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Siddons (SARAH an English actress born)

SARAH, an English_actress; born in Brecon, South Wales, July 5, 1755. She commenced her theatrical career when quite a child, and in her 19th year was married to William Siddons, an actor in her father's (Roger Kemble) company. In 1774 she met with the first recognition of her great powers as an actress at Cheltenham in consequence of her representation of Belvidera in "Venice Preserved." Her success at Cheltenham procured for her an engagement at Drury Lane, but her first appearance there was a comparative failure, and in 1777 she again went on circuit in the provinces.

Her second appearance at Drury Lane took place Oct. 10, 1782, in the character of Isabella in the "Fatal Marriage." Her success was complete, and she was universally acknowledged to be the first tragic actress of the English stage. For 30 years she continued to astonish and enchant the lovers of the drama, and having acquired an ample fortune she took her leave of the stage in 1812. Her greatest characters were Queen Catharine in "Henry VIII." and Lady Macbeth. She died in London, June 8, 1831.