John Henry (actor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Henry
|
|
|---|---|
Henry in role of Ephraim Smooth in Wild Oats, engraving by C. Tiebout
|
|
| Born | 1738 |
| Died | October 16, 1794 At sea
|
| Occupation | Stage actor; manager |
| Spouse(s) | Jane Storer (-1767); Maria Storer (at least by 1788-1794) |
John Henry (1738-1794) was an actor and theatre manager from Ireland. He became famous for his work in early American theatre. He helped bring plays to audiences in the United States during an important time in its history.
John Henry's Acting Career
Henry was born in Dublin, Ireland. He started acting there and in London, England. Around 1762, he traveled to Jamaica with the Storer family.
His first performance in New York was on December 7, 1767. This was at the opening of the John Street Theatre. He played the part of Aimwell in a play called The Beaux' Stratagem. People say he was the first to play Peter Teazle in The School for Scandal in America.
After the American Revolution, Henry spent more time in England and Jamaica. He then returned to America. He worked with Lewis Hallam Jr. to manage the American Company. This was a very important theatre group.
Henry left the company in 1794. He had disagreements with another actor, John Hodgkinson. Henry had brought Hodgkinson and his wife, actress Frances Brett Hogkinson, to the United States in 1792.
A writer named William Dunlap described Henry as being very tall. He also said Henry was "uncommonly handsome." Henry died at sea on October 16, 1794. He became ill, possibly from a condition called gout.
John Henry's Family Life
John Henry's personal life was sometimes talked about. He often rode in his own private coach. This was unusual for actors at the time. He said he needed it because of his gout, which is a painful joint condition.
Henry had a family that faced a great tragedy. His first wife, Jane, and their two young children died at sea. This happened during a ship fire in 1767 near Newport, Rhode Island. Henry and Jane's younger sister, Ann, survived the fire.
Later, Henry married Maria, who was another sister of Jane. Sadly, Maria passed away not long after Henry died.
Selected Performances
- The Roman Father, October 1767, as Publius Horatius (his first performance in continental America)
- The School for Scandal as Peter Teazle
- The Beaux' Stratagem as Aimwell, December 1767 (his first performance in New York)
- School for Soldiers; or, the Deserters (a play written by Henry in 1781)
- The Father (1789)
