Paul Molyneaux facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Molyneaux
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|---|---|
| Born | 1856  |
| Died | 1891 (aged 34–35) |
| Occupation | Actor |
Paul Molyneaux (born around 1856, died 1891) was an African-American actor. He became known for performing plays by William Shakespeare in England during the Victorian era.
Early Life and Family
Paul Molyneaux was the son of Aaron Molyneaux Hewlett. His father was a physical education teacher at Harvard University. Paul's mother was Virginia Josephine Lewis.
Paul had a famous family. His sister, Virginia Hewlett, married Frederick Douglass Jr.. Frederick Douglass Jr. was the son of the famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Paul's brother, Emanuel D. Molyneaux Hewlett, made history too. He was the first black person to graduate from the Boston University School of Law.
Starting His Career
Before becoming an actor, Paul helped his father. He worked as a boxing coach until his father passed away in 1871. After that, Paul began training to be an actor. He learned from a retired actor named Wyzeman Marshall.
Later in the 1870s, Paul Molyneaux started touring America. He performed with Georgia Gordon Taylor's Fisk Jubilee Singers. This group was famous for singing spirituals and folk songs.
Acting in England
In 1880, Paul Molyneaux put together his own acting group. They performed the play Othello for a mixed audience in Boston. This was a big step for him.
By 1881, Paul had moved to Britain. He made his acting debut there, performing in North London. He played the lead roles in Othello and Richard III.
Facing Challenges
Even though some newspapers, like the New York Globe, gave him good reviews, Paul faced difficulties. He wrote a pamphlet called The Curse of Prejudice; or, a Struggle for Fame. In it, he talked about the prejudice he experienced.
Because his own shows were not making enough money, he rejoined the Jubilee Singers. They were touring the United Kingdom at the time. Paul became their speaker, giving talks about the lives of black people in America.
In 1886, Paul was out of work for a while. Then, he found a job touring Scotland for three years. He performed in a play called Uncle Tom's Cabin. This play was about the harsh lives of enslaved people.
Later Years
Around 1889, Paul Molyneaux returned to America. He lived with his brother, Emanuel, who was a lawyer in Washington D.C. Paul Molyneaux passed away in 1891.
