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The Shubert Organization announced March 2, 2022 that Broadway’s Cort Theatre will be renamed after award-winning actor James Earl Jones in recognition of his contributions to theatre and the arts as a whole.
Jones actually performed in the Cort Theatre at the beginning of his theatre career in 1958, having made his Broadway debut the year prior, and since has performed in a number of Shubert-owned theatres. Said Jones in a press release, “For me standing in this very building sixty-four years ago at the start of my Broadway career, it would have been inconceivable that my name would be on the building today. Let my journey from then to now be an inspiration for all aspiring actors.”
Since then, Jones went on to become a member of the elite EGOT club (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony). He has appeared in 21 Broadway productions and won two acting Tony Awards, as well as receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. He was also inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame, received a National Medal of Honor, Kennedy Center Honor, Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award and an Honorary Academy Award.
“The Shubert Organization is so incredibly honored to put James—an icon in the theatre community, the Black community, and the American community—forever in Broadway’s lights,” Robert E. Wankel, Shubert CEO and board chair said. “That James deserves to have his name immortalized on Broadway is without question.”
The renaming of the theatre also serves as a fulfillment of promises agreed upon by Broadway leaders. Prior to reopening, Black Theatre United presented their New Deal for Broadway, a list of reforms for the theatre community to create a more equitable industry. One change agreed on was that the Shubert, Nederlander and Jujamcyn organizations would rename one of their theatres after a legendary Black artist.
The Cort Theatre is one of Broadway’s oldest theatres at 110 years old, having first opened in 1912 by John Cort, who controlled multiple theatres across America. The theatre is currently undergoing extensive renovation and expansion and is expected to reopen in Summer 2022. When it does, the Shubert Organization says there will be a formal dedication ceremony for the renaming.
For more information, visit the Shubert Organization’s website here.
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