Julia Glover facts for kids

Portrait of Julia Glover as Roxalana

Julia Betterton Glover (born January 8, 1779 – died July 16, 1850) was a famous stage actress from Ireland. She was very well known for her funny and lively roles in plays during the late 1700s and early 1800s.

Julia Glover's Acting Career

Early Life and Stage Debut

Julia Glover was born Julianna Butterton in 1779 or 1781 in Newry, Ireland. Her father, William Butterton, managed a theater in Newry. He decided to change her stage name to "Betterton." This was to suggest a connection to a famous actor named Thomas Betterton, hoping it would help her career. From a young age, Julia traveled with her family and performed in many theaters. She quickly became known as a very talented child actor. People admired her performances in places like York and Bath.

At just nine years old, Julia made her first stage appearance in Scotland in 1790. By the age of 16, in 1797, she made her exciting debut on the London stage.

Rising Star in Comedy

As a child, Julia toured with her father and started taking small roles in plays. In 1787, she joined a theater group called the York Circuit. She performed in famous plays like The Orphan and Richard III. She even played the main character in the play Tom Thumb. By 1795, Julia was performing in Bath. She took on many important roles, including Juliet and Lady Macbeth. She became especially famous for her funny performance as Lydia Languish. Her talent was noticed, and she received many offers to perform in London. Her father managed her career, and she made her London debut in 1797.

Early in her career, Julia often competed for serious roles. However, she soon found her true talent in comic parts. She became known for making audiences laugh with her brilliant acting.

Family and Later Performances

In 1800, Julia married Samuel Glover. They had several children together, and some of them also became involved in theater. Her daughter Phyllis even played Juliet alongside Julia, who played the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet in 1822. Julia was a versatile actress, even playing the famous role of Hamlet in 1820, which critics praised.

Two of her sons, Edmund Glover and William Howard Glover, also became involved in theater. Julia continued to perform in many successful plays throughout her life.

A Farewell to the Stage

In 1850, Julia Glover decided to retire from acting. She gave her final performance on July 12, 1850, at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. She played Mrs. Malaprop in the play The Rivals. Julia was very unwell during this performance. She was too weak to stand and receive the audience's applause. Instead, the curtain rose to show her sitting, surrounded by her fellow actors. Julia Glover passed away just a few days later, on July 16, 1850.

Notable Roles and Legacy

Julia Glover performed in many plays throughout her long career. She was known for her ability to bring characters to life, especially in funny roles. Here are a few examples of the plays she appeared in:

• Emily Fitzallan in False Impressions (1797)
• Lady Jane in He's Much to Blame (1798)
• Lady Susan Courtley in To Marry or Not to Marry (1805)
• Mrs Glenroy in Town and Country (1807)
• Mrs. Malaprop in The Rivals (1850) - her final role.