Two-Time Tony-Winning Choreographer & Performer Donald Saddler Dies at 96

Tony-winning choreographer and performer Donald Saddler died at the Lillian Booth Actors Home in New Jersey on November 1. He was 96 years old. His death was confirmed to The New York Times by Kate Irving, a family friend.

Born on January 24, 1918 in Van Nuys, California, Saddler, the youngest of 12 children, began dancing to regain strength while recovering from scarlet fever. As a teenager, he danced in the chorus of such movie musicals as The Great Ziegfeld, Rosalie, Broadway Melody of 1938, Babes in Arms and The Wizard of Oz. In 1940, he became an original member of Ballet Theater (later known as American Ballet Theater); his performances with the company included a ballet special on Broadway in 1941 at the Majestic Theatre. He continued dancing with the American Ballet Theatre until leaving for Alaska for service in World War II.

Following the war, Saddler returned to Broadway in 1945 for another ballet special (Ballet Theatre). He would soon trade in ballet for musical theater, beginning with High Button Shoes, stepping in for the late Paul Godkin in the role of Uncle Willie. He also performed in the musical revue Dance Me a Song in 1950. Later that year, he began his career as a choreographer, assisting June Graham on Call Me Madam.

After appearing in the revue Bless You All in 1950, Saddler continued on his path as a choreographer—no longer as an assistant—starting with Wonderful Town in 1953. The show brought him his first Tony Award for Best Choreography. He would go on to win again in 1971 for No, No Nanette and celebrate nominations for Much Ado About Nothing in 1973 and On Your Toes a decade later.

His additional Broadway choreography credits included Shangri-La, Milk and Honey, Sophie, The Robber Bridegroom, The Grand Tour, Teddy & Alice and My Fair Lady. His final credit on the Great White Way was not a choreography stint, but rather a return to the spotlight as Theodore Whitman in the 2001 revival of Follies.

Saddler also choreographed for opera and film. He brought dances to The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Washington Opera and more. His work can be seen on screen in films including April in Paris, By the Light of the Silvery Moon and The Happy Hooker.

In addition to two Tony Awards, Saddler received the Dance Magazine Award in 1984 and the 2001 Lifetime Achievement Astaire Award. He took home the first annual Duke Ellington “Beyond Category” Award.