Benjamin Griffin (actor) facts for kids

Benjamin Griffin (1680–1740) was a talented English actor and playwright who lived a long time ago. He was known for making audiences laugh with his unique acting style. Benjamin was the son of Reverend Benjamin Griffin, who was a church leader in Norfolk. His father also served as a chaplain to the Earl of Yarmouth.

Early Life and First Steps

Benjamin Griffin was born in Yarmouth in 1680. He went to school in North Walsham. Later, he became an apprentice to a glazier (someone who works with glass) in Norwich.

In 1712, Benjamin decided to follow his passion for acting. He joined a "strolling company," which was a group of actors who traveled around performing plays. By 1714, he was performing in London at the newly rebuilt theatre in Lincoln's Inn Fields. This was a big step for his career!

Becoming a Star Actor

Benjamin Griffin's first recorded performance was on February 16, 1715. He played a character named Sterling in a play called The Perplexed Couple. He quickly became known for playing funny, sometimes grumpy, old men.

He stayed at the Lincoln's Inn Fields theatre until 1721. During this time, he played many roles, including characters in his own plays like Sir Arthur Addlepate in Love in a Sack. He also performed in famous plays by other writers, such as the Jew in Jew of Venice (a version of Shakespeare's play) and Sir Hugh Evans.

Moving to Drury Lane

Benjamin was so good at playing these older, eccentric characters that another big theatre, Drury Lane, hired him. They wanted to avoid competing with his talent! He joined Drury Lane in September 1721 and stayed there for the rest of his career, until he passed away in 1740.

One of his most important roles at Drury Lane was Lovegold in The Miser by Henry Fielding. He also played Day in The Committee shortly before his death.

Plays Written by Benjamin Griffin

Besides being a great actor, Benjamin Griffin was also a playwright. He wrote several plays, mostly comedies and farces (funny plays that make people laugh).

Here are some of his known works:

• Injured Virtue (a tragedy, 1715)
• Love in a Sack (a farce, 1715)
• Humours of Purgatory (a farce, 1716)
• Masquerade (a farce, 1717)
• Whig and Tory (a comedy, 1720)

His play Whig and Tory was quite clever because it talked about political topics in a smart way. He also helped write a guide called A Complete Key to The What D'Ye Call It of Gay in 1715.

What People Thought of Him

People really liked Benjamin Griffin. The Gentleman's Magazine wrote in March 1740 that he was a "worthy man and an excellent actor." He passed away on February 18, 1740.

A theatre historian named Victor said that Benjamin was "excellent in some characters." He was especially good as Sir Hugh Evans and Sir Paul Pliant. Victor mentioned that Benjamin's "silly important look always excited laughter." People just couldn't help but laugh when they saw him!

Victor also said that Benjamin was a "sensible, sober man, and well respected." When he died, he left good things for his sister and her children. He also left behind something even more special: "a good character." This means he was known as a kind and honorable person.

A painting was made of Benjamin Griffin and another actor, Ben Johnson, playing characters in a play called The Alchemist. This painting showed how much they looked like their characters.