Samuel Thomas Russell facts for kids
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Samuel Thomas Russell (born in 1766 – died in 1845) was a famous English actor. He also worked as a stage manager, which means he helped organize plays behind the scenes. Russell performed many times at two well-known theaters in London: the Drury Lane and the Haymarket. His most famous role was playing a character named Jerry Sneak in a play called The Mayor of Garratt.
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Early Life and Acting Career
Samuel Thomas Russell was born in London. His father, also named Samuel Russell, was an actor who performed in smaller towns. Young Samuel started acting when he was a child, playing roles for young characters.
In 1782, when he was about 16, he performed at a place called the "Royal Circus and Equestrian Philharmonic." This was a special theater that later became the Surrey Theatre. Samuel was one of the young performers there and even gave an opening speech.
Around 1790, he was a main actor in a theater group in Eastbourne. In 1791, he got married in Dover to Ann Mate. Her father was also involved in theater as a printer, actor, and manager.
A Family of Actors
Samuel's father was very well-known for playing Jerry Sneak in The Mayor of Garratt. He learned how to play this role from the original actor, Thomas Weston.
In 1795, the Prince of Wales (who later became King George IV) heard about Samuel's father's amazing performance. The prince suggested that Samuel's father should act at the famous Drury Lane theater. However, it was Samuel Thomas Russell, the son, who ended up getting the job instead!
Russell at Drury Lane
Samuel Thomas Russell started performing at Drury Lane in September 1795. He played Charles Surface in Sheridan's The School for Scandal and Fribble in David Garrick's Miss in Her Teens.
Even though the prince didn't love his Charles Surface, he really liked Russell's Fribble. Russell became quite successful. In May 1796, he had a big hit in a new play called Alive and Merry. He also shared a special performance night, called a benefit performance, with another actor, Robert Palmer.
More Roles and Stage Management
In April 1797, Russell played Robert in a new play called Will. He also acted as Valentia in The Child of Nature. Later, he played Tattle in Love for Love. In June 1798, he was the first actor to play Jeremy Jumps in a play called Nosegay of Weeds.
The next year, he took on roles like Lord Trinket in The Jealous Wife and Saville in Will and no Will. In May 1799, he was the first Sir Charles Careless in a play called First Faults.
In 1812, Russell became a stage manager at the Surrey Theatre. This meant he helped organize everything that happened on stage. He later became the stage manager at the Olympic Theatre too. He played many different kinds of roles, from funny characters like Jerry Sneak to more serious ones like Joseph Surface.
From 1814 to 1818, he performed in several plays at the Haymarket. One of his roles was Archer in The Beaux' Stratagem.
Manager at Drury Lane Again
In 1819, Russell was asked to be the stage manager at Drury Lane once more. He also acted in several plays there. In February 1820, he played Leopold in The Siege of Belgrade. This was a special performance because it was the first time the famous singer and actress Madame Vestris performed on an English stage.
Later Years and Legacy
After 1820, Russell's name appeared less often in London theater programs. For about eight to ten years, he managed the Brighton Theatre.
In 1837 and 1838, he was the stage manager at the Haymarket. In 1838, he returned to Drury Lane for a second time as stage manager. In 1840, he performed his most famous role, Jerry Sneak, alongside another great actor, William Dowton.
Russell was thought to be quite wealthy. However, money from a special performance he had in 1842 was stolen by a dishonest broker. This left him in poverty. He passed away on February 25, 1845, at his daughter's home in Gravesend. He was married twice and had three daughters.
Images for kids
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Russell as Jerry Sneak in The Mayor of Garratt. Painting by Samuel De Wilde.
