Edelstein received a 2004 Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre for "providing the theatre community with hearty sustenance and a cheerful home-away-from-home at the Café Edison, known affectionately as the 'Polish Tearoom.'" The role of Bernie in Neil Simon's 45 Seconds from Broadway was based on Mr. Edelstein.
In a statement Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of The Broadway League, said, "For over 25 years Harry Edelstein and his wife, Frances, fed those working on and around Broadway such Big Apple favorites as matzoh ball soup and blintzes. His warm personality will be especially missed by his friends at the League."
To read Playbill.com's obituary about Mr. Edelstein, click here.
