnesota Libraries in 1987 and remains a valuable resource for studying her work. Meiser’s legacy continues to influence both the theater and radio industries, particularly in the realm of adaptations of classic literature.

Filmography