Anne Bracegirdle facts for kids

Anne Bracegirdle, a famous English actress.

Anne Bracegirdle (born around 1671, died 12 September 1748) was a very famous English actress from the 1600s and early 1700s. She was known for her talent and became a favorite with audiences.

About Anne Bracegirdle

Anne Bracegirdle was born in Northamptonshire, England. She was likely born around 1671, though some records suggest a slightly different year. From a young age, she was probably raised by two well-known actors, Thomas Betterton and Mary Betterton.

Many people believe she was the "little girl" mentioned in play advertisements before 1688. This was for a theater group called the Duke's Company, where Thomas Betterton was a big star. Because of this, it's thought she started acting very early in her life.

Her Acting Career Begins

Anne Bracegirdle's name first appeared in official theater records in 1688. By then, the Duke's Company had joined with another group to form the United Company. We know some of her early roles from old lists of play casts.

In 1689, she played Semernia in a play called The Widow Ranter. This was a "breeches role," meaning she dressed as a man. She often played these types of parts. By 1690, she was taking on big roles like Lady Anne in Shakespeare's Richard III and Desdemona in Othello.

She also performed in many of the main female roles in plays written by William Congreve. Soon, Anne became one of the most important actors in her company. Audiences loved her, which is why she often spoke the prologue (introduction) and epilogue (conclusion) of plays.

In 1705, she acted in a play called Ulysses, a tragedy written by Nicholas Rowe.

Leaving the Stage

After 1705, another talented actress named Anne Oldfield became very popular. Audiences started to prefer Anne Oldfield. Because of this, Anne Bracegirdle decided to stop acting. She only returned to the stage once, in 1709, for a special show to help Thomas Betterton.

A Famous Story

A writer named Colley Cibber, who was also an actor, greatly admired Anne Bracegirdle. He once said his biggest dream was to act as a "Lover with Mrs. Bracegirdle."

In 1692, a dramatic event happened involving Anne. Two men, Captain Richard Hill and the actor William Mountfort, were both interested in her. Captain Hill, feeling jealous, tried to take Anne away with the help of Lord Mohun and his friends. During this event, William Mountfort, who was thought to be Anne's boyfriend, was sadly killed in the street.

Captain Hill escaped, but Lord Mohun was put on trial and found not guilty. Both men later died in violent ways years later. People said that all the attention from this event actually helped Anne's acting career. Even in 1702, she was still called the "celebrated virgin."

Anne Bracegirdle asked to be buried in Westminster Abbey, a very famous and important church in London, and her wish was granted.

Selected Roles

See also

In Spanish: Anne Bracegirdle para niños