Lawrence Barrett
Lawrence Patrick Barrett (April 4, 1838 – March 20, 1891) was an American stage actor.
Lawrence Barrett | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 4, 1838 Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | March 20, 1891 (aged 52) New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation | Stage actor |
| Spouse |
Mary F. Mayer (m. 1859) |
| Relatives | Edith Barrett (granddaughter) |
Barrett began his career in 1853 in Detroit and made his first New York appearance in 1856. Barrett enlisted for the American Civil War in 1862, but resigned in 1863. He later managed the California Theatre in San Francisco from 1868 to 1870 alongside John McCullough. Barrett performed a variety of roles, including Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth. He was especially known for his portrayal of Cardinal Richelieu in Edward Bulwer-Lytton's drama.
Barrett acted in London on multiple occasions and produced and starred in several plays. He frequently collaborated with fellow stage actor Edwin Booth, touring together and achieving immense success. Barrett's health began to decline in 1890, and he died in 1891 during a performance of Richelieu.
Barrett married Mary Frederika Mayer in 1859, and was the grandfather of actress Edith Barrett. His acting style was described as versatile and expressive, but some critics questioned his stage personations.