A renowned English actor and theatre manager, known for his Shakespearean performances and innovative stage productions. He was a leading figure in London's West End during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson was an English actor and theatre manager, widely regarded as one of the finest actors of his time, and particularly renowned for his iconic portrayal of Hamlet in the Victorian era. Despite his dislike for the job and his lifelong belief that he was temperamentally unsuited to acting, Forbes-Robertson's talent and dedication earned him a reputation that continues to inspire generations of thespians.
Born on January 16, 1853, in London, Forbes-Robertson was the eldest of eleven children to John Forbes-Robertson, a theatre critic and journalist from Aberdeen, and his wife Frances. He was educated at Charterhouse, where he initially intended to pursue a career in art, training for three years at the Royal Academy.
Forbes-Robertson's entry into the world of theatre was a serendipitous one. The dramatist William Gorman Wills, who had seen him in private theatricals, offered him a role in his play Mary Queen of Scots. Thus began a career that would take him to the United States, where he would work with the esteemed Sir Henry Irving, and eventually earn him the accolade of being one of the most individual and refined of English actors.
Forbes-Robertson's performance as Hamlet remains one of the most celebrated in the history of theatre. His nuanced interpretation of the prince's inner turmoil, his mastery of the character's complex emotional landscape, and his ability to convey the subtlest of emotions through his voice and gesture, all contributed to his reputation as the finest Hamlet of the Victorian era.
Forbes-Robertson's influence extended far beyond the realm of theatre. He was a personal friend of the Duke of Sutherland and his family, and often stayed with them at Trentham Hall. He used his position to recommend various writers and musicians in dire need of assistance, demonstrating his commitment to the arts and his empathy for his fellow artists.
Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson's legacy continues to inspire generations of actors, directors, and theatre enthusiasts. His commitment to his craft, his passion for the arts, and his dedication to his fellow artists, have left an indelible mark on the world of theatre. As we reflect on his life and career, we are reminded of the power of art to transform, to inspire, and to bring people together.
Forbes-Robertson married actress Gertrude Elliot, and was the brother-in-law of famed actress Maxine Elliott. He was also the uncle of Roy Harrod, the economist, and the great-uncle of actress Meriel Forbes, granddaughter of his brother Norman, who married actor Ralph Richardson.
Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson's life was a testament to the transformative power of art, and his legacy continues to inspire us to this day.
Born in 1838
A renowned Victorian-era actor and theatre manager, known for his powerful stage presence and innovative productions that raised the standards of English theatre.
Born in 1847
A renowned stage actress of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, celebrated for her powerful performances in Shakespearean plays and her iconic beauty.
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A renowned thespian who dominated the British stage and screen, bringing Shakespearean characters to life with his commanding presence and rich voice.
