Giles Leonard Barrett facts for kids
Giles Linnett Barrett (born around 1744, died November 18, 1809) was a talented English actor. He moved to the United States in the 1790s and became very popular, especially in Boston.
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Early Life and Career in England
Giles Linnett Barrett started his acting career in England. In the 1780s, he was the manager of the Theatre Royal, Norwich in Norwich. This was a big responsibility, as he was in charge of all the plays and performances there. He may have also managed the Theatre Royal, Exeter at some point.
Acting in America
Barrett made his first appearance in America in Boston on December 28, 1796. He played the part of Ranger in a play called The Suspicious Husband. This play was written in 1747 by Benjamin Hoadly.
He then performed in New York City in August 1797. His first role there was Don Felix in The Wonder, a play from 1714 by Susanna Centlivre.
Around 1798, Barrett became the manager of the Federal Street Theatre in Boston. Sadly, this theater was destroyed by a fire in February 1798. He briefly managed the theater again in 1799 after it was rebuilt. However, that acting season was not very successful.
A Letter to the President
In late 1798, Barrett wrote a letter to the U.S. President, John Adams. Barrett hoped President Adams remembered seeing him act. He had played the role of General Warren in a play called Bunker-Hill. This play was written in 1797 by John Daly Burk.
When President Adams saw the play in New York, he was asked what he thought. Adams replied, "My friend, General Warren was a scholar and a gentleman, but your author has made him a bully and a blackguard." This comment was likely about the play itself, not about Barrett's acting.
Barrett also mentioned in his letter that he had to use his skills in "the Science of defence" to support his family. This means he was a very good fencer, which is a sport using swords.
Later Life and Family
Giles Linnett Barrett passed away in Boston on November 18, 1809, at the age of 65. His wife, who was also an actor, died in Boston in 1832. Their son, George Barrett, also became an actor, continuing the family's tradition in theater.
