Anderson, Hugh Abercrombie

Hugh Abercrombie Anderson (1890-1965), playwright and theatre manager, was born in St. John's, Newfoundland on 10 February 1890, the son of Amelia (Murray) and John Anderson, a prominent local businessman and politician. He died at his home at Forest Hills Inn, Queens, New York on 9 November 1965.

Anderson attended Bishop Feild College, St. John's, followed by additional education at the Edinburgh Academy (Scotland). He also spent time in Switzerland and France. After completing his tour of Europe he returned to St. John's and joined his father's business.

Anderson joined the First Newfoundland Regiment (later the Royal Newfoundland Regiment) in 1915. A medical problem, however, prevented him from seeing service at the front so he worked in the Pay and Records Office in London. In 1917 he was promoted to Lieutenant and in 1918 to Captain. In 1919 he was awarded a certificate as a Member of the British Empire for his war service. Anderson was one of only nine members of the Regiments to be so honoured.

Anderson returned to St. John's and his father's business in 1919 but quickly became restless. In 1921 he decided to join his older brother John who was involved in the New York theatre scene and with motion pictures. In time, Hugh became John's business manager and associate producer. Together, they collaborated on twenty-nine major Broadway musicals.

Anderson also wrote a great deal, penning plays of his own as well as tailoring those of others for the stage. In 1954 his largest work, a biography of his brother John Murray Anderson was published. Anderson spent the remainder of his life in New York but returned to St. John's for visits from time to time.

Created - May 22, 2013

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