Eva Marie Veigel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eva Marie Veigel
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picture by Catherine Reid, engraved by W. P. Sherlock, 1802
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| Born | 29 February 1724 |
| Died | 16 October 1822 (aged 98) |
| Spouse(s) | David Garrick |
Eva Marie Veigel (born 29 February 1724, died 16 October 1822) was a famous dancer. She was also known as Eva Maria Violette. She later became the wife of the well-known actor David Garrick.
Early Life and Dance Career
Eva Marie Veigel was born in Vienna, a city in Austria. She became a very popular dancer. People knew her by her stage name, Violette or Violetti. It is said that Empress Maria Theresa gave her this nickname. The name came from the word "violet," which is related to her last name, Veigel.
Some people believed Eva Marie was the daughter of a respected businessman. However, Eva Marie and her husband often said she came from a noble family. Some thought her father might have been a count or an earl. One story says an earl gave her a large sum of money when she got married. She also had a brother, Ferdinand Charles, who was a ballet dancer.
A French book about her life said she was one of the most beautiful women in Europe. In 1746, she moved to London, England. She spoke very little English when she arrived. There was a rumor that the Empress sent her away because the Emperor liked her too much. However, most people think this story is not true.
Marriage to David Garrick
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Eva Marie Veigel married David Garrick on 22 June 1749. Because she was Catholic and he was Protestant, they had two wedding ceremonies. It is said that Eva Marie first fell in love with Garrick after watching him perform. Their careers in entertainment soon brought them together.
David Garrick quickly fell in love with her too. However, Eva Marie had a rich supporter named Dorothy Boyle. She was the Countess of Burlington. The Countess did not want Eva Marie to marry Garrick. This was because Eva Marie had danced for kings and queens in Europe. Garrick, as an actor, was seen as not good enough for her.
The Countess reportedly asked Garrick to use his acting skills to make Eva Marie fall out of love with him. He tried, but it did not work. The Countess was so impressed by his effort that she changed her mind. She then decided that Eva Marie should marry him. This story might have inspired plays like David Garrick.
Everyone agreed that Eva Marie and David Garrick had a very happy marriage. They did not have any children. When she got married, Eva Marie stopped dancing. Garrick became very wealthy. He bought a beautiful home for them in Hampton in 1754. They called it Garrick's Villa.
Eva Marie lived much longer than her husband. She outlived him by 43 years. At the time of her death, she was living in Adelphi Terrace in London. She was buried next to her husband in Westminster Abbey. She was believed to be 98 or 99 years old when she passed away.
