Richard Cross (actor, died 1760) facts for kids
Richard Cross (died 1760) was a British stage actor. He was known for his long career in London theatres.
Richard Cross was likely the son of another actor named Richard Cross, who performed in London earlier in the 1700s. The younger Richard Cross probably first appeared on stage in November 1729 at the Haymarket Theatre. He also performed at summer fairs in London.
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Early Theatre Days
From 1731, Richard Cross started taking on small roles at the Drury Lane Theatre. By 1733, he was a regular member of the Drury Lane acting group. He was even involved in a disagreement among actors at the theatre that year.
In early 1735, he became close with an actress named Frances Shireburn. After this, she was often called Mrs. Cross, even though they didn't officially get married until 1751.
Changing Stages
Richard Cross was not happy with his low pay at Drury Lane. So, in 1739, he moved to the competing Covent Garden Theatre. However, he didn't earn much more money there. He also started working as a prompter, which means he would help actors remember their lines during performances.
In 1741, he returned to Drury Lane and stayed there for the rest of his life, for nineteen more years. He continued to work as a prompter, but he also played many important, or leading roles.
Later Life and Legacy
During the summer months, Richard Cross often performed at the Richmond Theatre. He also wrote a novel and a play called The Henpecked Captain. This play was performed at Drury Lane in 1749 during a special show to benefit him.
Richard Cross passed away on February 20, 1760. He was buried at St Paul's, Covent Garden. His son, also named Richard Cross, followed in his footsteps and became an actor too. His son performed alongside his father at Drury Lane after 1748, where he was known as Master Cross.
Notable Roles Richard Cross Played
Here are some of the plays and characters Richard Cross performed:
- Poverty in The Blazing Comet by Samuel Johnson (1732)
- Lewis in The Man of Taste by James Miller (1735)
- Melidor in Zara by Aaron Hill (1736)
- William in The Connoisseur by an unknown writer (1736)
