The New Student's Reference Work/Irving, Sir Henry

SIR HENRY IRVING

Irving (ẽr′vĭng), Sir Henry, a noted Engglish actor, was born at Keinton, England, in 1838. His family name was Brodribb, but by royal license he was permitted to assume the name of Irving. He was educated at London. From an early age he displayed a strong love for the stage, and made his first appearance at Sunderland theater in 1856. In spite of tricks of voice, gait and gesture, he was at the head of English actors of the time, and did much to elevate the drama. He visited the United States several times, and was always received with great enthusiasm. His chief rôles were well known to theatre-goers, especially his Charles I, Hamlet, Macbeth, Richard III and Matthias in The Bells. He was knighted in 1895. He died on Oct. 13, 1905.