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Jane Pope
Jane Pope by James Roberts 1778.jpg
by James Roberts in 1778
Born 1744
Died 30 July 1818
Nationality British
Occupation Actor

Jane Pope (born 1744 – died 30 July 1818) was a famous English actress. She was known for her amazing performances on stage during the 18th century.

Discovering Jane Pope: A Star of the Stage

Jane Pope was born in London in 1744. Her father, William Pope, was a wig-maker for the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. This was a very important theatre in London. Jane grew up around the exciting world of plays and actors.

Her Early Life and Theatre Beginnings

Jane and her brother started acting when they were very young. In 1756, they were child extras in a play for the famous actor and theatre manager, David Garrick. Jane quickly became good at playing soubrette roles. These are lively, charming young female characters.

Jane once had a disagreement with Garrick about her pay. She wanted ten pounds a week, but he offered eight. She left his company for a short time. However, she soon returned when he offered her the eight pounds again.

Becoming a Popular Actress

Jane Pope became a very well-known actress. One of her most famous roles was Mrs Candour in the play The School for Scandal. She performed this role when the play first opened in 1777.

There is a painting of Jane Pope by James Roberts. It shows her playing Mrs Page in the play Merry Wives of Windsor. She performed as Mrs Page many times at Drury Lane in 1778.

A Lasting Legacy

Jane Pope was a close friend of another famous actress, Mrs Clive. Jane even paid for a monument to remember Mrs Clive in Twickenham.

Jane retired from acting on 26 May 1808. She had a special farewell performance at Drury Lane theatre. People loved her acting. Critics of her time praised her as an excellent actress.

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