William Thomas Lewis facts for kids

William Thomas Lewis in 1794, painted by Gainsborough Dupont. He is shown as Mercutio, a character from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

William Thomas Lewis (around 1748–1811) was a famous English actor. People called him "Gentleman" Lewis because of his elegant acting style. He was known for playing characters who were very fashionable and sometimes a bit silly, often called "fops." Later in his life, he also became a manager for theatres.

Early Life and Acting in Ireland

William Thomas Lewis was born in Ormskirk, Lancashire, England, around 1748. His father, also named William Lewis, was a linen seller who later became an actor and theatre manager in Ireland. William Thomas Lewis grew up in Armagh, Ireland.

He started acting when he was very young. His first known role as "Mr. Lewis" was as Colonel Briton in a play called The Wonder. From 1770 to 1771, he performed at the Capel Street Theatre in Dublin. He quickly became very popular there. One of his most famous roles was Belcour in The West Indian, which he first played on February 19, 1771.

Becoming a Star in London

An old tile from around 1778 showing William Thomas Lewis in his role as Douglas.

On October 15, 1773, William Thomas Lewis made his first appearance on the London stage. He performed at the famous Covent Garden Theatre, playing his popular role of Belcour in The West Indian. The audience loved him!

He stayed at Covent Garden for the rest of his acting career. Sometimes, he would travel to other cities like Liverpool and Birmingham for summer shows. In 1806, he even went back to Dublin to perform. In 1782, he became a deputy-manager at Covent Garden. This meant he mostly focused on funny and light-hearted roles.

His Final Performances

William Thomas Lewis said goodbye to the stage on May 29, 1809. This special performance took place at the Haymarket Theatre. The Covent Garden Theatre had been destroyed by fire, so the acting company moved there.

For his farewell, he played two roles: Roger in The Ghost and the Copper Captain in Rule a Wife and have a Wife. After the plays, he gave a speech. He told the audience he had been acting for 36 years and was happy that he had never upset them. He passed away on January 13, 1811, at his home in London.

Family and Theatre Management

William Thomas Lewis married Henrietta Amelia Leeson, an actress he met in his first theatre company in Dublin. They had three sons and two daughters. One of their sons, Henry Lewis, also tried acting at Covent Garden but did not have much success. He later moved to Dublin and then to Norfolk, Virginia, in the United States in 1815.

In 1803, William Thomas Lewis teamed up with another playwright named Thomas Knight. They took over the lease for the Liverpool Theatre. After Lewis died, his son took over the theatre. Before his death, Lewis and Knight also took control of the Manchester Theatre.