John Drew Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Drew Jr.
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| Born | November 13, 1853 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Died | July 9, 1927 (aged 73) San Francisco, California, U.S.
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| Spouse(s) | Josephine Baker |
| Children | Louise Drew |
| Parent(s) | John Drew Louisa Lane Drew |
| Relatives | Georgie Drew Barrymore(sister) |
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John Drew Jr. (born November 13, 1853, died July 9, 1927) was a famous American actor. People usually called him John Drew. He was well-known for acting in Shakespeare plays, serious dramas, and funny comedies.
John came from a family of actors. His parents were John Drew Sr. and Louisa Lane Drew. He had siblings named Louisa, Georgiana Drew, and Sidney Drew. He was also the uncle of famous actors John, Ethel, and Lionel Barrymore. Later, he became the great-great-uncle to Drew Barrymore.
Many people thought John Drew Jr. was the top "matinee idol" of his time. A matinee idol was a handsome actor who was very popular, especially with women. But unlike some, John Drew was also known for his amazing acting skills.
Life of a Star Actor
John Drew Jr. went to a good school in Philadelphia. However, he became interested in the theater at a young age. His very first acting role as a boy was "Plumper" in a play called Cool as a Cucumber. This play was performed at his family's Arch Street Theater.
John Drew worked for a long time with a theater manager named Charles Frohman. He also often acted with a leading actress named Maude Adams. During these years with Frohman, John Drew became a huge star. His first play with Charles Frohman was The Masked Ball. This was a comedy that came from a French play. The main goal of this show was to make John Drew a star, and it worked very well.
Before working with Frohman, John Drew was part of Augustin Daly's theater company in the 1880s. Daly was known for being a very strict and efficient manager. Working under Daly helped John Drew become known for being able to act in many different types of plays. He appeared in many plays that are not often performed today. His frequent co-star with Daly was Ada Rehan.
Later Years and Legacy
John Drew wrote a book about his life called My Years on the Stage. It was published in 1922. His last play on Broadway was The Circle. He starred in it with another famous actor from the past, Mrs. Leslie Carter. This play was very popular and helped both actors make a successful comeback. The Circle was even made into a silent film in 1925 by MGM. Frank Borzage directed the movie.
Other actors respected John Drew very much. He was chosen to be the lifetime president of The Players, a special club for theater people in New York City. People usually dropped the "Jr." from his name because his actor father had passed away long before.
John Drew Jr. died in San Francisco on July 9, 1927. His nephews, John and Lionel Barrymore, visited him shortly before he passed away. They were both taking a break from making movies on the West Coast. After he was cremated, his remains were taken to Philadelphia. He was buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery next to his wife.
John Drew and his wife, Josephine Baker, had one daughter named Louise Drew (1882–1954). Louise married a Broadway actor named Jack Devereaux. They had a son, who they named John Drew Devereaux.
See also
- Barrymore family
