Mary Ann Costello facts for kids

Mary Ann Costello (born in 1747 – died on March 10, 1827) was an actress from Ireland. She is best known as the mother of George Canning, who later became the Prime Minister of Britain.

Early Life and Family

Mary Ann Costello was born in Ireland in 1747. Her father was Jordan Costello, a squire from Connacht. Sadly, she became an orphan when she was young. She then moved to London and was raised by her grandfather, Colonel Guydickens.

In 1768, Mary Ann married George Canning. They had a daughter, Letitia, who passed away a few months after birth. Their second child, George Canning, was born on April 22, 1770.

Becoming an Actress

By 1771, Mary Ann Costello became a widow and was facing financial difficulties. To support her young son, George, she decided to become an actress. Her first performance was in a play called Jane Shore in November 1773 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. However, this performance was not very successful.

Because of this, Mary Ann had to work in smaller theatres in the western and northern parts of England. During this time, her eldest son, George, went to live with his uncle, Stratford Canning, to be cared for. Mary Ann did not see him for eight years.

Later Life and Challenges

Mary Ann Costello continued her acting career. She later married Richard Hunn in February 1783. She also had other children. Her acting career sometimes caused problems, especially as her son George grew up. People worried that her profession might affect his reputation.

In June 1791, George Canning, who was starting his political career, sent his mother money. He also warned her that her acting could harm his future in politics. Mary Ann Costello eventually retired from acting in the 1790s.

She tried to earn money in other ways, like selling an eye ointment called Collysium, but it didn't work out. She also wrote a novel titled The Offspring of Fancy.

Her Son's Political Career

As George Canning's political career grew, he kept some distance from his mother. However, he made sure she was taken care of. In 1803, she began receiving an annual payment of £500, which allowed her to live more comfortably. In 1804, she finally met George's wife and children, four years after they had married.

In the 1820s, when George Canning was at the peak of his career, some people used his mother's past against him. They argued that her acting career and personal life made him unsuitable for a high political position. Some politicians even said that because his mother was an actress, he shouldn't be Prime Minister.

Mary Ann Costello passed away on March 10, 1827, at Henrietta Street, Bath. This was just a few months before her son, George Canning, became the Prime Minister of Britain.