John Gibbs Gilbert
Encyclopedia
John Gibbs Gilbert was an American
stage actor whose real name was Gibbs.
Born in Boston, he made his first appearance there at the Tremont Theatre
, in 1828, as Jaffier in Otway's
"Venice Preserved." His original aim was to be a tragedian
, but while on a tour through the South and West, the success of his Sir Anthony Absolute, Master Walter, etc., convinced him that his true bent was for "old men" parts, and he soon became the leading American actor in that line of comedy.
In 1834, he again came forward at the Tremont Theatre, Acting Mr. Dornton in "The Road to Ruin." The occasion was that of a benefit
to George Barrett — a favorite comedian of that epoch. The Tremont was managed then by Thomas Barry, who died on February 11, 1876, full of years and honors. Gilbert remained at the Tremont Theatre five years. The versatility of his talents and the variety of his efforts at that time are denoted by the list of parts which he acted during the first season with Barry. This includes Master Walter, Isaac of York, Sir Peter Teazle, Pizarro, Iago, Sir Edward Mortimer, Admiral Kingston, Lieutenant Worthington, Sir Robert Bramble, Polonius, Uncle John, Tom Noddy, Macduff, Mr. Dornton, Squeers, King Henry the Sixth. Adam, Malec, Kent, and Rolanio. In 1847 he had a successful engagement in London
. From 1862 until the close of Wallack's Theatre
, New York
, he was connected with that house. His most famous rôle was that of Sir Peter Teazle in "The School for Scandal
;" his Sir Anthony, Old Dornton in "The Road to Ruin", and Lord Ogleby in "The Clandestine Marriage
," were also noted.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
stage actor whose real name was Gibbs.
Born in Boston, he made his first appearance there at the Tremont Theatre
Tremont Theatre, Boston
The Tremont Theatre on 88 Tremont Street was a playhouse in Boston. A group of wealthy Boston residents financed the building's construction. Architect Isaiah Rogers designed the original Theatre structure in 1827 in the Greek Revival style...
, in 1828, as Jaffier in Otway's
Thomas Otway
Thomas Otway was an English dramatist of the Restoration period, best known for Venice Preserv'd, or A Plot Discover'd .-Life:...
"Venice Preserved." His original aim was to be a tragedian
Tragedy
Tragedy is a form of art based on human suffering that offers its audience pleasure. While most cultures have developed forms that provoke this paradoxical response, tragedy refers to a specific tradition of drama that has played a unique and important role historically in the self-definition of...
, but while on a tour through the South and West, the success of his Sir Anthony Absolute, Master Walter, etc., convinced him that his true bent was for "old men" parts, and he soon became the leading American actor in that line of comedy.
New International Encyclopedia
The New International Encyclopedia was an American encyclopedia first published in 1902 by Dodd, Mead and Company. It descended from the International Cyclopaedia and was updated in 1906, 1914 and 1926.-History:...
In 1834, he again came forward at the Tremont Theatre, Acting Mr. Dornton in "The Road to Ruin." The occasion was that of a benefit
Benefit concert
A benefit concert or charity concert is a concert, show or gala featuring musicians, comedians, or other performers that is held for a charitable purpose, often directed at a specific and immediate humanitarian crisis. Such events raise both funds and public awareness to address the cause at...
to George Barrett — a favorite comedian of that epoch. The Tremont was managed then by Thomas Barry, who died on February 11, 1876, full of years and honors. Gilbert remained at the Tremont Theatre five years. The versatility of his talents and the variety of his efforts at that time are denoted by the list of parts which he acted during the first season with Barry. This includes Master Walter, Isaac of York, Sir Peter Teazle, Pizarro, Iago, Sir Edward Mortimer, Admiral Kingston, Lieutenant Worthington, Sir Robert Bramble, Polonius, Uncle John, Tom Noddy, Macduff, Mr. Dornton, Squeers, King Henry the Sixth. Adam, Malec, Kent, and Rolanio. In 1847 he had a successful engagement in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. From 1862 until the close of Wallack's Theatre
John Lester Wallack
John Lester Wallack , was an American actor and son of James William Wallack....
, New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, he was connected with that house. His most famous rôle was that of Sir Peter Teazle in "The School for Scandal
The School for Scandal
The School for Scandal is a play written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. It was first performed in London at Drury Lane Theatre on May 8, 1777.The prologue, written by David Garrick, commends the play, its subject, and its author to the audience...
;" his Sir Anthony, Old Dornton in "The Road to Ruin", and Lord Ogleby in "The Clandestine Marriage
The Clandestine Marriage
The Clandestine Marriage is a comedy by George Colman the Elder and David Garrick, first performed in 1766 at Drury Lane. The idea came from one of William Hogarth's engravings.-Plot summary:...
," were also noted.
Publications
- WinterWilliam Winter (author)William Winter was an American dramatic critic and author.-Biography:Born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Winter graduated from Harvard Law School in 1857...
, "A Sketch of the Life of John Gilbert," Dunlap Society Publications (New York, 1890) - McKay and Wingate, Famous American Actors of To-Day (New York, 1896)
- Carroll, Twelve Americans: Their Lives and Times (New York, 1893)
External links
- Boston Public Library. Gilbert, John Gibbs (1810-1889) Collection