Edwin Forrest | 1806–72 |
Harrison. Forrest As King Lear. Photograph from Harrison, Edwin Forrest. Brooklyn, 1889. Folger Shakespeare Library.
A. Robin. Edwin Forrest as Macbeth. Engraving, 19th century. Folger Shakespeare Library.
Known for his athleticism and charisma, Edwin Forrest was the first actor born in the United States to win theatrical fame. Among his Shakespearean roles, Forrest was best known for Lear, but also played Othello, Hamlet, Macbeth, Richard III, Coriolanus, and Shylock. Forrest’s rivalry with British actor William Macready led to a deadly 1849 riot sparked by their different portrayals of Macbeth. Forrest also hit the headlines at other times for his political activism and vast wealth.
Select "Edwin Forrest and Democracy" from the list at left to hear more about Edwin Forrest’s idea of a democratic acting style.