Tony Walton, an Oscar and Tony Award-winning production and costume designer most famous for his work on “Mary Poppins”, “All That Jazz”, and “Guys and Dolls” has passed away. He was 87 years old.
Walton was born October 24, 1934 in Walton-on-Thames, England and began his career on Broadway. He had a fortuitous encounter with Walt Disney backstage during his run with “Camelot” which lead to his hiring as a costume designer, set designer, and visual consultant for the iconic “Mary Poppins” after offering Julie Andrews the lead role.
Walton and Andrews were childhood sweethearts, falling in love in their teen years and marrying in 1959. Walton worked with Andrews on “Mary Poppins” as well as a number of other projects, even following their amicable divorce in 1968. Decades after, they still remained close friends. They have one daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton.
Walton was awarded an Oscar in 1979 for his work on Bob Fosse’s “Guys and Dolls”, three Tony Awards for “Pippin”, “House of Blue Leaves”, and again for “Guys and Dolls”, and an Emmy for “Death of a Salesman”. He was also nominated for an Oscar for “Mary Poppins”, “Murder on the Orient Express”, and “The Wiz”, and racked up a total of 16 Tony award nominations during his illustrious career.
Tony Walton is survived by his first wife Julie Andrews, second wife author Gen LeRoy Walton, daughters Emma Walton Hamilton and Bridget LeRoy, and five grandchildren.
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