John Edwin (1768–1805) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Edwin
Born	c. 1768
Died	1805 (aged 36–37) Dublin, Ireland
Resting place	St. Werburgh's Church, Dublin
Other names	John Edwin the younger
Occupation	Actor

John Edwin (born around 1768, died 1805) was an English actor. He performed on stage in the late 1700s and early 1800s.

Early Life and Acting Career

John Edwin was often called "John Edwin the younger." This was because his father, also named John Edwin, was a famous actor too.

In 1777, his father wrote a letter to a theater manager named George Colman the Elder. His father offered for his wife and young Jack (John Edwin) to perform. This shows John Edwin started acting very young.

John Edwin first acted on stage on July 30, 1778. He played a character named Hengo at London's Haymarket Theatre. This was in a play called Bonduca.

In his early years, John Edwin often performed with his father. They acted at the Haymarket Theatre or the Old Orchard Street Theatre in Bath, Somerset.

His first known role as an adult was Dick in a play called The Apprentice of Murphy. This performance happened on March 26, 1788. It was a special show to help his father, who was not well.

Friendship and Marriage

Later, John Edwin became friends with Richard Barry, 7th Earl of Barrymore. For several years, he acted in plays put on by the Earl. These shows took place in a theater the Earl built near his home in Wargrave, Berkshire.

In 1791, John Edwin married an actress named Elizabeth Rebecca Richards. Her father, William Talbot Richards, was also an actor.

Soon after they married, Edwin brought his wife to Wargrave. Her long stay there caused some disagreements. This was between his wife and Tate Wilkinson, who managed theaters in the York area.

On June 20, 1792, John and Elizabeth performed together. They were at the Haymarket Theatre in a play called The Virgin Unmasked. This play was based on An Old Man Taught Wisdom by Henry Fielding. John Edwin played Blister, and his wife played Lucy.

John Edwin traveled with his wife on most of her tours. In 1794, they went to Dublin and Doncaster. They continued to travel together for the rest of their marriage.

Later Years and Passing

John Edwin passed away in Dublin on February 22, 1805. A poem had been written about him, which some people say was by John Wilson Croker. This poem described Edwin in a way that deeply upset him.

His wife, Elizabeth Rebecca Edwin, placed a tombstone for him. It is in St. Werburgh's churchyard, Dublin. The tombstone says his death was due to his deep feelings.

The Dictionary of National Biography (1908) wrote about John Edwin. It said he was very well-known in Bath. Some people thought he was as good as, or even better than, his father. He was a great actor in smaller towns. The book also mentioned that if he had lived a more steady life, he might have become very famous.

Tate Wilkinson praised Edwin's acting in several roles. He said Edwin dressed his characters better than any other comic actor he had seen in York.

See also

• List of British actors
• List of English people