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Lila Eccles Brimhall was born in Ogden, Utah on November 26, 1892. She was raised there by her parents, David Eccles and Bertha Marie Jensen Eccles.

Her father held half-ownership in the Ogden Opera House. Lila is reported to have attended many productions there as a child and was able to watch and visit with the actors backstage.

On August 28, 1917 Lila married Dean R. Brimhall, of Provo, Utah. He had a long career with the federal government, including service from 1940 until his retirement in 1951, as Director of Research form the Civil Aeronautics Administration. The couple had two children, a son McKeen, and a daughter, Frances. McKeen was killed in action in World War II. Frances marries Hal W. Osborn and had five children: Rachel Osborn Sander, Kristin, Joan, Kimberly, and Dean.

She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1914 from the University of Utah which she attended from 1910 to 1914. During that time she studied under Maud May Babcock, professor and head of the Speech Department.

She received a diploma in 1916 from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City after course work in 1915 and 1916. After further study there several years later, she also received a certificate from the institution in 1929.

She also took summer courses at Columbia University in 1917, 1933 and 1942, and at the University of London in 1937.

She received a Master of Arts degree from the University of Southern California in 1939.

An Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree was posthumously awarded to her in 1980 commencement ceremonies at the University of Utah.

A member of the faculty of the University of Utah from 1929 until her retirement to emeritus status in 1960, she held the following ranks: Part-time Instructor in Speech (1929-1930); Instructor (1931); Assistant Professor (1948-1955); Associate Professor in Speech and Theater (1956-1960); Associate Professor Emeritus in Speech (1930-1980); Associate Professor Emeritus in Theater (1967-1980).

Throughout her career she presented numerous lectures and speeches around the state of Utah.

While attending the University of Utah she was an active member of the University of Utah Players and performed in several student productions. She toured Utah and the western states as a member of the Moroni Olsen Players in the late 1920s. She performed in productions with the Pasadena Players in California. During the course of her faculty career she appeared frequently in the theaters on the campus of the University of Utah. She also performed in productions of other Utah colleges.

A portrait of Lila Eccles Brimhall painted by Alvin Gittins was unveiled during a ceremony at the University in 1977. It now hangs on campus in the lobby of the Pioneer Memorial Theater.

Lila Eccles Brimhall died in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 3, 1980.

Chronology

1892: Born in Ogden, Utah

1914: B. A., University of Utah

1914-1916: Attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York City

1917: Married Dean R. Brimhall

1929: Part Time Instructor, Speech Department, University of Utah

1931: Full Time Instructor, Speech Department, University of Utah

1939: M. A., University of Southern California

1948: Assistant Professor, Speech Department, University of Utah

1952: Received Tenure, University of Utah

1956: Associate Professor, Speech and Theater Department, University of Utah

1960: Retired Tenure, University of Utah

1967: Named Associate Professor Emeritus of Theater, University of Utah

1974: Dean R. Brimhall died

1980: Lila Eccles Brimhall died on April 3

1980: Received an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degree, University of Utah