1897 Cut Autograph of British Stage Actor Who Originated the Role of Cyrus Blenkarn and Performed on Stages Across England and America
12390On offer is an original signature of English actor Edward Smith Willard, known professionally as E.S. Willard (1853-1915), dated April [18]97.
Brighton born Edward made his debut on the stage at Weymouth in The Lady of Lyons in 1869. He then toured with E. A. Sothern and later joined various stock companies. Coming to London in 1875, he played Antonio in The Merchant of Venice with Charles Rice in 1876. After a varied experience in Shakespearean and other plays, in 1881 he was engaged by Wilson Barrett at the Princess Theatre, where he played in The Lights of London, The Silver King, and other well-known pieces. In 1886, he made a sensation as Jim the Penman at the Haymarket.
One of his greatest successes was his production of The Middleman by Henry Arthur Jones, at the Shaftesbury in 1889, where he himself created the part of Cyrus Blenkarn. Reprising the role in New York in 1890, he made his mark in America.
This piece of unevenly cut card roughly 4-½ x 2-½ inches bears Willard’s signature clearly and a date of April ‘97. Condition is Very Good.
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