Ann Brunton Merry facts for kids
Ann Brunton Merry was a famous actress from England. She was born on March 30, 1769, and passed away on June 28, 1808. Ann was very popular in both the United Kingdom and later in America.
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Ann Brunton Merry's Life
Ann Brunton was born on May 30, 1769, in Covent Garden, England. She was one of 14 children. Her father, John Brunton, was an actor and a manager at the Theatre Royal, Norwich.
Early Acting Career
Ann started her acting career in February 1785. Her first big role was as Euphrasia in The Grecian Daughter at the Theatre-Royal, Bath. Later that year, on October 17, she performed in London at the Covent Garden theatre. She played Horatia in The Roman Father. Many people thought she was one of the best actresses, almost as good as the famous Sarah Siddons. A picture of her as Horatia was even in a magazine in July 1787.
Marriages and Moving to America
In 1791, Ann married Robert Merry, who was a poet and playwright. He was known by his pen-name "Della Crusca." After they married, Ann stopped acting for a short time and they moved to Paris. They returned to England in 1792.
Later, Ann decided to return to acting. She received an offer from Thomas Wignell, who managed the New Theatre in Philadelphia, USA. The offer was very good, so Ann and Robert moved to America.
They arrived in New York City on October 19, 1796. Ann began acting again at the Chestnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia on December 5, 1796. Her first role there was Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. From 1797 to 1808, she was a very successful actress in many large cities across the United States.
Robert Merry passed away in 1798. Ann returned to England for a short time in 1800. On January 1, 1803, Ann married Thomas Wignell. Sadly, he died just seven weeks later. Their daughter, Elizabeth Ann, was born in September of that year. From 1803 to 1805, Ann helped manage her late husband's theatre company. In 1806, she married William Warren.
Important Roles
Ann played many important characters during her career. Some of her famous roles included:
- Calista in The Fair Penitent
- Alica in Jane Shore
- Isabella in The Fatal Dowry
- Monominia in The Orphan
Ann Brunton Merry was the first very famous actress to move from England to America. She was known for being an excellent performer. Her sister, Louisa Brunton, also became a well-known actress in London later on.
Death
Ann Merry Wignell passed away in Alexandria, Virginia, on June 28, 1808. She was buried at Christ Church in Alexandria.
See Also
- Louisa Brunton
