Mary Elmy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mary Elmy
in Hamlet (detail of print from 1773)
Born	Mary Morse 1712
Died	1 April 1792 Knightsbridge
Nationality	Great Britain
Occupation	actor
Known for	stage actor in London and Dublin
Spouse(s)	Mr Elmy or Mr Williams

Mary Elmy, originally named Mary Morse (1712–1792), was a famous British actress. She performed in many important theaters in cities like Dublin and London. Mary Elmy lived a long life and was especially known for playing the character Gertrude in the play Hamlet, alongside another actor named Spranger Barry.

Early Life and Acting Career

Becoming a Stage Star

Mary Elmy was born in 1712. She first became known as an actress around 1732 or 1733. On October 18, 1733, she was performing at the Drury Lane Theatre in London. At that time, she was known as "Miss Morse."

Her first notable role was playing Charlotte in a play called Oroonoko. This play was based on a novel by Aphra Behn, which told a story set in Surinam.

Marriage and New Name

In January 1734, Mary Morse became Mary Elmy. She got married, but not much is known about her husband. His name might have been James Elmy or even Mr. Williams.

Moving to Dublin

In 1737, Mary Elmy appeared in another play based on a story by Aphra Behn. This play was called The Rover. She made her debut as one of the main characters, Florinda, on April 11, 1737.

The next year, she moved to Dublin, Ireland. She performed at the Aungier Street Theatre. Later, she joined the acting company at the Smock Alley Theatre. Her first show there was on December 11, 1739. She stayed in Dublin for several years before returning to London in 1744.

Later Career in London

Returning to Drury Lane

In 1745, Mary Elmy had to step in for another actress, Fanny Furnival, in Dublin. The audience had turned against Furnival because of a disagreement with another actress, George Anne Bellamy.

By 1747, Mary Elmy was back at the Drury Lane Theatre in London. She performed in a play called The Provok'd Husband. She continued to work at this famous theater throughout the 1740s.

Performing at Covent Garden

Around 1750, Mary Elmy started working at the Covent Garden Theatre. Some people thought she was making a "debut" there. She appeared as Belinda in The Provok'd Wife by John Vanbrugh.

This marked the beginning of her steady work at Covent Garden. Even though she was not considered the most famous actress, she had many important roles. She performed in King Lear and was well-received for her role in Hamlet with Spranger Barry.

Famous Hamlet Role

Mary Elmy was particularly famous for playing Gertrude in Hamlet. In 1773, a new edition of Shakespeare's Hamlet play was published by Charles Jennens. This edition included a picture of the final scene, showing Mary Elmy in her leading role.

Later Life and Legacy

Mary Elmy passed away in Knightsbridge, London, on April 1, 1792. She left money to several of her cousins. She also left £50 to another actress, Ann Crawford. Mary Elmy had a long and successful career on the British stage.

Images for kids

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  Mary Elmy in The Old Bachelor at Covent Garden in 1756

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  Mary Elmy with Spranger Barry in Hamlet