Joshua Logan

Joshua Lockwood Logan III, otherwise known as Joshua Logan, (October 5, 1908 – July 12, 1988) was a renowned American theatre and film director, playwright, screenwriter, and actor. He was born in Texarkana, Texas, and moved to his maternal grandparents' home in Mansfield, Louisiana following his father's suicide. His early life revolved around the theatre, beginning with his high school drama class, to his involvement in Princeton University's Triangle Club and the intercollegiate summer stock company, University Players. This sparked Logan's illustrious career, beginning as an actor on Broadway with 'Carry Nation' in 1932, moving on to staging plays and managing stages in London and back on Broadway, gaining significant success with Paul Osborn's 'On Borrowed Time' and the musical 'I Married an Angel'.

As his career progressed, Logan diversified his activities during his service in World War II, acting as a public-relations and intelligence officer and organizing 'jeep shows' for soldier entertainers. Upon his return from the war, Logan established himself as a visionary Broadway director, directing spectacular hits such as 'Annie Get Your Gun' and 'Mister Roberts', the latter earning him a Tony Award. Furthermore, his directorial and co-writing finesse shone through in 'South Pacific' which ran for 1,925 performances and earned him, along with Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the 1950 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Logan extended his work to Hollywood, introducing Jane Fonda in 'Tall Story', alternating between Hollywood and Broadway throughout the 1960s. His illustrious career, teaching theater at Florida Atlantic University and remaining active in his field till 1986 showcased the relentless determination and dedication he had for his craft.