Golden, John

(1874-1955)

   The legendary showman who acted, wrote songs, and produced over a hundred plays was born in New York City. In his youth, he worked as a bricklayer on the Garrick Theatre and as a supernumerary at Niblo's Garden. After a stint as actor-manager with a touring company, he wrote songs for such Broadway musicals as Chin Chin (1914) and The Big Show (1916), the royalties of which financed his first venture into producing. Turn to the Right! (1916), produced with Winchell Smith, began their successful partnership. Golden had an unerring sense of what the public wanted. His long-running hits included the record-setting Lightnin' (1918) and The First Year (1920). Later Golden became involved in philanthropy, creating funds to assist needy theatre artists.