Fontanne, << fon TAN, >> Lynn (1887-1983), was an American actress. She and her husband, Alfred Lunt, became the most celebrated acting team of their time. Fontanne was a sophisticated, glamorous, and accomplished performer. She was best known for her leading roles in The Guardsman (1924), Strange Interlude (1928), Elizabeth the Queen (1930), Reunion in Vienna (1931), Design for Living (1933), The Great Sebastians (1956), and The Visit (1958). Lunt was her co-star in all these plays except Strange Interlude. See Lunt, Alfred.
Fontanne was born on Dec. 6, 1887, near London, England. Her given first and middle names were Lillie Louise. She made her acting debut in 1905. She first visited America in 1910 and settled in the United States in 1916. She achieved her first major success in 1921 in Dulcy. In 1922, she married Alfred Lunt. She died on July 30, 1983.
