Anne Kaufman Schneider, who dedicated her life to preserving and reviving the works of her father, renowned playwright George S. Kaufman, passed away at the age of 99 on Thursday in her Manhattan home. Her death was confirmed by Laurence Maslon, her executor.

A Theatrical Lineage

Born on June 23, 1925, Anne was adopted just three months later by George Kaufman, a prominent figure in 20th-century American theater known for his incisive wit. Her mother, Beatrice Kaufman, was also a literary editor and cultural influencer. Growing up in such a creative environment, Anne remembered early experiences of attending theater with her father, which laid the foundation for their bond. “There wasn’t any baby talk. We went to the theater together starting when I was 4,” she recalled in an interview with The New York Times.

Reviving a Legacy

Following George Kaufman’s death in 1961, the revitalization of his plays proved challenging. Anne Kaufman Schneider recalled the minimal activity surrounding his works until a significant revival occurred in 1965. “Very little happened at all until Ellis Rabb revived ‘You Can’t Take It With You’…,” she noted, highlighting the importance of that production.

Over the next five decades, Schneider played a vital role in reintroducing her father’s masterpieces to new audiences, including notable performances that transitioned from regional theater to Broadway. Productions such as Rabb’s revival of “You Can’t Take It With You” and the adaptation of “The Royal Family” exemplified her work. She was also instrumental in organizing events like the “Kaufmania” festival in 1989, celebrating her father’s centennial.

A Life Beyond Theatre

Despite a backdrop of theatrical brilliance, Anne’s private life was marked by notable relationships. After her early marriage to John Booth, which ended during World War II, she married magazine editor Bruce Colen. Following their divorce in 1948, she found lasting partnership in Irving Schneider, a key figure in theater management, until his death in 1997.

Her daughter, Beatrice, unfortunately, predeceased her, but she leaves behind two grandsons.

Championing Women in Theatre

Schneider’s interpretation of Kaufman’s heroines, characterized by cleverness and charisma, reflected her understanding of women’s roles both on stage and in life. “The wisecracking woman who is smarter than all the men… that’s the kind of woman he admired,” she stated, sharing her philosophical perspective on gender dynamics in her father’s work.

A Lasting Impact

Anne’s enduring commitment to her father’s plays ensured their continued relevance in American culture. Her efforts culminated in the 2004 publication of “Kaufman & Co.,” solidifying George S. Kaufman’s place in America’s theatrical canon. “For Anne, in the end, nothing made her happier than seeing her father’s plays in front of audiences,” Maslon remarked, illustrating her dedication to this mission.