In Memoriam: Tom H. John

The noted scenic designer Tom H. John died on April 11 in New York City. He was 95.

Born in Waukegan, Illinois, he graduated from the Chicago Art Institute and served in the Korean War. His Broadway credits include the musical George M! (1968), which made a star out of Joel Grey, and the smash original production of The Wiz. Other Broadway projects included the musicals Frank Merriwell (1971) and The Selling of the President (1972), an all-Black revival of Guys and Dolls (1978), the musical Marilyn (1983), and Peg (1983), an evening of songs and stories starring Peggy Lee.

As an art director for television, John's credits include Death of a Salesman (1966, featuring original Broadway stars Lee J. Cobb and Mildred Dunnock); Frank Sinatra: A Man and His Music + Ella + Jobim (1967); A Happening in Central Park, starring Barbra Streisand (1968); An Evening with Julie Andrews and Harry Belafonte (1969); and other specials featuring Barry Manilow, Ann-Margret, Mac Davis, Dionne Warwick, Lena Horne, Burt Bachrach, and Olivia Newton-John, plus the series Beacon Hill, Taxi, and Kate and Allie.

As a production designer, his credits included the films Thank God It's Friday (1978) and The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996), and the TV series Tattingers (1988) and Swans Crossing (1992).

He also designed dances for Alvin Ailey and worked of many interior design projects, including the African Pavilion for the 1964 New York World's Fair. Syngman Rhee, then president of Korea, commissioned him to restore the Bando Hotel, the National Museum, and the US Ambassador's residence in Seoul, Korea. Among his awards were five Emmys and a Peabody Award. He also worked as a painter and continues to be represented by the Rosenberg Gallery.

As we went to press, information about survivors was not yet available.