James William Dodd facts for kids
James William Dodd (around 1740–1796) was an English actor who worked with the famous David Garrick. He was known for playing funny and sometimes silly characters on stage.
Early Acting Days
James William Dodd was born in London around 1740. Some say his father was a hairdresser. He went to grammar school in Holborn. He was very good in a school play called Andria by Terence. This made him want to become an actor.
When he was about 16, Dodd acted in Sheffield. He played Roderigo in William Shakespeare's play Othello. In 1763, he met another actor, Tate Wilkinson, in Norwich. Tate Wilkinson said Dodd was popular because he could act well in both funny (comedy) and serious (tragedy) plays. After that, he got a job acting in Bath, Somerset. This helped him get to London, which was a big step for his career.
Life at Drury Lane Theatre
A playwright named John Hoadly saw Dodd in a play called The Jealous Wife. He told David Garrick about him. Garrick and James Lacy decided to hire Dodd for the famous Drury Lane Theatre.
Dodd's first show at Drury Lane was on October 3, 1765. He played Faddle in Edward Moore's comedy, The Foundling. He stayed at Drury Lane for 31 years!
During his time there, he often played characters who were fashionable but a bit silly, like a 'dandy' or a 'fop'. People thought he was as good at these roles as the famous actor Colley Cibber. He also acted in simpler comedies and sometimes sang. For special benefit shows, he even took on serious roles, like Richard III.
Some of the characters Dodd was the first to play include:
- Sir Benjamin Backbite in The School for Scandal
- Dangle in The Critic
- Lord Foppington in A Trip to Scarborough
- Adam Winterton in The Iron Chest
The Iron Chest was not a successful play. The writer, George Colman the Younger, blamed another actor, John Philip Kemble. However, the audience booed Dodd because his part was long and boring.
Later Years and Legacy
Dodd stopped acting after the 1795–96 season. His very last performance was on June 13, 1796. He played Kecksey in Garrick's play, The Irish Widow. He passed away in September of that year.
When Dodd died, he left a large collection of books, especially about plays. These books were sold at an auction by Sotheby's over nine days and brought in a lot of money. He also collected weapons from the Native American Indians.
Family Life
Dodd's wife, Martha Dodd, was also an actress. She performed with him in The Beggar's Opera, playing Polly to his Macheath. She also worked at Drury Lane Theatre. On January 29, 1766, she played Lady Lurewell in The Constant Couple. She died in October 1769.
Dodd had a son named James (who died in 1820). His son became a clergyman and worked as an usher (a type of teacher's assistant) at Westminster School.
