Kemble, Henry Stephen

▪ British actor

born Sept. 15, 1789, London

died June 22, 1836

      English actor of popularity but modest attainments, a member of the famous Kemble theatrical family.

      The only child of George Stephen and Mrs. Elizabeth Kemble, Henry Stephen was born after his mother completed a stage performance as Queen Margaret, a circumstance similar to that of his father's birth. His parents hoped he would not pursue a theatrical career, but he abandoned Cambridge after two years to try his wings in his father's acting company at Whitehaven. Henry's talent was meagre, although he joined a touring company to develop it. While his father was stage manager at the Drury Lane he gave Henry parts that were beyond his ability. He became something of a whipping boy for critics, although he enjoyed personal popularity. He enjoyed modest success as a comic character actor.

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