Mary Bradshaw facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Bradshaw
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by Thomas Parkinson
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| Died | 1780 |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | actor |
| Employer | Drury Lane |
| Spouse(s) | William Bradshaw |
| Children | Elizabeth |
Mary Bradshaw (died 1780) was a well-known British actress. She performed on stage at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London for 37 years. She acted alongside the famous actor David Garrick. She was also featured in a painting by the artist Johann Zoffany.
Early Acting Career
Mary Bradshaw started her acting career playing young women. She joined the Drury Lane theatre company in 1743 or 1744. She stayed with this company for a very long time, performing there for 37 years.
In 1760, she played the nurse in a play called Polly Honeycombe. This role became very popular for her. She often played the nurse whenever the play was performed. By this time, she had become very good at playing older female characters, like the nurse.
Famous Performances
Mary Bradshaw acted with David Garrick, who was one of the most famous actors of his time. They appeared together in a play called The Farmer's Wife. They were also both featured in a painting by Johan Joseph Zoffany. This painting shows them performing in Garrick's play, "The Farmer's Return".
Later, an artist named Samuel De Wilde created a portrait of Mary Bradshaw. He did this by taking her image from Zoffany's painting. This portrait by De Wilde is now kept at the National Portrait Gallery, London.
In 1767, Mary Bradshaw played a character named Dorcas in David Garrick's play Cymon. Dorcas was a deaf woman in her seventies. She came on stage to sing about how old she was. An artist named Thomas Parkinson painted Mary Bradshaw in this role. This painting is now owned by the Garrick Club.
Later Life
Mary Bradshaw died in Plymouth in 1780. She had a daughter named Elizabeth, who also became an actress.
