Elizabeth Willis (actress) facts for kids
Elizabeth Willis (born around 1669, died in 1739) was a famous British actress who performed on stage. She was a well-known performer during a time when theatre was very popular.
Elizabeth started her acting career at the Drury Lane Theatre in 1696. This was a very important theatre in London. The next year, she joined Thomas Betterton's acting group at the Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre. For the rest of her career, Elizabeth often moved between these two main theatres. She also performed at the new Queen's Theatre in Haymarket. Sometimes, she even acted at fun summer fairs in London! Elizabeth's daughter, Mary Willis, also became an actress. They often performed together, with Elizabeth known as Mrs Willis and her daughter as Miss Willis.
Famous Roles Elizabeth Willis Played
Elizabeth Willis performed in many plays during her long career. Here are some of the important characters she brought to life on stage:
- Mrs Menage in The Younger Brother by Aphra Behn (1696)
- Mademoiselle in The Provoked Wife by John Vanbrugh (1697)
- Daubroy in The Intrigues at Versailles by Thomas d'Urfey (1697)
- Jenny in The Innocent Mistress by Mary Pix (1697)
- Doll in The Pretenders by Thomas Dilke (1698)
- Lady Pride in The Amorous Widow by Thomas Betterton (1699)
- Mrs Fidget in The Beau Defeated by Mary Pix (1700)
- Foible in The Way of the World by William Congreve (1700)
- Mrs Ruffly in The Ladies Visiting Day by William Burnaby (1701)
- Lady Courtall in The Different Widows by Mary Pix (1703)
- Mrs Security in The Gamester by Susanna Centlivre (1705)
- Mrs Amlet in The Confederacy by John Vanbrugh (1705)
- Mrs Dowdy in The Platonick Lady by Susanna Centlivre (1706)
- Governess in The Rival Fools by Colley Cibber (1709)
- Mrs Guiacum in The Modern Prophets by Thomas d'Urfey (1709)
- Old Woman in The City Ramble by Elkanah Settle (1711)
- Joan in The Cobbler of Preston by Charles Johnson (1716)
- Prue in Three Hours After Marriage by John Gay (1717)
- Housekeeper in The Younger Brother by Anonymous (1719)
- Abigal in The Impertinent Lovers by Francis Hawling (1723)
