John Fawcett (actor) facts for kids
John Fawcett (born August 29, 1768 – died March 13, 1837) was a famous English actor and playwright. He was well-known for his comedic roles on stage. He performed in many important theaters in London and other cities.
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Early Life and First Steps on Stage
John Fawcett was the son of another actor, also named John Fawcett. His father did not want him to become an actor. Instead, he sent young John to St Paul's School in London. After school, John started an apprenticeship with a linen draper. This was like an internship to learn a trade.
However, John loved the theater. When he was eighteen, he ran away from his apprenticeship. He joined a theater group led by Charles Mates in Margate. He first acted under the name "Foote." His first role was Courtall in a play called The Belle's Stratagem.
Finding Success in Comedy
After Margate, John Fawcett moved to Tunbridge Wells. There, he started using his own name. He was then recommended to Tate Wilkinson, who ran a theater company in York. John joined this company in 1787.
At first, people thought he would be good in serious plays. But he did not do as well in those roles. Instead, he became very successful in funny, or comedic, parts. He was a natural at making people laugh.
In 1788, he married an actress named Susan Moore. She had children from a previous relationship. One of her daughters, Rosamund Charles Mills, also became an actress.
A Star in London Theaters
In 1791, John Fawcett left the York theater group. He moved to London and began performing at Covent Garden. His first role there was Caleb in He Wou'd Be a Soldier. He quickly became a regular performer in London. From 1794, he also acted at the Haymarket.
Working with Famous Playwrights
At the Haymarket Theatre, the manager was George Colman. Colman was also a playwright. He liked John Fawcett's acting so much that he wrote special roles just for him. In 1799, Colman made Fawcett the stage manager. This meant Fawcett helped run the shows behind the scenes.
John Fawcett also performed in other cities during his time off. He acted in places like Ashburne, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and Richmond.
Later Career and Retirement
Sadly, John's first wife, Susan, passed away in 1797. In 1806, he married another actress named Anne Gaudry.
Around 1818, he became the stage manager at Covent Garden. He continued in this important role for many years. After the 1828 theater season, he left this position. Soon after, he decided to retire from acting completely. His last performance was in 1830.
Life After Acting
John Fawcett retired to a place called Botley in Hampshire. He became involved in his local community. He helped lead a project to build a new church there. When he passed away on March 13, 1837, he was the first person to be buried in that new church.
He had several children with his second wife, Anne. These included John Turner Colman Fawcett and Robert Henry Harris Fawcett.
Memorable Roles and Legacy
As John Fawcett's career grew, he became very good at playing many different kinds of characters. He is especially remembered for two funny roles. One was Dr. Pangloss in the play The Heir at Law (1797). The other was Dr. Ollapod in The Poor Gentleman (1801).
Besides acting, John Fawcett also wrote several pantomimes. These were popular musical plays, often based on fairy tales.
Images for kids
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Fawcett (right) with John Quick in The Way to Get Married.
