Elizabeth Fitzhenry facts for kids

Elizabeth Fitzhenry (died around 1790), whose first name was Elizabeth Flannigan, was a famous Irish actress. She was known for her strong performances on stage in the 1700s.

Her Life Story

Elizabeth Flannigan grew up in Dublin, Ireland. Her father owned a tavern called the Ferry Boat. She married a man named Captain Gregory, who was a lodger (someone renting a room) in her father's house. Captain Gregory was a ship commander who traveled between Dublin and Bordeaux.

Sadly, Captain Gregory drowned, and soon after, her father also passed away. In 1753, Elizabeth moved to London. She started acting and was first known as Mrs. Gregory. Later, she married Edward Fitzhenry, an Irish lawyer, and began using the name Mrs. Fitzhenry. They had two children. Edward worked as a lawyer in London at a place called the Inner Temple. He died in 1772.

Around 1774, Mrs. Fitzhenry decided to stop acting to spend more time with her children. Some people believe she might have returned to the stage for a short time around 1782-1783. She was very successful in her old roles during this period. She then retired for good. It is thought she died in Bath, Somerset in 1790. However, some people, like John Genest, a writer from Bath, thought there might be a mix-up with another actress named Mrs. Fitzmaurice, who also died in Bath around the same time. The 'European Magazine' reported in late 1790 that Mrs. Fitzhenry, "a celebrated actress," had recently died in Ireland.

Her Acting Career

Elizabeth Fitzhenry had a successful career on stage, performing in many popular plays of her time.

Early Performances as Mrs. Gregory

She started her acting journey in London at the Covent Garden Theatre.

• January 10, 1754: Her very first stage appearance was as Hermione in 'Distressed Mother'.
• March 23, 1754: She played Alicia in 'Jane Shore'.

She then moved to Dublin and performed at the Smock Alley Theatre. She was paid well, starting at 300 pounds and soon earning 400 pounds!

• January 1755: She played Hermione again.
• March 14, 1755: She acted as Zara in the Mourning Bride.
• February 2, 1756: She took on the role of Zaphira in Barbarossa.
• She also played Volumnia in 'Coriolanus'.

Mrs. Gregory returned to the Covent Garden Theatre in London.

• January 5, 1757: She performed as Hermione once more.
• She played Calista in 'The Fair Penitent'.
• She famously played Lady Macbeth in 'Macbeth' for a special "benefit performance," which meant part of the money from ticket sales went to her.

Later Roles as Mrs. Fitzhenry

After her second marriage, she continued her successful career as Mrs. Fitzhenry.

In Dublin:

• October 1757: She played Calista in 'The Fair Penitent' at the Smock Alley Theatre.
• 1759–1764: During these years, she played many important characters, including Isabella in 'Measure for Measure', Emilia in 'Othello', Cleopatra in 'All For Love', the Queen in 'Hamlet', Madane in 'Orphan of China', and Queen Katharine.

In London:

• October 15, 1765: She performed as Calista in 'The Fair Penitent' at the Drury Lane Theatre.
• April 9, 1766: She played Roxanna in 'Rival Queens'.

Her last known performance was back in Dublin at the Smock Alley Theatre.

• 1773-1774: She played Mrs. Belleville in 'The School for Wives'.