John Lee (British actor) facts for kids

John Lee (1725–1781) was an English actor and a manager of plays. He was known for his strong personality and his often difficult relationships with other theatre leaders, especially David Garrick.

Early Acting Career

John Lee began his acting journey in London in 1745. His first known role was Sir Charles Freeman in a play called The Beaux' Stratagem.

In 1747, he joined the famous Drury Lane theatre. There, he worked under the well-known actor and manager, David Garrick. John Lee played characters like Edmund in King Lear.

Lee didn't stay with Garrick for long. In 1749, he moved to Covent Garden theatre. He took on roles such as Ranger in The Suspicious Husband.

Returning to Drury Lane

However, David Garrick made Lee return to Drury Lane in 1750. Lee played George Barnwell in The London Merchant. He stayed at Drury Lane for two seasons. During this time, he often played smaller roles. Sometimes, for his special "benefit" performances, he got to play bigger parts. These included Hamlet and Lear.

In 1751, he was the first actor to play the Earl of Devon. This was in a play called Alfred by David Mallet.

Lee as a Theatre Manager

John Lee was a very proud and often argumentative person. He didn't like working for Garrick, who seemed to enjoy keeping Lee in the background. Lee always felt he was just as good as Garrick.

Managing in Edinburgh

Because of this, Lee decided to leave London in 1752. He went to Edinburgh to buy and manage the Canongate Concert Hall. With help from Lord Elibank and other supporters, he got the theatre easily.

Lee turned out to be a good manager. He improved many things and helped make the Edinburgh stage more respected. He stopped people from sitting on the stage. He also made sure gentlemen were not allowed backstage. He also improved the theatre's decorations and scenery.

In December 1752, Romeo and Juliet was performed. Some believe Lee used his own version of the play.

Challenges as a Manager

During the summer, Lee traveled with his acting company. He said he lost a lot of money. He couldn't pay the theatre's purchase money. Lord Elibank and his friends helped him by lending money. But Lee had to give them control of the theatre.

Later, in February, Lee had a disagreement with the people who lent him money. The theatre was taken over by his creditors. They had already hired West Digges to be the new manager. Lee was put in prison, and his furniture was sold. He left Edinburgh and went to Dublin. There, he worked for Thomas Sheridan.

Later Career

After his time in Edinburgh, Lee returned to Drury Lane theatre. He swallowed his pride and worked for Garrick again. He played Pierre in Venice Preserv'd.

In 1766, he tried to get the license to manage the Edinburgh Theatre again, but he didn't succeed. In 1769, he was acting in Bath.

In 1775, John Lee appeared in the first performance of The Rivals. This play was written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Lee played Sir Lucius O'Trigger. However, his performance was not well-liked. People said he made the character "ridiculous." Sheridan quickly rewrote the play. Laurence Clinch replaced Lee in the role a few days later.

From 1778 to 1779, Lee managed the theatre in Bath. By 1780, he was too ill to act. He passed away in 1781.

Family Life

John Lee's wife died early in their marriage. They had five daughters. Two of his daughters became famous writers: Harriet Lee and Sophia Lee. His only son, George Augustus Lee (1761–1826), became a partner in a well-known cotton-spinning company.