Clarence Brown

Clarence Brown is a namesake around UT’s campus and his passion for fine arts carries a legacy that continues to influence the Knoxville community. Although he wasn’t born in Tennessee, Knoxville is the place he was raised and chose to claim as home. He attended UT studying engineering, but discovered that motion pictures were what really interested and excited him and decided to build his life’s work around the film and production industry. He worked for many different studios including big names such as Universal and MGM studios while serving as director, producer, and at times even a writer. Some of his more noteworthy works include “Intruder in the Dust” and “Angels in the Outfield.” Brown’s cinema work earned attention and praise and in his time he received a total of 38 Academy Award nominations and earned nine Oscars for his films.

Despite his success in movie-making, Brown’s influence encompasses so much more. In the Knoxville community alone, he earned and garnered respect for the arts. He demonstrated the value in quality entertainment and helped give status for those pursuing non-traditional work like himself. He illustrated the importance of finding fulfilling work no matter what that may be. For these reasons among others, the University of Tennessee decided to honor Brown by naming the campus theater after him. It continues to a go to place for the best theater entertainment in Knoxville and surrounding areas.

I’m drawn to Clarence Brown because the Clarence Brown Theater has been one of my favorite spots on campus during my four years here. The shows are quality and whether they make me laugh or cry or something in between, they evoke emotion while making me feel connected to the story and I love that. I appreciate Brown’s influence for encouraging such outlets to be a reality.