William Robbins (actor) facts for kids
William Robbins (who died in October 1645) was a famous funny actor during the time of King James I (the Jacobean era) and King Charles I (the Caroline era) in England. He was also known as Robins, Robinson, or Robson. When the English Civil War started, he became a captain in the King's army (the Royalists). He was killed while fighting during the siege of Basing House.
Who Was William Robbins?
William Robbins was a well-known actor in England during the early 1600s. He was especially good at playing funny characters. His acting career began around 1617. At first, he worked with a group of actors called the Queen Anne's Men. He stayed with them until that acting company no longer existed.
His Acting Career
In 1625, William Robbins joined a new acting group called Queen Henrietta's Men. He performed with them for many years, until 1636. He was known for playing characters that were thin and funny, often called a "lean fool" back then. Think of him like a skinny comedian!
Some of his famous roles included:
- Rawbone in The Wedding by James Shirley.
- Carazie the eunuch in The Renegado by Philip Massinger.
- Clem in The Fair Maid of the West by Thomas Heywood.
- Antonio, the main character in The Changeling by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley.
Around 1636 and 1637, many theaters had to close because of a serious illness called the bubonic plague. During this time, Robbins might have traveled to Dublin, Ireland, with other actors to perform at the Werburgh Street Theatre.
Later in his career, Robbins joined the most famous acting company of the time, the King's Men. In January 1641, he was even given a special job as a Groom of the Chamber for the King, along with five other actors from his group.
Life During the English Civil War
In 1642, all the theaters in England were closed because of the start of the English Civil War. This was a big fight between the King and Parliament. Like some other actors, William Robbins decided to fight for the King's side, known as the Royalists.
He became a captain in the Royalist army. Sadly, he was killed in October 1645 during a major battle called the siege of Basing House. This was a very important and long siege during the war.
His Family
William Robbins was married to a woman named Cicely Sands Brown Robbins. Her brother, James Sands, was also an actor in the King's Men company. Cicely had been married before to another actor named Robert Browne.
