John Harper (actor) facts for kids
John Harper (died 1742) was a famous English actor. He was best known for playing funny characters on stage. People loved his performances, especially when he made them laugh!
Contents
Life as an Actor
Early Career and Famous Stages
John Harper started his acting career at popular outdoor events like Bartholomew Fair and Southwark Fair. These were big festivals where people gathered to watch shows, listen to music, and have fun. In 1719, he had a special show at William Bullock's booth. He performed in a play, sang songs, danced, and even did a funny act where he pretended to be a drunken character.
Later that year, Harper joined the Lincoln's Inn Fields theatre. He played a character named Montmorency in a new play called Henry IV of France. He stayed at this theatre for about two years.
Success at Drury Lane
In 1721, John Harper moved to the famous Drury Lane theatre. He became a very popular actor there, especially known for his comedic roles. For many years, he was the main actor to play Falstaff, a well-known funny character from William Shakespeare's plays. People enjoyed his Falstaff more than other actors who played the same role! He also played the king in King Henry VIII and other important parts.
A Challenge for Actors
In 1733, John Harper was part of a group of actors who left Drury Lane theatre because of a disagreement. The owner of the theatre, John Highmore, tried to stop them from acting. He used an old law to say that Harper was a "vagabond," which meant someone without a home or job.
On November 12, 1733, Harper was briefly held in a place called Bridewell. However, just a few days later, he appeared before a judge named Lord Hardwicke. His friends and supporters explained that Harper paid his bills, was respected by important people, owned land, and had a home. The judge agreed, and Harper was set free! The crowd cheered loudly when he was released.
Later Years and Legacy
John Harper continued to act at Drury Lane. In 1738, he performed in one of his favorite roles, Cacafogo, in a play called Rule a Wife and have a Wife. Soon after, he became ill and passed away on January 1, 1742. John Harper is remembered as a talented actor who brought laughter to many audiences with his funny performances.
Notable Roles
John Harper played many different characters during his career. Here are some of his most well-known roles:
- Grogram in Kensington Gardens (1719)
- Montmorency in Henry IV of France (1719)
- Loadham in The Half-Pay Officers (1720)
- Sir Roland Heartfree in Whig and Tory (1720)
- Old Hob in Hob's Wedding (1720)
- Tally in The Artifice (1722)
- Shamble in A Wife to be Lett (1723)
- Blunt in The Impertinent Lovers (1723)
- Sir Oliver Bruin in The Rival Modes (1727)
- Sir Positive Trap in Love in Several Masques (1728)
- Aegon in Love in a Riddle (1729)
- Sir Nicholas Wiseacre in The Village Opera (1729)
- Crispin in Bayes's Opera (1730)
- Hobson in The Devil to Pay (1732)
- Sir Lubbardly Block in The Modish Couple (1732)
- Constable in Caelia (1732)
- Ticket Renter in The Lottery (1732)
- Woodall in The Modern Husband (1732)
- Galleypot in The Mother-in-Law (1734)
- Colonel Raffler in The Universal Gallant (1735)
- Sir Humphrey Henpeck in The Man of Taste (1735)
- Porco in The Universal Passion (1737)
- Booswell in The Coffee House (1738)
