Theatre History II Actor Timeline

  • Charlotte Cushman was born in Boston

    Charlotte Cushman was born in Boston
    She was born into a distinguished New England family.
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    The Life of Charlotte Cushman

    Charlotte Cushman is considered one of America's first great tragic actresses. She played traditionally male and female roles.
  • First appeared onstage as Lady Macbeth in New York

  • Cushman played Romeo

    This was the first of many male roles she played throughout her career.
  • Played Meg Merrilies in a dramatization of Guy Mannering

    Played Meg Merrilies in a dramatization of Guy Mannering
    This was one of Cushman's most popular performances.
  • Charlotte became a member of the Park Theatre Company

  • First notable success onstage as Nancy in Oliver Twist

  • Cushman began a romance with Rosalie Scully

  • Went to London with William Charles Macready

    She first performed with Macready in this same year. He encouraged her to pursue acting in London.
  • Featured in a number of prominent Shakespearian roles at the Princess's in London

    Rosalind in As You Like It, Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, Portia in The Merchant of Venice.
  • Cushman played Romeo again, opposite her sister as Juliet

    Cushman played Romeo again, opposite her sister as Juliet
    Her sister's name was Susan Webb Cushman.
  • Charlotte and Matilda Hays began a 10 year romantic relationship

    Charlotte and Matilda Hays began a 10 year romantic relationship
    They had a dramatic breakup, which involved another woman.
  • Charlotte returned to America to play Katherine in Henry VIII and Claude Melnotte in The Lady of Lyons

    Her role as Claude Melnotte stirred up controversy.
  • Cushman announced her first farewell tour

    There were a few more farewell tours after this one.
  • Cushman performed for the last time in New York as Lady Macbeth

  • Charlotte Cushman died at 59 in Boston

    Charlotte Cushman died at 59 in Boston
  • Charlotte Cushman Club established in Philadelphia