John Quick (actor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Quick
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Quick by Thomas Lawranson
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| Born | 1748 Whitechapel, London, England
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| Died | 4 April 1831 |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Comedian, actor |
| Years active | 1760-1813 |
| Known for | Acting in Shakespearean and contemporary comedies |
| Spouse(s) | Miss Ann Parker (1752–?) |
| Children | William Quick (1786–?) and Mary Ann Davenport |
John Quick (born 1748 – died 4 April 1831) was a very popular British actor. He was known for playing funny characters in plays, especially during the 1700s and early 1800s. People loved his performances in both classic plays by Shakespeare and newer comedies.
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Who Was John Quick?
John Quick was a famous British actor. He was born in 1748 in Whitechapel, London. He became well-known for his amazing acting in funny roles. He performed on stage for over 50 years!
Starting His Acting Journey
John Quick's father was a brewer. When John was just 13 years old, he left home to follow his dream. He joined a theater group led by Oliver Carr in Fulham. His very first role was Altamont in a play called Fair Penitent. He earned three shillings for this part.
For several years, John traveled around Kent and Surrey. He played serious, tragic characters like Romeo and Hamlet. In 1766, he joined the Haymarket Theatre in London. There, he worked with other famous actors of the time.
Becoming a Star Actor
John Quick soon moved to the Covent Garden theatre. This was a very important theater in London. On November 7, 1767, he played his first original role there. He was the Postboy in Oxonian in Town. He also played the Postboy in Oliver Goldsmith's Good-natured Man.
At first, John Quick often played funny, simple characters. These included clowns, country people, or silly servants. He was Peter in Romeo and Juliet and the First Gravedigger in Hamlet. He also played the clown in the pantomime Mother Shipton.
On March 14, 1773, John Quick had a huge success! He played Tony Lumpkin in Oliver Goldsmith's famous play She Stoops to Conquer. Another actor had turned down the role, but John made it his own. This performance made him a star.
Quick's Famous Roles
After his success as Tony Lumpkin, John Quick became very popular. He played many more important comic roles. On January 17, 1775, he was the first Bob Acres in The Rivals. This was another very famous play.
John Quick was so good that even King George III loved his acting! He was known for being quite small. One writer called him "the smart tiny Quick."
In 1790, John Quick tried something different. He played the serious role of Richard III. But the audience found it so funny that they couldn't stop laughing! He went back to his usual comic roles after that.
He created many new characters in plays. For example, he was Cockletop in Modern Antiques and Sir George Thunder in Wild Oats. He was also the first Silky in Road to Ruin in 1792.
Later Years and Legacy
John Quick continued to act for many years. He toured different towns like Edinburgh and Liverpool. He even performed for the King in Weymouth.
By the late 1790s, his health started to decline. He left his long-time job at Covent Garden. He still made occasional appearances on stage. His last known performance was in 1813.
John Quick was very smart with his money. He saved £10,000 from his acting career. This was a lot of money back then! He lived comfortably on the interest from his savings. He spent his later years in Islington, London.
John Quick passed away on April 4, 1831. He was buried in Lower Holloway. He is remembered as one of the most important comic actors of his time.
