James Fennell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Fennell
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| Born | 11 December 1766 London
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| Died | 14 June 1816 (aged 49) |
| Years active | 1787–1815 |
| Spouse(s) | Miss H. B. Porter |
James Fennell (born 1766, died 1816) was a famous English actor and writer of plays. He had an interesting life, traveling between England and America to perform on stage. He was known for his good looks and powerful acting.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Fennell was born on December 11, 1766, in London, England. His father worked for the navy's money department. James went to school at Bow and then to the famous Eton College.
After a trip to France, he studied at Trinity College, Cambridge university. He spent a lot of money there. He first thought about becoming a priest, but then decided to study law at Lincoln's Inn.
Starting a Stage Career
Because of money problems, James decided to become an actor. In June 1787, he went to Edinburgh, Scotland. The manager of the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh, named Jackson, hired him.
James first appeared on stage as Othello, a famous character. He used the stage name Cambray. He performed six times in Edinburgh and was quite successful. He then agreed to act there for the next season.
Acting in London
After his success in Edinburgh, James returned to London. He performed at the Covent Garden Theatre on October 12, 1787. He played Othello again and acted in other plays. The theater manager wanted to hire him full-time.
However, James had promised to return to Edinburgh. He went back for the 1788 season. He worked very hard and was dedicated to his acting.
A Theater Dispute
In Edinburgh, James was supposed to play Jaffier in a play called Venice Preserv'd. Another actor, Woods, was cast as Pierre. A disagreement about switching roles caused a big stir in the theater.
Many lawyers in Edinburgh took sides against James. They even sent a letter to the theater manager. James started a lawsuit against them, but they eventually settled the issue. He received some money, and they agreed to buy tickets for his next show. They also invited him to perform again. He appeared as Othello one more time before leaving Edinburgh for London.
He also performed in York, England, where he was well-received.
Moving to America
In 1793, James Fennell received an offer from Wignell, the manager of the Philadelphia Theatre in America. He decided to move across the Atlantic.
Between 1797 and 1806, he acted in many theaters. He performed in New York, Boston, and other cities. He also gave readings and recitations at College Hall in Philadelphia. For a while, he even ran a school in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Other Ventures
In 1814, James tried a new business. He started salt-works near New London, Connecticut. Sometimes, he even did manual labor himself. He also tried to open a school in Philadelphia. He wanted it to be like famous English schools such as Eton or Westminster.
William Dunlap, a writer of theater history, described James Fennell as a very handsome man. He was over six feet tall with light hair and eyes.
Later Life and Death
By 1815, James Fennell's health was failing. He tried to perform as King Lear at the Chestnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. However, his memory was not good, and he struggled with his lines.
He passed away on June 14, 1816. Even with his challenges, James made many friends wherever he went. In Edinburgh, he was friends with famous writers like Home and Henry Mackenzie.
His Writings
James Fennell was not just an actor; he was also a writer. He is believed to have edited a weekly newspaper called The Theatrical Guardian in London in 1791.
While in Richmond, he wrote a comedy play called Linda and Clara, or the British Officer. It was published in London in 1791.
After a trip to Paris in 1791, he wrote a book called A Review of the Proceedings at Paris during the last Summer. He also mentioned a play he wrote called 'Picture of Paris,' but no copies of it have been found.
He wrote some poems and an autobiography called 'Apology' for his life. In this book, he talked about his struggles and dedicated it to his wife and family. He also claimed to have helped the famous African traveler, James Bruce, with his book Travels.
Images for kids
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James Fennell, a talented actor.
