Jane Alexander

Easton Press Jane Alexander books

Command Performance - signed first edition - 2000

Jane Alexander author and artist

Jane Alexander, born Jane Quigley, is an American actress, author, artist and former director of the National Endowment for the Arts. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 28, 1939, she grew up in a family with a deep appreciation for the arts. Her father, Thomas B. Quigley, was an orthopedic surgeon, and her mother, Ruth Pearson, was a nurse and health care administrator. Jane Alexander attended Sarah Lawrence College, where she developed a passion for acting. She graduated in 1961 and later earned a Master's degree from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

Alexander's career in the performing arts began on the stage. She made her Broadway debut in 1968 in The Great White Hope, a role that earned her a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play. Her success on Broadway marked the beginning of a distinguished career in theater. In addition to her stage work, Jane Alexander achieved acclaim in film and television. Notable film roles include her performances in The Great White Hope (1970), for which she received an Academy Award nomination, and Kramer vs. Kramer (1979). On television, she earned Emmy Awards for her roles in Playing for Time (1980) and Warm Springs (2005).

Jane Alexander's commitment to the arts extended beyond her acting career. In 1993, she was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve as the chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts, a position she held until 1997. During her tenure, she worked to support and promote artistic expression across the nation.

Apart from her work in the performing arts and arts advocacy, Alexander is also an accomplished author. She has written several books, including her memoir Command Performance: An Actress in the Theater of Politics (2000), which reflects on her experiences in both the artistic and political spheres.

Jane Alexander's career continued to flourish in the 21st century with appearances in films such as The Unborn (2009) and television series like The Blacklist. Her ability to portray a diverse range of characters across different mediums showcased her versatility as an actress. Jane Alexander's impact on American theater, film, and arts advocacy has been significant. Her contributions to the cultural landscape, both as a performer and as a leader in arts administration, have earned her a place of distinction in the annals of American arts and entertainment. Throughout her career, Jane Alexander's talent, dedication to the arts, and commitment to social issues have made her not only a respected figure in the world of entertainment but also a powerful advocate for the transformative power of the arts in society.

Command Performance - An Actress In The Theater Of Politics

Command Performance: An Actress in the Theater of Politics is a captivating memoir by Jane Alexander, offering readers an intimate glimpse into her fascinating journey as both a celebrated actress and a passionate advocate for the arts in the political arena. In this engaging biography, Alexander recounts her illustrious career on stage and screen, from her early days as a talented young actress to her iconic roles in theater productions and films. With candor and grace, she shares anecdotes from her time working alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood and the theater world, offering insights into the craft of acting and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life in the limelight.

But Command Performance goes beyond the glitz and glamour of show business to explore Alexander's equally compelling experiences as a champion for the arts in the political sphere. As the head of the National Endowment for the Arts under President Bill Clinton, she navigates the complex landscape of Washington, D.C., advocating tirelessly for funding and support for the arts in America.

Through her tireless efforts, Alexander shines a spotlight on the transformative power of the arts to inspire, educate, and unite people from all walks of life. With warmth, wit, and wisdom, she invites readers to join her on a journey of passion, purpose, and perseverance as she navigates the intersection of art and politics in Command Performance.

Filled with inspiring stories, insightful reflections, and unforgettable characters, Command Performance is a testament to Jane Alexander's extraordinary talent, dedication, and commitment to making a difference in the world through the transformative power of the arts.