Alban W. Purcell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alban W. Purcell
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| Born |
Alban Walter Purcell
c. 1843 |
| Died | December 16, 1913 (aged 69–70) |
| Other names | A. W. Purcell |
| Occupation | Actor, Manager and Dramatist |
| Spouse(s) | Flora Meyers |
Alban Walter Purcell (born around 1843 – died December 16, 1913) was an American actor, a writer of plays (dramatist), and a theater manager. He also served briefly in the American Civil War. Purcell was known for being a very tall man and often played important supporting characters during his 42-year career in theater.
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Life and Career
Alban Walter Purcell was born in Wadsworth, Ohio, either in 1843 or 1844. In April 1861, when he was still young, he joined the army in Rochester, New York. He became part of the 13th New York Volunteer Infantry. Purcell left the army in August of that year, about a month after being part of the First Battle of Bull Run in Virginia.
Starting His Acting Journey
His acting career began two years later in Cleveland, Ohio. He performed at the Academy of Music, a theater run by John A. Ellsler. In 1868, Purcell joined the cast of the Rochester Opera House. This theater was managed by John C. Meyers.
Not long after, Alban married Flora Meyers, who was John C. Meyers' daughter and the main actress in the company. In the years that followed, Purcell and his father-in-law helped organize tours for famous actors. These included stars like Edwin Adams and Edwin Forrest.
Touring and Playwriting
In 1870, Purcell and his wife toured the Southern United States. They were part of Laura Keene's acting group. The next year, he formed his own acting group. His wife, Flora Purcell, was the star of this group. They toured New England and Canada.
Purcell also wrote several plays. Some of his works included Manassas, a Civil War Drama, The Millerties, and Bailey Neck.
Notable Roles and Retirement
Throughout his career, Alban Purcell shared the stage with many famous actors. These included John Wilkes Booth, William and Malvina Florence, and Maggie Mitchell. Early in her career, Purcell joined Minnie Maddern's acting group. Later, as a member of the Castle Square Theatre, he received praise for his roles. He played Admiral Farragut and Gideon Welles, who was the Secretary of the Navy. These roles were in plays called The Ensign during the late 1890s.
Purcell's health began to decline, and he retired in 1905. For a while, he lived on a farm he had bought in the Adirondack Mountains in New York. Alban Purcell passed away in New York City eight years later, around the age of 70. He was survived by two of his four children, James and Flora.
