Alexander Pope (actor) facts for kids

Alexander Pope was a talented Irish actor and painter. He was born in 1763 and lived until 1835.

A Life on Stage and Canvas

Alexander Pope was born in Cork, Ireland. He first learned to paint tiny pictures called miniatures, just like his father. He even showed his paintings at the Royal Academy until 1821.

However, Alexander soon discovered his love for acting. He first appeared on stage in London in 1785. This was at the famous Covent Garden Theatre. He played a character named Oroonoko.

He stayed at Covent Garden for almost 20 years. After that, he moved to the Haymarket Theatre until he retired. He was known for playing important, serious roles. Some of his most famous characters were Othello and King Henry VIII.

Alexander also performed in Edinburgh for the first time on June 15, 1786. He played Othello there too.

His Family Life

Alexander Pope was married three times during his life.

His first wife was Elizabeth. She was a popular English actress. People knew her as Miss Younge before they married.

His second wife was Maria Ann Campion. She was also a well-known actress. She came from an Irish family, just like Alexander.

His third wife was Clara Maria Leigh. She was the widow of an artist named Francis Wheatley. Clara herself was a very skilled painter. She painted figures and flowers and was known as Mrs. Pope.