Thomas Pope (actor) facts for kids

Thomas Pope was a famous English actor who lived a long time ago, during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He was known for being a great comedian and acrobat. He was a member of a very important acting group called the Lord Chamberlain's Men. This group also included the famous writer William Shakespeare.

Early Acting Days

We don't know much about Thomas Pope's early life. We do know he traveled to other countries like Denmark and Germany in 1586 and 1587. He was part of a group of English actors performing there. Another actor who would later join him in the Lord Chamberlain's Men, George Bryan, was also on this tour.

Around 1591, Pope acted in a play called The Seven Deadly Sins. Many actors who would later become part of the Lord Chamberlain's Men were in this play. These included Richard Burbage and Augustine Phillips. In 1593, Pope also toured with a group called Lord Strange's Men.

Joining Shakespeare's Group

Thomas Pope most likely became one of the first members of the Lord Chamberlain's Men when the group started again in 1594. This was the same group that William Shakespeare and Richard Burbage joined. Pope was an important person in the early days of the company. He and another actor, John Heminges, were trusted to collect payments for their performances for the Queen's court.

We don't know exactly which characters Pope played. But because he was a comedian and acrobat, people think he might have played funny, strong characters. These could be characters like Falstaff or Sir Toby Belch. He might also have played serious roles like Mercutio or Shylock.

Pope also acted in two plays by another famous writer, Ben Jonson. These plays were Every Man in His Humour in 1598 and Every Man Out of His Humour in 1599.

In 1599, Thomas Pope became one of the original owners of the new Globe Theatre. This was a very famous theatre in London. He was not part of the acting company when it changed its name to the King's Men in 1603. He might have retired by then. Thomas Pope died in 1603. Like some other actors, he lived near the theatres in an area called Southwark.

What Happened After He Died

Thomas Pope wrote his last will on July 22, 1603. In his will, he left gifts to two other actors. One was Robert Gough, who continued acting with the King's Men. Pope left them "all my wearing apparel, and all my arms." This means he gave them all his clothes and weapons.

Pope also left his share in the Globe Theatre to a woman named Mary Clark. Owning a share meant he owned a part of the theatre. Later, in 1612, this share was owned by John and Mary Edmans. Mary was likely the same Mary Clark.