Actor Kevin Spacey, a longtime supporter of the venerable Old Vic Theatre in London, is set to be named as its new artistic director, according to reports.
British newspaper The Times revealed that the announcement, to be made during a press conference attended by Kevin and Lord Attenborough, the chairman of Old Vic productions, could come as soon as Wednesday. The American Beauty star, who sits on the board of trustees of the 180-year-old theatre, will be filling an empty post that was once occupied by Jonathan Miller and Sir Peter Hall.
"The Old Vic is a place born for actors to play and for the hearts and minds of theatregoers to be challenged and enthralled," said the two-time Oscar winner said last year. And Kevin put his money where his mouth is, donating at least a six-figure sum to the fighting fund set up to save the financially struggling theatre.
The actor first became involved with the Old Vic after starring in a production of The Iceman Cometh there in 1998. Since joining the board, he is said to check in with the theatre every fortnight and has been the mastermind of a number of fundraising drives to support the London institution.
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