Cris Alexander Age, Snapchat, Stories, Net Worth & Biography
Cris Alexander, born Allen Smith on January 14, 1920, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a multifaceted American artist renowned for his contributions to acting, singing, dancing, design, and photography. His illustrious career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on Broadway and the world of photography.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Tulsa, Alexander developed an early passion for the arts. In his teens, he adopted the name Christopher, believing it to be more distinguished. Following the advice of a spiritualist, he later shortened it to Cris. He attended the University of Oklahoma while working as a radio announcer in Oklahoma City. In 1938, he moved to New York City to study at the Feagin School of Dramatic Art, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in the performing arts.
Broadway Career
Cris Alexander’s Broadway career is marked by notable performances:
- “On the Town” (1944): Portrayed Chip, a naive sailor, in this Leonard Bernstein musical. His duet “Come Up to My Place” with Nancy Walker was a highlight of the show.
- “Present Laughter” (1946): Performed alongside Clifton Webb, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
- “Wonderful Town” (1953): Played Frank Lippencott, a drugstore manager, delivering the comic song “Conversation Piece.” He remained with the production for its entire run.
- “Auntie Mame” (1956): Assumed multiple roles, including Mr. Loomis, a part he reprised in the 1958 film adaptation.
Photography Career
Parallel to his acting career, Alexander was an accomplished photographer:
- Portrait Photography: Opened a photo studio in New York City in the late 1930s, capturing portraits of celebrities and performers, many of whom were his personal friends.
- Interview Magazine: Served as the chief photographer for Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine, contributing to its distinctive visual style.
- New York City Ballet: Worked as the official photographer, documenting performances and dancers, thereby preserving significant moments in the company’s history.
Personal Life
Cris Alexander shared a lifelong partnership with dancer Shaun O’Brien. The couple married in 2011, shortly before O’Brien’s passing in February 2012. Their relationship was a testament to their mutual support and shared passion for the arts.
Net Worth
While specific figures regarding Cris Alexander’s net worth are not publicly available, his extensive careers in both Broadway and photography suggest he achieved financial stability and success through his artistic endeavors.
Legacy
Cris Alexander passed away on March 7, 2012, in Saratoga Springs, New York, at the age of 92. His contributions to theater and photography continue to be celebrated, reflecting his versatility and dedication to the arts. His work remains an inspiration to aspiring actors and photographers alike.
Social Media Presence
Given the era in which Cris Alexander lived, he did not have a presence on modern social media platforms such as Snapchat. His legacy, however, endures through his artistic works and the memories of those who admired his talents.
