Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Drew facts for kids
Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Drew was a famous American comedy team. They performed on both stage and in early movies. The team first included Sidney Drew (born August 28, 1863 – died April 9, 1919) and his first wife, Gladys Rankin (born October 8, 1870 – died January 9, 1914). After Gladys passed away in 1914, Sidney Drew married Lucille McVey (born 1890 – died 1925). She became the second "Mrs. Sidney Drew," and they continued the comedy act together.
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The Story of Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Drew
Sidney Drew, often called Mr. Sidney Drew, was the uncle of famous actors Lionel, Ethel, and John Barrymore. His mother, Mrs. Louisa Drew, said she adopted him after her husband, John Drew Sr., died in 1862.
Sidney and Gladys: The First Team
On stage, Sidney Drew was a cheerful leading actor. He performed with his first wife, Gladys Rankin. She was the daughter of McKee Rankin and Kitty Blanchard. Gladys was also the sister of Phyllis Rankin.
In 1896, Sidney and Gladys brought serious plays to the vaudeville stage. Vaudeville was a popular type of entertainment with many different acts. They started making films with the Kalem Company in 1911. They became even more successful after joining Vitagraph in 1913. Gladys Rankin Drew died later that year.
After Gladys's death, Sidney briefly worked with Clara Kimball Young. They starred in a short comedy film called Goodness Gracious; or, Movies as they Shouldn't Be (1914).
Sidney and Lucille: The Second Team
Sidney then married Lucille McVey. Lucille was a scriptwriter for Vitagraph. She sometimes used the name Jane Morrow. Sidney included his new wife in his short comedy films. He also gave Lucille credit as a writer and co-director.
As "Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Drew," they became very good at a type of comedy called "situation comedy." This style of comedy shows funny situations from everyday life. Their humor often gently made fun of married life. They also joked about the world of show business.
Sidney Drew directed two longer films for Vitagraph. One was a comedy called A Florida Enchantment (1914). The other was a drama called Playing Dead (1915). This was the only "serious" film the Drews made.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1916, the popular comedy team moved to the new Metro company. They continued to be very popular for their comedies about married life.
During World War I, Sidney Drew's son, S. Rankin Drew, was killed in action. Sidney Drew was deeply affected by this loss. The team later left Metro to perform live shows. Sidney Drew passed away suddenly on April 9, 1919. He was buried in Mount Vernon Cemetery in Philadelphia. Lucille McVey Drew died in 1925.
Awards
- Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Drew have a joint star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This award honors their contributions to entertainment.
Images for kids
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Ad for Help, Taking a Rest, and His First Tooth (1916)
